Time was the only way you could access Netflix ’s Watch outright feature of speech was on a Windows microcomputer . Now you only want to watch on a computer ( Intel Macs included ) if you require to . There are now many unlike style to savour streaming Netflix message where youreallywant to see it — on your TV .
Each of the option has unlike strengths — including cost , video quality , and gizmo . There ’s one big difference among all these : The user port is different from machine to machine , so the elegant perspective you see on Apple TV wo n’t be the same one you incur on a cyberspace - connected DVD thespian , for example .
Which one is best for you ? learn out your options below .
The Apple TV’s Netflix interface.
1. Streaming video players
The Apple TV ’s Netflix user interface .
For a while , Roku ’s stream histrion was the only fend - alone machine you could utilise to get Netflix onto your telly . Now it ’s just one of a handful of video players that can do so , including high - profile gain like the new Apple TV ( ) — with a custom Netflix interface — the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV HD Media Player ( ) , and Western Digital ’s WD TV Live Plus ( ) . These machine speciate in streaming message , and they do the job well — though as more networked Blu - beam of light role player and TVs enter the grocery store , the future of set top box that only flow content may be in jeopardy . Many of the streamers , such as Roku’sXD and XDS models , support 1080p cyclosis — Apple TV can only output 720p — but Netflix does n’t pop the question any mental object in 1080p declaration , and credibly wo n’t for a recollective time due to bandwidth reality . And some players also offer up factor video yield — utile if you ’re already using all your TV ’s HDMI remark and do n’t want to clothe in an HDMI whipper .
2. Game consoles
sing about a multifunction gadget — you’re able to apply your plot console table to stream the movieIron Manand then play the game when you ’re done . Sony ’s PlayStation 3 , Nintendo ’s Wii , and Microsoft ’s Xbox 360 all offer Netflix streaming . The PS3 and Wii recently went phonograph recording - free — antecedently you had to run a disk with the Netflix software on it to learn content . Not all are equal though : for good example , the Xbox postulate an Xbox lively Gold rank in plus to a Netflix subscription , and the Wii ca n’t expose mellow - definition TV . If you ’re looking for the ultimate in high definition , PS3 now offers 1080p streaming for video that supports it ( Netflix is seemingly streaming limitation amounts of 1080p picture to PS3 users , although it ’s unclear what that subject matter is ) .
3. Networked HDTVs
A Netflix - enable Vizio HDTV.These days , TVs are all about a different sort of web — link to the Internet for streaming content , not the quondam programme networks . Sony , Samsung , Panasonic , Vizio , LG , and others all provide cyberspace - connect goggle box in various size . Connect your set to your router via WiFi or ethernet and you have accession to your Netflix queue without the indigence for any extra gimmick . However , since the chief intent of the video is n’t being a Netflix steaming port , you may regain the interfaces less visceral than dedicated devices .
4. Networked Blu-ray players
Many Blu - ray players — often from the same vendors that make HDTV — launch the same package that networked TVs do . With Blu - light beam instrumentalist prices coming down , they can be an low-cost and convenient way to add Netflix to your television . If you were planning to grease one’s palms a Blu - re player this yr , you might as well get one that can cover Netflix , too . The same caution about interfaces applies as with television .
5. iOS devices
The Neflix app on the iPad . The knockout of Netflix on iOS devices is portability , but sometimes you want to check on big cover — in a hotel elbow room , for illustration . With the appropriate video - out cable system , you may hook up your iPhone 4 or iPad to your TV and display subject matter from the Netflix app . The drawback is closure — something that looks right in your laurel wreath is going to await somewhat easygoing and blocky on that 42 - column inch LCD . According to Netflix , both twist are limited to 640 by 480 tv set yield resolution . To link up , you may use Apple ’s $ 29 Dock Connector to VGA Adapter , or Composite or Component AV Cables ( $ 49 each ) .
6. Computers
A final means to add Netflix streaming to your TV is to lug your MacBook or Mac miniskirt near the circle and connect it directly . All you need for the latest Mac miniskirt is an HDMI cable ; MacBooks and older miniskirt will require an adapter , such as a Mini DisplayPort - to - HDMI edition . This option give you the full - featured Web user interface , though you ’ll lack the convenience of navigate with a remote . Another drawback is that your computer ’s yield resolution and the resolution your goggle box accept may not match exactly , which means you may not see the edges of the telecasting on your television in fullscreen mode .
[ Michael Gowan writes about home theater technologies and indulges in Netflix streaming as often as possible . ]
Updated at 4:26PM pacific to add information on Netflix 1080p cyclosis to PlayStation 3s .
A Netflix-enabled Vizio HDTV.
HD (2000C)
Component AV Cable
iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
XD (2050X)
WD TV Live Plus
XDS (2100X)
Composite AV Cable
Apple TV (2nd gen., late 2010)
FreeAgent GoFlex TV HD Media Player
The Neflix app on the iPad.
