Netgear at CES introduced several new products including the Digital Entertainer Express, two routers for 3G and WiMAX modems, and new Powerline AV adapter kits. The Express EVA9100 media receiver offers many of the same basic features as the company’s Elite EVA9150 model, enabling users to display and stream content directly to their HDTVs. Streaming media is pre-buffered to help avoid interruption, while SD content can be automatically upconverted to 1080p.
The Express edition lacks the integrated Wi-Fi components and integrated HDD of the EVA9150, although users can still utilize USB and Ethernet connections or add an optional adapter. A single HDMI port is available for connecting to an HDTV.
The new MBRN3000 mobile broadband router provides a USB port that attaches to a typical mobile modem for 3G, 4G, or WiMAX networks. Several users can connect to the router using 802.11b/g/n.
A second router, the DGN2200M, provides similar functionality for wireless broadband and adds a built-in ADSL2+ modem, allowing DSL to serve as a primary connection and 3G/4G/WiMAX to work as a failover option. The router also integrates eight antennas for simultaneous 4×4 operation, even when using 802.11n.
The Powerline 200 AV adapter kit features a smaller form-factor than its predecessor. The HomePlug technology utilizes a building’s electrical wiring to establish 10/100 Ethernet connections between devices. The Powerline 200 AV+ Adapter Kit adds a pass-through power socket.
The Digital Entertainer Express is now available with an MSRP of $230, which is approximately $170 less than the retail price for the Elite EVA9150. The MBRN3000 router will ship in March for $150, while the DGN2200M will be available shortly thereafter for $180. The Powerline 200 AV adapter kit, which includes two adapters, will ship later this month for $150, while the AV+ will ship in February for $170.
