In its mission to bravely go where Microsoft feared to tread, Aussie start-up IceTV has had another win, signing up network specialist Netgear.

Following closely behind a recent deal to licence the Electronic Program Guide to Altech for use with its Maestro Media Center PCs, IceTV has now signed Netgear which will incorporate the guide in its WGT634U Wireless Media Router.
Prior to launching its Media Center PC operating system in Australia, Microsoft promised it would deliver an Electronic Program Guide, but this promise was never fulfilled and the company has refused to provide an explanation.
This has opened the way for IceTV to become the dominant force in Electronic Program Guides locally. This latest deal will see the iceguide integrated with a wireless router which can be connected to a Topfield PVR via a USB port. The router will then automatically update the PVR every day by downloading the latest version of iceguide from the Internet.
“Netgear’s router is one of the only devices of its kind that offers USB connectivity required for the Topfield PVR,” said Duncan Ross, Chief Executive Officer, IceTV.
“Previously it was necessary to connect the Topfield to an Internet-enabled PC to download the guide. Once the Netgear router has been updated with IceTV’s firmware and connected to the Topfield, iceguide is automatically updated every day, so users always have the latest seven-day schedule available on their Topfield PVRs.” 
Sue Ponder, Director of Retail and Distribution, Netgear says the collaboration with IceTV is another example of how pervasive the Internet – and particularly wireless Internet – has become in the home.
“Wireless technology frees us from the limits of using cables to access information resources like the Internet that are becoming central to the home entertainment experience,” said Ponder. “We are delighted to be working with electronic entertainment leaders like IceTV to deliver a fully-automated content and scheduling service for Topfield PVR customers that will no doubt elevate their enjoyment and experience of digital entertainment.”
Ponder says Netgear’s WGT634U wireless media router also gives users a number of advanced features over and above its iceguide integration.
“The WGT634U can transfer information at 108 Mbps when used with any of Netgear’s 108 Mbps wireless adapters; that’s up to 10 times faster than standard 802.11b routers,” she said. “As a media router, the WGT634U also gives users wireless access to their media files, such as MP3s, videos and photos, without relying on a host PC. Just attach an external USB disk drive or memory stick to the router and any information stored on these devices is immediately available on the wireless network.”