Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers

The Netgear NeoTV NTV200 is a very compact and affordable media streamer, that can connect to the internet via Ethernet or WiFi (make sure your router also has this option). To connect NeoTV NTV200 TV you must have an HDMI connection.

Some of the content providers available with the Netgear NeoTV NTV200 include CinemaNow, HuluPlus,Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Picasa, Facebook, and Twitter. However, the NTV200 does not have the ability to access content stored on your PC or other devices connected within your home network.

The NTV200 has the ability to output up to1080p video resolution and also Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio format compatible.

A wireless remote is also included as well as access to free downloadable remote control apps for iPhone or Android phones.

The D-Link MovieNite DSM-310 is a basic media streamer, similar to the Roku box, that provides access Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, and Pandora, as well as access to photo sharing via Picasa.

The DSM-310 features both Ethernet and WiFi connectivity options, and also has HDMI and AV (3.5mm) outputs for connection to both HDTVs and older analog TVs.

DSM-310 is priced at $59 and is available through Walmart (compare prices). For more details, check out the Official D-Link DSM-310 product page.

The Boxee Box by D-Link connects you with friends to see what TV shows, movies and online videos that they are watching and recommending. Boxee's approach to a network media player/media streamer is as unique as its oddly-shaped design. Boxee lists what your Facebook and/or Twitter friends are watching, as well as displays popular recommendations from other Boxee users. Boxee's other unique feature is its ability to find specific TV shows and movies on the web. Unfortunately, the results are limited because the Boxee Box by D-Link has yet to work out deals with Netflix, Hulu, Disney and most TV networks. Still, Boxee's performance and content make it a great network media player addition to your home theater.
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The Sony Media Player SMP-N100 is one of a growing number of affordable add-on boxes that can bring a host of internet-based audio and video content from the internet to your TV and home theater system. The SMP-N100 features great picture quality, bolstered by precision video upscaling and also provides HDMI-CEC home theater control. In addtition, the SMP-N100 can easily find DLNA media servers, but it can only play a limited number of file formats.
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If you are intimidated by a traditional home theater receiver, the Yamaha neoHD YMC-700 Media Controller may be the answer. The YMC-700 is simple to use, while still providing audio/video flexibility. The YMC-700 offers 5.1 channel audio processing (including Dolby TrueHD), 3 HDMI inputs, analog to HDMI video conversion, USB, and a docking station port for iPods and Bluetooth devices. The YMC-700 is also WiFi enabled, allowing connection to a home network for accessing media content stored on a PC or from Rhapsody, and Internet Radio. However, the key to the YMC-700 is its unique onscreen menu-driven navigation system.
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Seagate has made it simple for everyone to share their media. Part of the GoFlex family of home network entertainment products, GoFlexHome is Seagate's "network storage system" -- network attached storage (NAS) device. GoFlex Home is available in one or two Terabytes of storage, which is big enough to be both your centralized media server for your network-enabled home theater components, as well as providing centralized backup for all of your computers.
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The NETGEAR Stora, network attached storage (NAS) device is an easy to use, reliable solution with many options to remotely access. You can use the Stora to store all you media files and then access them with a network-enabled media player and view or listen to them on your TV or home theater system.
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