SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – NETGEAR®, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative networking solutions for homes, businesses and service providers, today announced that Panasonic (NYSE: PC), a global leader in 3D and high definition television technology, has selected NETGEAR as the only third-party brand to support its VIERA® line of TVs, commencing with its NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter (WNDA3100). Together, NETGEAR and Panasonic are enabling consumers to access and stream online content to their TVs, and create the ultimate, connected entertainment experience.

“The NETGEAR and Panasonic partnership enables consumers to easily connect their home entertainment devices and access their favorite online content right from their living rooms through the TV,” said David Henry, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Home Products, NETGEAR. “NETGEAR’s Wireless Dual Band USB Adapters deliver the speed and reliability needed for video streaming. This coupled with Panasonic’s undisputed leadership and innovation in the HDTV market, makes it possible for any consumer to have an exceptional entertainment experience in the home.”

Delivering incredible speed and Wi-Fi® range for consumers’ home networks, the NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter also features NETGEAR’s Push ‘N’ Connect technology which allows consumers to connect their Panasonic VIERA TV and wireless router with the push of a button and wirelessly stream Internet content to the TV with the VIERA Cast™ IPTV technology.  VIERA Cast, which requires no additional equipment or set up, allows consumers to enjoy online content through an easy-to-use web interface that’s built into the TV. Web programming includes:

• Amazon Video On Demand: Instantly download and watch new release movies as well as TV shows.
• YouTube:  Access millions of videos with a single VIERA remote control operation.
• Picasa photo sharing service:  View Picasa web albums, stream photos in a slideshow, or post photos on the Internet.
• Additional programs: VIERA Cast also features real-time weather forecasts and stock information.

“As the line between the TV and the PC continues to blur, we’re seeing a steep uptick in the number of consumers that are connecting their TVs to the Internet in order to create a more immersive entertainment experience in the home,” said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Display Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We are dedicated to delivering the best entertainment experience possible and the NETGEAR adapter technology enables us to do just that with our Panasonic VIERA televisions and the VIERA Cast IPTV technology.”

Marked by a “Compatible with Panasonic” sticker, the NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter, which has an MSRP in the US of $79.99, is available now for Panasonic television models worldwide.

For more information, please visit: www.netgear.com/wifitv

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) designs innovative, branded technology solutions that address the specific networking, storage, and security needs of Small- to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and home users. The company offers an end-to-end networking product portfolio to enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, multimedia content, and applications among multiple computers and other Internet-enabled devices. 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 over 27,000 retail locations around the globe, and via more than 36,000 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 athttp://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR andhttp://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

©2010 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

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 36 through 52, in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal second quarter ended June 27, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2010. 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.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs.  Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

5 Responses to “Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G Networks Only”

1. W. Jessup Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 11:48 amYes, I would have to agree with other reviewers here, this item is on the expensive side. But I believe it is worth the price because Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter is easy to install and easy to set up. In short, it works and I don’t mind paying extra for something that works as intended with no hassels.

   To install, you simply insert the USB plug into the USB port on the backside of the Xbox 360. This Network adapter snaps into place so it never moves and the cable is just long enough preventing clutter. A very intelligent design.

   Software set up was a breeze. In my situation, it was automatic after a few menu selections. I did have a concern that there would be a problem because I am using an Apple Airport. But, no problems at all.

   Also, the range I receive is better than what others have mentioned here. I live in a two story house. My Airport (wireless hub) is located on the east side of the second floor, in a book case next to the outer wall. My Xbox 360 is located in an outer corner of the den on the first floor on the west side of the house. Basically, the signal is going from upstairs to downstairs and from one side of the house to the other. I was actually surprised that it worked without me having to rearrange either room.

   So, yes it is expensive, but it works without any problems for me. So many things I buy make you almost jump thru hoops to get them to simply do what they are suppose to.

   Rating: 5 / 5

2. Kevin Nicholls Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 12:09 pmI was using a basic Linksys wireless game adapter with my 360, and it worked fine. However, it needed to be connected to a PC for firmware updates (making it impossible for Mac users), and was generally more difficult to set up than the “official” adapter from Microsoft.

   I ended up getting this adapter on sale, and setting it up was a snap. It gets decent throughput, and saves some energy over an external adapter, because it only uses power when you have the Xbox 360 on. It was also nice to see that this supports WPA networks.

