Netflix Streaming Info Please

[Lefty]

Hi All,
I am having trouble understanding Netflix's info or lack thereof on how to connect to their streaming service. It appears to require a "Netflix ready device", but lacking one, will they provide one for you, and does it have to route through your computer, or will it stream directly to the unit via my WiFi network?
Any clarification from a current subscriber would be appreciated.
Also, does it function reasonably well? I do have Comcast cable, so bandwidth should be sufficient
Thanks.

[Budd]

Hi All,
I am having trouble understanding Netflix's info or lack thereof on how to connect to their streaming service. It appears to require a "Netflix ready device", but lacking one, will they provide one for you, and does it have to route through your computer, or will it stream directly to the unit via my WiFi network?
Any clarification from a current subscriber would be appreciated.
Also, does it function reasonably well? I do have Comcast cable, so bandwidth should be sufficient
Thanks.

They don't provide a "Netflix device." You can use a computer with the right specs, but they don't stream HiDef to computers (yet). The cheapest streamer is probably the Roku box, but several blu-ray players can stream as well as certain TiVos, the Playstation 3 and XBox (and the Wii is slated for it as well).

You need an internet connection. Your WiFi will probably work, but the faster the connection the better the picture.

I find it works ok. I experience the occasional hicup, especially on the weekends. It's fine for casual viewing but not a substitute for actual blu-ray rentals either in selection or quality. On the other hand, it's free with the subscription.

[Lefty]

Thanks, thats kinda what I thought. I didn't know the PS3 could do it though. I have three of those. Best to hardwire it then, and not use the WiFi network? That's probably more reliable and faster.
Thanks,

[phipp01]

If you use the PS3 you have to get some disc from them. I dont know if you have to put the disc in every time you want to stream or if its a one time thing.

[Cujobob]

You have to put the disc in the PS3 each time, but it works really well, quite simple, and great picture. Selection of movies is...not the greatest, but it's free.

[snock]

And I will add that using the disc with ps3 is not permanent. Its just to work around a contract netflix has with xbox. Once the term is up then netflix will not require a disc on ps3.

Also - i love the streaming service as a supplement to the discs. But then again it mostly gets used for Dora epsiodes for my 3 year old. haha But seriously for my uses their movie selection is getting better and better each day.

[Lefty]

Does the PS3 disc allow you to use Netflix if I subscribe. I assume the disc is not in the box or I would have seen it. Does anyone have a link to the Sony site where It can be ordered?
Thanks

[phipp01]

Does the PS3 disc allow you to use Netflix if I subscribe. I assume the disc is not in the box or I would have seen it. Does anyone have a link to the Sony site where It can be ordered?
Thanks

You have to be a subscriber to netflix and they send the disc not Sony. Then you would put it in your queue and they send it to you and you DONT send it back LOL

[mdisc]

Does the PS3 disc allow you to use Netflix if I subscribe. I assume the disc is not in the box or I would have seen it. Does anyone have a link to the Sony site where It can be ordered?
Thanks

Keep in mind that although you are a subscriber to Netflix not everything is streaming (None of the first run stuff). You can see on their site what is available for streaming.

I use the PS3 as well & it works great. Lots of cool music selections available also. Beware though, as far as I can tell when you browse on the PS3 you don't get all the streaming choices available. I usually set up a cue on my Mac beforehand.

[a-rone]

It's funny that this thread just appeared, I set up the Netflix thing on my PS3 last Saturday night. I received the streaming disc on Monday and watched the first three episodes of the BBC's Robin Hood series last night. This works really well. Not much content but enough for us for now. It's also nice that the first month is free. So far so good for us.:applause:

[cburbs]

I use it with my TivoHD. I mainly use it for my 4 year old and some kid shows/movies. I have watched a few but not alot due to what is available.
I have had a few issues with rebuffering etc. Still don't know why since this is usually during the week midday and I have verizon FIOS. I had updated my router and thought that resolved the issue as it was good for like 2 weeks and then this week the issue was back.

[Lefty]

You have to be a subscriber to netflix and they send the disc not Sony. Then you would put it in your queue and they send it to you and you DONT send it back LOL

Haha, good one. I will do exactly that.
A friend of mine is also interested, but doesn't have a PS3. Should he buy a Roku?
Thanks for all the good info as usual guys.

[NekoAudio]

The different devices have different user experiences and capabilities. You may want to visit the device section on the Netflix web site to see your list of choices.

[mdisc]

Haha, good one. I will do exactly that.
A friend of mine is also interested, but doesn't have a PS3. Should he buy a Roku?
Thanks for all the good info as usual guys.

My father ended up getting a Roku and has been pleased with it (enough to keep it beyond the 30 day trial period anyway). I was telling him to hold out for this which was supposed to be released this month. Does a lot more than the Roku.

http://gizmodo.com/5439293/syabas-popbox-get-ready-for-the-new-media-streamer-champ