Netgear EVA8000 review
I’ve been looking for an HD media player box that I can just hook to my TV and be done with it. Didn’t want to deal with rigging up a PC to the TV, etc..
A couple of months ago I posted that I tried out the Dlink DSM 520 and it didn’t quiet cut it and took it back. (you can check out the review here)
I then spent some extra cash and picked up the Netgear EVA8000, and this is the review.
In case you didn’t read the DSM 520 posting, here are some things I’m looking for in one of these boxes:
- Both Ethernet and WiFi built in
- Be able to stream HD video
- Be able to view pictures, video and play MP3s from the server
- Be fast, easy to use and reliable
- Allow for playback of some online content such as podcasts, youtube, etc…
First of all, this box has all the things that you would expect in one of these kinds of devices:
- Ethernet and Wifi (802.11g)
- HD outputs - HDMI and component
- SD outputs - SVideo and composit
- USB port to play external media
The one thing I really wish it did have was 802.11n instead of g, this should not be an issue if your playing mostly Standard Definition (SD) video, but doesn’t cut it for HD stuff.
The Hookup / Setup
I brought the box home, pulled it out of the box and hooked it up. It had a very nice guided setup that was super easy (and quick) to get through.I decided I wanted to use the Youtube and podcast features, so I installed the software on the PC that has all my media on it.
The setup on the software is very nice and, if you don’t have shares set up already, will allow you to build network shares very easily… it’ll even create thumbnails of your pictures.
Playing Media
From the main screen, the first time you try to access any media it will go out and browse through your shares and build a database of your files, this may take a little while if you have a bunch of media. After that it’s just a matter of going to the appropriate section off the main menu and selecting your media. I recommend turning on folder browsing (under the admin section), that will make it a LOT easier to find your media.
MP3s played flawlessly.
Pictures displayed flawlessly.
YouTube and podcasts work great.
Videos, depending on what I played, played flawlessly.
Initially I was set up with WiFi, so most of my videos played great but some of them (high quality, higher bitrate) would stutter. Any HD stuff I could forget about, I’d get MAYBE 2 minutes of it before it’d start stuttering so bad it was not watchable.
Fortunately I had run some Cat5e out by the TV, so I went wired and 95% of my problems went away.Once I was wired I could even play my HD video and it looks AWESOME through this box on my HD TV.. what a difference.
My suggestion is, if possible, go wired.
Reliability
The device is very reliable, but not perfect.There have been some times where I went to watch something on the box and it was locked up, I had to hold the power button until it went off then power cycle it.
I think I’ve only had one actual crash, but it had to do with a corrupted file I was playing.
There’s one feature that’s advertised that just flat out does not work.There is some PVR functionality where, if you have a supported card, you can control the TV card on your remote computer and even watch shows… this just doesn’t work.
First of all, you’ll pull your hair out trying to find one of the “supported” cards, then even when you do you’ll pull more hair out trying to get it to work.I Finally got one working, went to my EVA 8000, switched to the TV mode and actually saw TV… for second.
The best I’ve ever gotten it working was having it pause every 15 seconds or so for a few seconds which, in my opinion, is not watchable.
I didn’t even bother trying out the recording capabilities.
These problems are ALL over the user forums, so apparently I’m not alone. 
Enhancements
This is one of the biggest selling points, as far as I’m concerned.On the Netgear forums you can sign up as a Beta tester for the box, you can then download beta firmware to load on your 8000.
These firmware updates provide bug fixes AND enhancements. For instance, out of the box you cannot play MKV files.. but load one of the beta firmwares on there and they play just fine in all their HD glory.
I’m running the latest beta (as of the time of this writing) and it’s working GREAT!
Final thoughts
The box is kind of expensive (~$400) and it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely the best set top box I’ve ever owned.
The reliability and functionality are all right on and there are new beta firmwares every few weeks, so it’s a great team they have at Netgear.
I’m a Mac guy so naturally I thought about an AppleTV, but it’s so limited I just couldn’t bring myself to get one. For the same price you get infinitely more options with the EVA8000.
… and before I get a million emails / comments, I’m talking about a STOCK AppleTV, not a modded / hacked one. 
There’s a very good, much more thorough review on LIVEdigitally..
