DEVICE FOR NETFLIX STREAMING ONLY
December 25, 2014 5:41 PM Subscribe
What is the right kind of device for me to purchase at Best Buy or Micro Center, if I am ONLY interested in doing NETFLIX Streaming?
It's Christmas here, we're all drunk on red wine, and my Uncle needs a device that plugs into his Internet and allows him to stream NETFLIX to his TV. I've been hearing about Apple TV, ChromeCast, buying a used PS3, or a used BluRay player --- --- ---- but the only thing we need, at this point, is a device that plugs into an Internet router, and provides NETFLIX to a TV.
What's the best item to buy, if this is the goal?
It's Christmas here, we're all drunk on red wine, and my Uncle needs a device that plugs into his Internet and allows him to stream NETFLIX to his TV. I've been hearing about Apple TV, ChromeCast, buying a used PS3, or a used BluRay player --- --- ---- but the only thing we need, at this point, is a device that plugs into an Internet router, and provides NETFLIX to a TV.
What's the best item to buy, if this is the goal?
Either a Roku/Roku Stick or an Amazon Fire TV will easily do Netflix. You're looking at somewhere between $50 and $80 for either, and you probably want a TV with HDMI in for ease-of-setup.
posted by hanov3r at 5:54 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by hanov3r at 5:54 PM on December 25, 2014
You're going to have a really hard time finding something that will literally ONLY stream Netflix, devoid of any other options. But yes, a Roku (box, stick, whatever) is probably the easiest option for someone who just wants Netflix and isn't very "techy". Note though that most Rokus don't "plug into a router". Most are wifi only. You'll have to get the Roku 3 to use an ethernet connection.
posted by katyggls at 5:54 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by katyggls at 5:54 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
The ps3 does work, and is a fine Netflix client, but be aware that you will have to spend time waiting for it to install updates every 1-2 weeks.
posted by Phredward at 6:06 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Phredward at 6:06 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
If your uncle has Wi-Fi, a smartphone (or laptop), and a TV with an HDMI input, then I would recommend the Chromecast. It costs $30, it's easy to set up, and it requires zero maintenance.
It'll allow you to watch both Netflix and YouTube on the TV. From a laptop or PC, you can also cast a Chrome browser tab (or any video embedded in a web page) to the TV.
It comes with a little extender cable – use it, even if you don't think you need to. Without the extender cable, it's easy to accidentally bump or press against the Chromecast, which will bend it (and possibly damage the HDMI jack on the TV).
It's not entirely clear what your criteria are, though. What's "the best" item to buy? That depends on your needs. Many devices will allow you to stream Netflix to your TV. If one of them were clearly "the best", then the others would be pushed out of the market and you wouldn't need to ask this question. What features are important to you? Cost? Ease of use?
If you're just looking for a cheap, easy way to watch Netflix, though – Chromecast.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 6:16 PM on December 25, 2014
It'll allow you to watch both Netflix and YouTube on the TV. From a laptop or PC, you can also cast a Chrome browser tab (or any video embedded in a web page) to the TV.
It comes with a little extender cable – use it, even if you don't think you need to. Without the extender cable, it's easy to accidentally bump or press against the Chromecast, which will bend it (and possibly damage the HDMI jack on the TV).
It's not entirely clear what your criteria are, though. What's "the best" item to buy? That depends on your needs. Many devices will allow you to stream Netflix to your TV. If one of them were clearly "the best", then the others would be pushed out of the market and you wouldn't need to ask this question. What features are important to you? Cost? Ease of use?
If you're just looking for a cheap, easy way to watch Netflix, though – Chromecast.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 6:16 PM on December 25, 2014
Roku is the easiest solution. Hands down.
posted by xiaolongbao at 6:22 PM on December 25, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by xiaolongbao at 6:22 PM on December 25, 2014 [4 favorites]
I'm ready to throw the Amazon Fire TV out the window, what a buggy piece of garbage.
The Chromecast, at $35, is a DREAM. Never has a problem. Love it.
Your uncle needs a laptop or smartphone with a Netflix app and wifi.
posted by jbenben at 6:24 PM on December 25, 2014
The Chromecast, at $35, is a DREAM. Never has a problem. Love it.
Your uncle needs a laptop or smartphone with a Netflix app and wifi.
posted by jbenben at 6:24 PM on December 25, 2014
I have a Roku, appletv, chromecast, and ps3. The appletv is consistently the easiest for non technical people to use, followed by the Roku (which I mostly hate but I'd still recommend it over the other two). The PS3 is fine but as Phredward suggests, it wants an update almost every time I use it, stymieing me for between 5 and 45 minutest depending on the updates needed. And the chromcast confuses everyone in my house who has tried using it for except for me. I guess if you're heavily invested in the google ecosystem go for it.
I too am drunk on wine so take that into account.
posted by primethyme at 6:37 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
I too am drunk on wine so take that into account.
posted by primethyme at 6:37 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
A used Wii off craigslist. Point-and-click with the remote is dead simple.
posted by JoeZydeco at 6:55 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by JoeZydeco at 6:55 PM on December 25, 2014
I really don't see how appletv could be easier to use than Roku, which is dead simple. I'm not sure if this is still true, but it used to be that Roku was the only device that could search across multiple channels, which is nice. It has a free Youtube channel, along with many, many free channels that show old movies with commercials in them.
posted by rfs at 6:56 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by rfs at 6:56 PM on December 25, 2014
I have a Roku stick which is low-frills but does just what it is supposed to do without hassle. My parents have a Chromecast which is a little buggy and not that intuitive for them (early 60s, average tech ability). If I were setting things up again, I would give them the Roku.
