Netgear Dongle NTV300D: Miniature Cable Set Top Box

You love your cable provider for one thing, you hate it for another. One of the things you particularly don't like is the bulky equipment. Other are the restrictions, which look too irrational in the age of internet.

If bulky Set Top box irritates you, then Netgear's new NeoMediacast HDMI Dongle, will calm your nerves.

The dongle, known as NTV300D, plugs into an HDMI port and offers a customizable, Android-based platform that lets user tap into Web-based content.

What makes Netgear Dongle NTV300D, miniature Cable Set Top Box, different from Google Chromecast :

The difference is, what it offers. Unlike the Google Chromecast, which allows users to stream Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, etc., the Netgear NTV300D is an alternate to the cable providers. New Netgear dongle is a low-cost alternative to set-top boxes. A small HDMI dongle which can transform an ordinary TV into a smart TV or connected TV. A Big leap for a humble TV (want to see internet content on your wide-screen HD TV).

The NTV300D is Miracast-enabled so users could share content from a phone to a big-screen TV.

Bluetooth is also supported in new Netgear hdmi dongle..

This is what Michael Clegg, senior vice president and general manager for Service Provider Business at Netgear, said at the launch,

With the NeoMediacast HDMI Dongle, our service provider customers have the means to provide a plug-and-play solution to their subscribers that also provides opportunities for additional revenue stream. The NTV300D platform supports seamless integration with other Netgear home connectivity devices so that service providers can offer a worry-free connected media solution to their subscribers, knowing they can trust the Neatgear reputation for quality, reliability, and ease of use."

Netgear Dongle NTV300D Price and Availability :

Price not disclosed yet. To get a fair idea, about where will it be priced, the somewhat similar services are priced: Chromecast at $29.99, Roku $98.

Among other notable streaming services is Apple TV, a small square box.

If You want to know more:

Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player By Google
Price: $29.99 (new)

Plug and Play Your Favorite Online Content on Your Big Screen

Sit Back, Watch Together

Cromecast have the US pin plug as the item only came out as a US version, also it does not need a plug for operation. Chromecast is the easy way to enjoy online video and anything from the web on your TV. Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Send your favorites from HBO GO, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, and Chrome to your TV with the press of a button. Chromecast automatically updates to work with a growing number of apps.

Remote Free

Control in the Palm of Your Hand

Chromecast works with devices you already own, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Mac and Windows laptops, and Chromebooks. Browse for what to watch, control playback, and adjust volume using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

How To Start Google Chromecast

Plug Chromecast into any HDTV, connect it to WiFi, then send videos and more from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to your TV. Individual members can control the Chromecast with their personal devices. Friends and family can use your Chromecast with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop without any additional setup.

Chromecast Supported Operating Systems

Android 2.3 and higher
iOS 6 and higher
Windows 7 and higher
Mac OS 10.7 and higher
Chrome OS (Chromebook Pixel, additional Chromebooks coming soon).

* Subscriptions may be required to use with certain content providers

Power cord required (not shown) Enjoy your videos from Google Play on the big screen

Watch popular shows on Netflix

Play your favorite music on Pandora

View videos off of Youtube

FAQs About Google ChromeCast

Apps that can be cast from smartphone or tablet?
Casting is currently supported from HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music and a growing number of other apps. Amazon Instant Video is not currently supported.

Video formats that work with casting a tab from Chrome?
Almost every video you can view in your Chrome browser should work, including Flash videos. Video formats that require other plugins, such as Silverlight and Quicktime, may not work.

Does Chromecast tab casting work with Amazon Prime Streaming / Amazon Instant Video?
Tab projection for Amazon Prime Streaming and Amazon Instant Video will not work when using Silverlight plugin for streaming.

Can Chromecast be plugged into an audio/video receiver?
Yes, you may plug in your Chromecast into an audio/video receiver with an HDMI input.

What is the compatibility with Kindle, Windows Phone and Microsoft Surface?
Kindle, Windows Phone and Microsoft Surface RT are currently not supported. Kindle can cast from Netflix but does not currently support YouTube or Google Play. Microsoft Surface Pro should work in non-metro mode. Chromecast is compatible with WiFi-enabled Android 2.3+ smartphones and tablets; iOS 6.0+ iPhones, iPads, and iPods; Chrome for Mac and Chrome for Windows; and Chromebook Pixel.

Can I stream photos and videos stored on my computer to my TV?
You can stream content that is shown within Chrome for Mac and Chrome for Windows.

Can I cast a tab from Chrome on smartphones and tablets to my TV?
Currently Chromecast does not support casting a Chrome tab from smartphones or tablets.

Can I bring Chromecast with me to another country?
Chromecast is only supported in the United States.

ROKU

Roku 3 Streaming Media Player: By Roku
Price: $92.00 (new)

Roku 3 Streaming Player 1080p HD plus enhanced remote with headphone jack

Faster and more powerful than ever. Enjoy 1,000+ channels of movies, TV shows, sports, and more. Plug headphones into the motion-control remote to play games or watch late-night flicks without disturbing the household. Fully loaded with one-stop search, 1080p, dual-band wireless, Ethernet, USB, plus a free Roku app. The Roku 3—the new streaming standard.

1,000+ entertainment channels. Choose from the best selection and widest variety of streaming entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, sports, news, fitness, cooking, and more.
Lightning fast and powerful. Experience ultra-smooth performance with a 5x faster processor and extended-range wireless.
Remote with headphone jack for private listening. Use the included headphones and crank up the volume to enjoy a late-night flick without disturbing the household.
Motion control for games. Enjoy action-packed games with a motion-control remote. Get the fun started with Angry Birds Space, included free.
One-stop search.* Find your favorite movies and shows in a flash from top channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, and M-GO.
Free iOS and Android app. Transform your mobile device into a Roku remote. Browse and add new channels. Even use your phone or tablet to send your music, photos and personal videos** to your HDTV.
All the bells and whistles. 1080p*** HD support, Ethernet and USB ports, and a microSD slot.
Movies and TV shows, front and center. Instantly access the hottest blockbusters and hit TV shows, powered by M-GO, right from the home screen -- no extra account setup required.

* One-stop search is for movies and TV shows and does not work with all channels. Premium subscriptions are required but are not included with purchase. ** Capability to share video available on iOS and select Android phones. See Roku.com for a list of devices that support this feature. ***Availability of 1080p HD video limited by channel provider and speed of broadband connection.

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