Best device for Netflix

Analog Revenant

Analog Revenant

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Ok... so I was wondering... what is the best device to get for viewing Netflix on my HD tv? Curently hooking up my laptop and its getting very annoying. Of course with browser plugins it works quite nice with no vpns needed, which I suppose will have to change when getting a dedicated device.

I don't have a gaming console or any other type device except dstv decoder which I want to drop kick.

Ta
 
I'm running Netflix off my Tablets, a WD TV Live (R1000) and a Chromecast(R600) (Well, the last one is in theory, I still need to configure my router to play it, plus you need another netflix enabled device to controll it).
 
adidas said:
Ok... so I was wondering... what is the best device to get for viewing Netflix on my HD tv? Curently hooking up my laptop and its getting very annoying. Of course with browser plugins it works quite nice with no vpns needed, which I suppose will have to change when getting a dedicated device.

I don't have a gaming console or any other type device except dstv decoder which I want to drop kick.

Ta
Click to expand...

I'm using a Roku (www.roku.com) - Great little device plus has alot of support for other things too. Mine is mostly used for Netflix and Plex. It has native support for Hulu, Amazon etc too.
 
I'd say either ATV or Roku 3. I prefer the Roku 3 because it can also run a native Plex client.

EDIT: Although the ATV has AirPlay, which is super handy. If you are in the Apple ecosystem already the ATV wouldn't be a bad choice.
 
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ATV3... if you have any other apple devices it works well, not so much if you don't. There seem to be a few specials going around for R800 ish.
 
GreyBush said:
ATV3... if you have any other apple devices it works well, not so much if you don't. There seem to be a few specials going around for R800 ish.
Click to expand...

I've got an ageing Mac Mini providing content to my tv but when that kicks the bucket I'll probably get an Apple TV to replace it. I'm sure going to miss the mini though. :o
 
quovadis said:
I'm using a Roku (www.roku.com) - Great little device plus has alot of support for other things too. Mine is mostly used for Netflix and Plex. It has native support for Hulu, Amazon etc too.
Click to expand...

Go for the Roku 3. It's brilliant for streaming services. Just don't expect too much of it if you plan on connecting it to an external drive or stick. Though, if you do want to the ability to play downloaded content, you should install the Plex client on your Roku, and install Plex Media Server (PMS) on a PC (preferably a dedicated home PC). You then dump all your media files onto the PMS PC, and stream it to your Roku 3 and TV using the Plex client installed on your Roku.

I currently use my Roku 3 for Netflix, Hulu Plus, Plex and Amazon Instant Video. I have a Small Form Factor (SFF) desktop PC box which I use as a media server. It currently has PMS installed on it, as well as all my downloaded content, home videos and photos. The PC is connected directly to the TV via HDMI, and sits next to my Roku. My entire network setup is wireless, and it works like a bomb (surprisingly well for wireless). I'm also using UnoTelly.com to bypass the regional restrictions on the streaming services I want access to. The PMS PC also runs the update client, which updates UnoTelly's records everytime my dynamically-assigned ADSL pulic IP address changes.

Currently using a logitech cordless keyboard and mouse to connect to the PMS PC, but will be investing in an Air Mouse sometime soon. Just waiting to find the perfect one that I can afford.
 
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bwana said:
I've got an ageing Mac Mini providing content to my tv but when that kicks the bucket I'll probably get an Apple TV to replace it. I'm sure going to miss the mini though. :o
Click to expand...

You really should go for it. Other than a great interface, it provides such an awesome way to rent movies through iTunes (And TV Shows for those of us with US accounts). Chose a movie, and watch instantly. Not waiting around, etc
 
JStrike said:
You really should go for it. Other than a great interface, it provides such an awesome way to rent movies through iTunes (And TV Shows for those of us with US accounts). Chose a movie, and watch instantly. Not waiting around, etc
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I'm sure - however I really enjoy having the mini being able to do everything - download, stream, media management, etc - and ATM it's the only desktop computer I have running 24/7 so alternative to that will have to be found as well.
 
AfricanTech said:
Happy with ATV + Plex

Easy to use guides out there to get it all working
Click to expand...

Only reason I didn't get the ATV was because of the hack required to get Plex working. Apple have the tendency to push updates and break things. The Roku Plex interface is just really bad though so I'm just hoping they update it sometime.
 
adidas said:
Ok... so I was wondering... what is the best device to get for viewing Netflix on my HD tv? Curently hooking up my laptop and its getting very annoying. Of course with browser plugins it works quite nice with no vpns needed, which I suppose will have to change when getting a dedicated device.

I don't have a gaming console or any other type device except dstv decoder which I want to drop kick.

Ta
Click to expand...

PS3 with a US psn account (free) will give you access to: HuluPlus/Netflix/Amazon Instant/Crackle/CinemaNow.
The PS3 is an excellent device for media and you could play bluRay/games as well as store you own media on the PS3 or stream it from your PC using TVersity. You could probably pick up a PS3 console quite cheap now...

Your other option is to get the mini-USB to HDMI for your phone/tab. Make sure that it's the correct cable as the Samsung Galaxy S3 cable is not compatible with the S4 etc.

eleDNS will allow you to get past geo-restrictions as well as being cheaper than UnoTelly. They also have a rewards program for subscribing.

I prefer Amazon Instant over Netflix in terms of content (wider range of movies and series) and with Amazon you can also rent movies not currently included in their Prime plan. i.e. World War Z for $1 currently... But Amazon seems to have network issues at certain times whereas Netflix is smooth. Netflix also has a much better kids range of content.
 
Roku3:) is the way, The Roku 3 has dual-core A9 chip, and it helps alot with loading times and the apps and video open and play much faster, by a noticeable difference. Part of that may be to the amount of memory on the Roku, which allows for the caching of content, i also have the Western digital WD-TV Live, and its slow at times.
 
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