NETGEAR Brings High Performance Dual-Band WiFi Connectivity to Smart TVs and Blu-ray Players

BERLIN, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray player (WNCE3001) here at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, where NETGEAR is exhibiting in Hall 12, Booth 102, of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The adapter connects any Ethernet-enabled smart TV or Blu-ray™ player to a home wireless network, while dual band WiFi provides maximum performance for video streaming.

Many TVs and Blu-ray players in homes today have an Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet, but don't have built-in WiFi and aren't in the same room as the home router. The easiest way to bring these devices online is with a WiFi adapter. But proprietary WiFi adapters, built by manufacturers for specific TV and Blu-ray player models, are expensive and only use the congested 2.4-GHz band, which can lead to video jitter.

The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter solves these problems by making it possible to connect on the cleaner 5GHz WiFi band, which is ideal for demanding tasks such as HD video streaming. The adapter plugs into a TV or Blu-ray player through an Ethernet cable, making it compatible with any device that has an Ethernet port. The compact adapter can be placed on the included stand or even mounted on a wall. The NETGEAR adapter is also a future-proof investment that operates in the 2.4GHz band for users who have only a single-band WiFi network today, but intend on upgrading to a dual-band WiFi router.

For those who already have a dual-band router, the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter is a way to add 5GHz performance to TVs and Blu-ray players that only have built-in single-band 2.4GHz WiFi.

The compact and elegant NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter has a glossy black finish and is designed to blend in with other home entertainment devices, without drawing attention to itself.

The adapter is powered through a USB cable, which can be connected to the USB ports found on most smart TVs and Blu-ray players – eliminating the need to run a separate power cord to a wall outlet or power strip. The product also comes with an AC adapter for situations where a USB port is not available.

"With all the video and music now online from services such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and more, there's a growing demand to connect smart TVs and Blu-ray players to the Internet," said Damir Skripic, Product Line Manager for Connected Entertainment at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Adapter brings the Internet to home theater devices with minimum effort and maximum performance."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray (WNCE3001) will be available worldwide in the second half of September, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $89.99 in the United States.

More information

To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band Wireless Internet Adapter for TV & Blu-ray, please visit http://www.netgear.com/home/products/hometheater/networking-for-home-theater-and-gaming/default.aspx.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in approximately 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

© 2011 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.  All rights reserved.  

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.: 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 46 through 63, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2011. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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SOURCE NETGEAR, Inc.