Media centre test: two Netgear models and the new Asus

Netgear EVA9150   Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives Editor's Choice Popcorn Hour A-300 Built-In Blu-ray Player HDI Dune HD Max Functions on a Shoestring Popbox V8

Three new models for our media centre product survey. An opportunity to see if the network equipment supplier, Netgear, can cut it in this new business area.

The Asus media centre has been around for a while in its R1 version. For the O!Play Air HDP-R3, Asus has used the same recipe and filled in the gaps in the first version: it includes Wi-Fi N, an SDHC card reader and some other additional features.

A well know network equipment supplier, Netgear also sells media centres. The EVA9150 is one of these and, on paper at least, full of promise: Wi-Fi N included, advanced network features and HD media compatibility. We also tested the version without a hard drive, the EVA9100. Has Netgear been able to put its know-how to good use on this ultra-competitive market? Let's check them out!

> Product survey: Multimedia Hard Drives and Media Centres

> Face-off: multimedia hard drives and media centres

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products