What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Better sound and Apple TV-like usability and we'd be looking at five stars – as it is, it's close but no cigar
Pros
- +
Great format support
- +
impressive pictures
- +
built-in storage
- +
Wireless-N
Cons
- -
...but not the Apple TV
- -
music lacks detail, drive and dynamics
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
While the Netgear EVA9000 (confusingly also known as the EVA9150) has the appearance of an affordable DVD player, it feels extremely solidly built.
What's more, rather than an optical disc drive, the Netgear has a 500GB hard disk, so as well as streaming your media from your PC or NAS device, it can also store it locally.
This is also the only non-Apple player we've tested with built-in wi-fi – of the super-fast 'wireless-N' variety, no less.
Format support is equally impressive: if your movie file isn't protected by DRM, it'll play. Obviously that includes HD files right up to 1080p, and when playing an HD version of Lost, results are very decent.
True, it doesn't have the outright sharpness and definition of the LaCie LaCinema Classic HD, but it remains a balanced performer. With a standard-definition copy of Casino Royale it's closer to the best, offering good insight and vibrancy, though with a touch of motion judder.
Sound is balanced but lacks vigour
In terms of sound, the Netgear can't quite muster the punch and enthusiasm of the best rivals. That leaves the action of James Bond sounding a little less dramatic than it should, and robs Florence and the Machine of some vibrancy.
It's not sonically unpleasant – the delivery is smooth and tonally-balanced – but we would appreciate a little more vigour.
Our only other gripe is that installation is a little fiddly. Discovery of network shares isn't perfect, and it's not as slick as its rivals.
Dedicated channels for YouTube, internet radio and podcasts goes some way to making up for these shortcomings, but the best do the basics better.
