Viiv friendly

Poor menu system

A sound idea, but behind the game

Aesthetics, simple setup, front mounted USB port for portable media playback

No HDMI connector, user interface rough around the edges, HD video playback jerky

A cheap entry into the world of wireless media streaming, but not one without its problems. Firmware updates should be able to solve many of the shortcomings though, so it’s still a rather attractive option in our opinion.

600dpi, 16 seconds start-up time, optional DU-301 duplex unit, Intel Viiv compliant, SCART, S-Video and composite

16ppm (12ppm tested), Set up difficulties

If you can manage to get it set up properly, the EVA700 works well

The Netgear EVA700 is ideal for streaming video around the house, and proved easy to set up and use. It has some rough edges, but nothing that a firmware update or two can't fix.

Viiv friendly

Poor menu system

A sound idea, but behind the game

A terrific edition to a home media network, hampered by some unwelcome niggles. It could still be worth investing in, though.

Netgear's Digital Entertainer EVA700 is a competent media streamer with good format support. It's a welcome additional HD source too, but it's not without its problems. The ugly interface and basic remote control you can learn to live with, but the...

If you've got a wired network, a bang-up-to-date Intel Viiv computer and a hard disk full of media then this is the device to use to transfer it to your TV.

Size, 4in screen, Music and video playback, User interface, Good volume levels, Competitive price

Chunky and heavy, Entertainment offering lacks features, Somewhat slow to pick up a GPS signal, Large and bulky window mount, Poor battery life, No external volume control

The Netgear EVA700 is easy to use, simple to set up and supports a good range of file formats. If there's a future firmware release that can fix its problems then Netgear will be on to a winner.