Question about Netflix
 

Guys, I'm thinking of getting this but wondered if someone would know the answer to this question: can I stream the movies through a normal HD TV, or does it need some sort of special connection? In other words, if I sign up can I plug in a laptop and stream the content through my sister's telly, which is a generic flatscreen, so she can watch them? Or is there something else missing from this picture?

Like to hear from anyone who has Netflix and can throw some light on this for me.

Muchos gracias!
TH

I'm not sure about streaming directly though the TV (I have an old tube TV, WTF is with these newfangled flatscreens, huh? :D). But, I stream Netflix through the Wii, and also on my computer.

So yeah, if you have a laptop that can hook up to your TV (preferably through HDMI because you'll get the sound through the TV rather than the laptop), you will be able to stream Netflix through their website, when you sign into it.

Unless you have a new TV that allows you to download the Netflix app you'll need some kind of device to act as your conduit. Like BD I use a video game console but you can also use certain types of Blu-ray player and you can buy a device called a Roku which will offer up other services but I'm unaware if it is available in Ireland.

You could use your laptop, but then you'll need either a VGA to VGA cable or an HDMI cable. The HDMI is the better option as you can then use your TV speakers, whereas if you go the VGA route your sound will come through your laptop speakers, with your TV essentially becoming your monitor.

I've had no problems using HDMI through my laptop with my dad's TV (he's got a newer TV). I know you have a new TV too so you'll at least have that option if you don't have a game console or Internet on your TV.

Thanks for that guys. I don't think my laptop has a HDMI connection; probably too old. I'll have a look though I doubt it. I thought maybe some sort of wireless thingummybob might exist to do the job, no?

Your laptop probably has VGA at least, but then for decent sound (either through your TV or other speakers), you'll just need another audio connection. There are probably all sorts of gadgets available on the market for this kind of thing - you just have to shop around a bit.

I'm sure there's a slew of stuff out there that purports to do the job, but in terms of simplicity getting a device with some kind of reputable brand is your best bet. A Wii should be pretty cheap (probably cheaper than the Roku or Blu-ray player) and is incredibly easy to configure for Netflix. The only downside is you don't get your stuff in HD, but as someone whose used both the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii for Instant Netflix I never noticed much of a difference.

The picture quality of Netflix on my TV, when streamed through the Wii, is excellent. Sometimes when you start a video it's slightly pixely but that sorts itself out pretty quickly. I the the Wii has come down in price since the release of the Wii U, so this might be your best bet. It's real easy to use Netflix with it.

Woo-hoo! Just checked my laptop and it has a HDMI port! So now all I need to get is a cable and I should be away.
Thanks guys! :)

Yes, you'll be fine then. Cables are really cheap. Happy streaming!