   If your time is valuable to you, this is probably worth the extra few dollars over similar products. You just snap it on, enter your network’s password, and you’re off.
   Rating: 4 / 5

3. JMotts Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 12:28 pmMy television is in a completely different part of my house from my high speed internet connection, so while I wasn’t thrilled to dish out extra money for this adapter, I have to say it was completely worth it. Since I figured out how to set up my home wireless network and coordinate that with the 360, I get a very strong connection and have had no problems staying connected.

   The only issue I had was that when I first set up the adapter I didn’t known enough about wireless networks to have everything clicking together. At first the 360 would access Xbox Live, but was using other nearby wireless networks because I did not give the 360 the password ID to access my Linksys router. I live in center city Philadelphia, and by default the adapter was picking up and using whatever open wireless networks were available. The range must be good, because it would register about six or seven other networks of varying strengths.

   Once I figured out that my Linksys router had a password code (I think it is a WEP number) I was able to punch the router’s ID into the 360 and the 360 then automatically connected to the secure wireless router in my home. I have never had a single issue since. I don’t think this delay in the optimal setup was anyone’s fault but my own, since I was pretty ignorant of how wireless networks are set up but I have a feeling it may happen to others.

   All in all, I think that having a secure wireless network at home is what will become standard in the next few years. This adapter works great, is small and disappears behind the console, reduces the clutter of wires, and allows you to keep your computer and high speed connection separate and distinct from your television area. It was definitely a worthy purchase.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. Michael Cochran Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 2:10 pmWell, I must say after purchasing the Linksys WGA11B Wireless-B Game Adapter that while yes this adapter is overpriced, it does work and considering that I only got the Linksys adapter to work once and then it shut down in the middle of an update I must say the price looked worth it.

   I can’t vouch for your financial situations but after speading nearly 3 days trying to set up the Linksys when my wife finally said I should get this instead – this hooked up and connected instantly. No problems and I guess for the price it does look nice hooked in to the back of the Xbox. So you may not have as many problems as I do with the Linksys but if you have any questions or limited computer/networking ability this will be “worth” the price (only because nothing simplier does exist). So I would recommend this product if you want true plug-and-play which I don’t believe the Linksys to be.

   I’m sure plently of people are happy with the Linksys, it just didn’t work for me. So think first to avoid paying for both. I would go back and never buy the Linksys if I could.
   Rating: 4 / 5

5. D. Forbes Says:
   June 27th, 2010 at 3:45 pmBuyer beware. The X-Box 360 wireless adapter CAN be a good investment, but be sure to do your homework first.

   I bought the adapter looking to download content from X-Box Live. After a three hour series of phone calls between X-Box and my ISP, it was discovered that the wireless adapter only works with a very narrow range of wireless routers and that, unless your router came from Microsoft, you may not be able to use the adapter at all.

   Be careful of Microsoft’s website as well; my router was listed on the site as a ‘compatible’ one, but X-Box customer service confirmed over the phone that it wouldn’t work.

   So, it’s a good idea for a product. When it works.
   Rating: 2 / 5

2. Which Wireless Network – Check the bottom right hand task bar to see if you are connected to a wireless network. Many people are connected to the wrong wireless network with a weak signal or hardly any connectivity. You want to change your wireless adapter setting to choose Infrastructure access points only so you’re not connecting to roguewireless access points.

3. SSID and ME – Next check your wireless settings for the following: DO you have the correct SSID typed in, is your encryption key typed in correctly, does your wireless router andwireless adapter have the same security settings.

4. DHCP ME – If you don’t have a manual TCP/IP address then your wireless router needs to have it’s DHCP server turned on. Connected to your web interface and turn on your DHCP server. Next go to your wireless network icon in the bottom right hand corner and disable yourwireless adapter and then enable it. This will renew your DHCP request to the routers DHCP server.

5. PING!- Next we will use a command line function called PING. Type “cmd” in the run box, this will bring up your DOS window. Now type in ping and then type in the TCP/IP addressof your default gateway. If you have not changed it your default gateway’s ip address should be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you receive a reply then you know that you are connected properly to your router.

6. WWW…WHAT – Now try and surf the web. Go to google.com or another simple page. If nothing comes up then you might have a manually configured IP address with the correct DNS servers entered. Connect to your wireless routers web interface and check the status. You are looking for the multiple DNS server IP address. Copy these IP addresses into you adapters TCP/IP settings and hit ok.

7. Google ME – Once your DNS servers are entered you should be able to surf the net. If you still can’t surf the net try restarting your computer and check you cables again to make sure you haven’t missed something.

The devices will be compatible with any Ethernet-equipped TV, game console, Blu-ray player or A/V receiver designed for streaming content.

