About a month or so ago, I hesitantly tried out Netflix. I say hesitantly because, I didn’t know many people who had the service and if you are a long-time reader, you know how fiercely skeptical I am.
How it works: First, in order to stream movies to your TV, you must have an internet connection and a Netflix disc that, in the simplest terms, is the software used to run Netflix. Now, obviously, this software must be ran on something in order to work.
Setup: Internet > Netflix Device > TV
The following devices can support running the “Netflix software” -
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Roku Streaming Player
Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player
PS3, Wii, or the XBOX
Insignia Connected Blu-Ray Player ( NS-WBRDV )
LG Network Blu-ray Players
Panasonic Networking Blu-Ray Player
Philips Blu-ray Player
Samsung Network Blu-ray Players
VIZIO Blu-rayâ„¢ Player with Wireless Internet Apps
Sony Network Blu-ray Disc player
LG HDTVs with NetCast Broadband
Sony® BRAVIA® LCD HDTVs featuring BRAVIA Internet Video
VIZIO® XVT Series HDTVs with VIZIO Internet Apps™ (VIA)
TiVo® Digital Video Recorder
Insignia 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System with Blu-ray Disc Player
LG Network Blu-ray Home Theater Systems
Panasonic Blu-Ray Home Theater In A Box
Samsung Blu-Ray Home Theater Systems
Depending on the device, you may or not be able to stream Netflix titles wirelessly. You just pop in the Netflix Software, configure with the on screen instructions, and you are ready to roll!
My experience: I have the lowest subscription to Netflix at almost $9 per month. I get unlimited Instant Streaming, which is like video on demand basically, one DVD out at a time, and Unlimited plays on my PC. For me, that is a GREAT DEAL because I LOVE documentaries, which, I might add, there seems to be an unlimited amount available on every subject you can imagine, plus, movie night, can be EVERY NIGHT. Instant Streaming allows you to select a title and then start watching it in just a few seconds, which is VERY convenient! The DVD option is good too, the DVDs are shipped VERY fast ( as long as they are available, with newer titles taking longer at times ) and RETURNED very fast. I haven’t found a title I wanted to see, that I couldn’t get mailed to me or Instant Stream. I haven’t used the Instant Streaming on my PC yet, so I don’t have any thoughts on that, yet.
The Pros: Bottom line: For the amount of titles we all watch, for $9, my Netflix gives me the best bang for my buck, including all the FREE and $1 movies rentals I can get through Redbox — Netflix is still a better deal for me. Of course, I still use my FREE Redbox codes!! :D
The Cons: Netflix runs wirelessly through my PS3 and on no more then 3 occasions, I was watching a movie and all of the sudden, the movie would freeze. I can’t label this as being 100% attributed to the Netflix service because it may have been due to any number of things, but it’s worth mentioning.
While there are literally tons of movies, documentaries, TV shows and more, there are titles, that oddly enough, Netflix doesn’t have for Instant Streaming. For example, I wanted to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles the other night but Netflix didn’t carry it for Instant Streaming, I could of ordered it on DVD, but I wanted to watch it RIGHT THEN, I ended up watching Uncle Buck instead. Point is, I just found it weird that there was no real order / sense to which titles are available to Instantly Stream, that I could figure out.
Anyhow, with a 30 day FREE trial, I can say Netflix is worth at least that.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I agree 100%….Netflix rocks!