One of the two new products, the Wireless-N HD Home Theater kit, consists of two Wi-Fi-certified 802.11a/n adapters capable of delivering multiple, simultaneous, jitter-free 1080p HD video streams wirelessly.

One adapter has two Ethernet ports, allowing the adapter to connect to two Ethernet-equipped CE devices at once. The other adapter connects to the Ethernet port of any wired or wireless home-network router. Both adapters must be plugged into AC. Additional adapters are available separately to plug into additional CE components in the same room or other rooms. Each adapter is 6.9 inches by 5.1 inches by 1.4 inches.

It’s promoted as the only solution that provides sustained throughput of HD streams exceeding 40 Mbps 99.9 percent of the time through multiple walls in an above-average single family home, the company said.

The Home Theater Kit also features plug-and-play setup, enabling them to power up, connect and work automatically, the company said. Built-in security enables users to add adapters to additional components by pressing a button.

The Home Theater Kit will be available in the third quarter in the U.S. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

Netgear’s other product is the Universal WiFi Internet Adapter, which consists of a more compact 802.11b/g/n adapter that communicates with an existing wireless router at up to 300Mbps. The 3.2- by 2.44- by 0.7-inch adapter will be available in May at a suggested $79. It can be powered via a connected component’s USB port to eliminate the need to run a power wire to an AC outlet. It features one Ethernet port and uses a CD-less smart-wizard wireless connection utility on a PC.

Adding a USB wireless network adapter is by far the easiest way to install an adapter. It’s almost as easy as plugging in a set of headphones.

Before purchasing a wireless USB network adapter

1. Find an available USB port on your computer.

Note: If you need to move your computer to reach the USB ports, you should shut down Windows to avoid damaging your computer. If you can easily reach a USB port, you do not need to shut down your computer.

If you do not have an unused USB port, you can connect a USB hub to add additional ports or install an internal adapter instead.

2. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter.

3. If you had to shut down your computer to get to the USB port, you can now turn on your computer. Insert the CD that comes with the adapter in your computer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the necessary software. If the adapter does not come with a CD, continue to the next step.

4.Connect your USB adapter to the unused USB port on your computer.

5. After a moment, Windows automatically detects and installs the new hardware, and then notifies you when installation is finished.

6. If you are installing a wireless network adapter with a separate antenna, place the antenna in a location where you can get a clear wireless signal. Typically, you will get a stronger signal (and a faster network connection) if you place your antenna away from walls and in a location where it is not blocked by your monitor or computer.

Next, set up your wireless network.

Install a wireless CardBus or CF network adapter. For portable computers, this type of adapter (also called a PCMCIA or PC Card) is easier to travel with than a USB adapter, because it is often smaller and fits securely in the PC Card slot on the side of the computer.

Install a wireless internal network adapter. If you have a desktop computer, you may prefer an internal adapter so that you can use the USB port to connect another accessory.

Linksys WMP54G 802.11g/b Wireless Adapter
5 reviews - 54 Mbps Internal Adapter, PCI, WLAN Standards: IEEE 802.11g/b, Supported O/S: Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second …

D-link DWA-130 Pre-802.11n Wireless Adapter
3 Reviews - 54 Mbps External Adapter, USB 2.0, WLAN Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, Supported O/S: Microsoft Windows 2000…

Belkin (F5D8053) Pre-802.11n Wireless Adapter
3 reviews - 54 Mbps External Adapter, USB 2.0, WLAN Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, Supported O/S: Microsoft Windows 2000…

Anything can connect to the Internet at anytime through wireless adapters. Laptops and other computing devices can also be joined in a wireless LAN through wireless adapters. Wireless adapters are composed of a built-in receiver and radio transmitter. All wireless adapters support 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a plus other standards of Wi-Fi.

Wireless adapters are made to work with an infinite amount of hardware and gadgets. A Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) wireless adapter may be installed inside a desktop computer that contains a PCI bus. PCI is an industry standard that specifies how wireless adapters connect to central processors. For laptop users, there are USB wireless adapters that easily connect to external USB ports. There are also PCMCIA or PC Card wireless adapters that are inserted into the thin drive bays of notebook computers.

Wireless adapters are small but their capabilities are huge. A typical wireless adapter is less than six inches long, but has all the functions you’d expect from a connecting device, such as Internet connection, LAN, and file sharing. Some kinds of notebook computers today are also made with built-in wireless systems. These kinds of computers do not need wireless adapters to have connectivity to cyberspace.

Whatever you want to do, there is surely a wireless adapter out there in the market for you. Make sure that your wireless adapter matches the specifications of your device to avoid any connection errors.