You can subscribe to channels with the Roku- you can set it up so Netflix is the only channel. Super easy.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 7:02 PM on December 25, 2014
You can subscribe to channels with the Roku- you can set it up so Netflix is the only channel. Super easy.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 7:02 PM on December 25, 2014
I have a Chromecast that I use only for Netflix streaming. I don't understand what some posters are saying about it being confusing to use -- all you need is a smartphone with a Netflix app. Relax on the sofa, open the Netflix app on the phone, and select what you want to stream. It almost instantly starts streaming to your TV. You do need an HDMI input on your TV that can be dedicated to the Chromecast, but I assume you have that (or can easily set that up)?
posted by RRgal at 7:19 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by RRgal at 7:19 PM on December 25, 2014
all you need [for Chromecast] is a smartphone with a Netflix app is a non-starter for many older people. Hell, it's a non-starter for our household and we are only in our 40's. We use a PS3, which I would recommend against because using the PlayStation controller is annoying for things like entering passwords or typing a search on Netflix (we use a Logitech Harmony universal remote in lieu of the PS3 controller which was very expensive, but works nicely). I don't know if it's true of other devices for streaming Netflix, but the PS3 Netflix app re-arranges the interface almost monthly, which is irritating, and does not offer decent useful information about the movies/shows in the browsing screens.
The Roku at my sister's house is very easy for every grandparent or random adult who turns on their tv. They only use Netflix on it.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:32 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
The Roku at my sister's house is very easy for every grandparent or random adult who turns on their tv. They only use Netflix on it.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:32 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
The need for a smartphone, tablet or computer for the chromecast is the source of confusion in our house. People are used to sitting down with the tv remote and not needing anything else. Having to use an additional device is really confusing to people in my experience. And it's just annoying to me. If I hadn't gotten it for free, I'd feel ripped off.
The reason the Roku is harder than the appletv (again, simply in my experience watching family and friends use it) is that, first of all its much slower, so people sometimes click buttons too many times and stuff. And the interface between the apps is less consistent, so knowing how to do something in one doesn't mean you know how to use another. Though I guess if you only use one channel, that's less of an issue. And maybe the slowness is better in the newer models.
posted by primethyme at 7:37 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
The reason the Roku is harder than the appletv (again, simply in my experience watching family and friends use it) is that, first of all its much slower, so people sometimes click buttons too many times and stuff. And the interface between the apps is less consistent, so knowing how to do something in one doesn't mean you know how to use another. Though I guess if you only use one channel, that's less of an issue. And maybe the slowness is better in the newer models.
posted by primethyme at 7:37 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
A friend who refuses email and cell phones still adores his Roku. His four year old knows how to queue up her Dinosaur Train episodes, and he has never called me (the gift-giver) for technical help,
posted by Kakkerlak at 7:44 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by Kakkerlak at 7:44 PM on December 25, 2014
I'll second that a used Wii can do this. Using the WiiMote is fun, and it's easy enough that my toddler can do it.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:06 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:06 PM on December 25, 2014
I've used both Roku and Apple TV, and I've noticed Apple TVs have much less remote control sensitivity; you need to be pretty close and pointing straight at it. YMMV, I didn't do any scientific tests, but if you're looking for an anecdotal data point to tip the scales, that's one.
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:07 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:07 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
I just setup a Roku 1 on a TV that existed long before the Internet for my parents basement. The Roku 1 works because it actually has component out, instead of just HDMI. It's not the fastest thing in the world, but it's cheap and it works.
I also have several higher-end Rokus personally, and i can't recommend them enough. In second place is an Apple TV, being so easy to use. I set my parents up with theirs on their main TV a couple years ago, and their only complaint is with the remote being a little too sensitive.
posted by cgg at 8:20 PM on December 25, 2014
I also have several higher-end Rokus personally, and i can't recommend them enough. In second place is an Apple TV, being so easy to use. I set my parents up with theirs on their main TV a couple years ago, and their only complaint is with the remote being a little too sensitive.
posted by cgg at 8:20 PM on December 25, 2014
I found this great explanation of Roku options on Lifehacker just now.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 8:34 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by TWinbrook8 at 8:34 PM on December 25, 2014
Not everyone has a smartphone or is able to use it as more than a phone. My parents find touchscreens confusing and too sensitive, and smartphone screens are smaller than they are comfortable with. They squint and click things accidentally a lot. It would be hard for them to browse Netflix that way. My mom casts from her tablet occasionally but keeps a list of steps to follow next to the TV, with drawings of the little icons and which options to select.
People have different levels of sophistication and comfort with technology. Sometimes a simpler or less flashy device is the better choice for them.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 8:34 PM on December 25, 2014
People have different levels of sophistication and comfort with technology. Sometimes a simpler or less flashy device is the better choice for them.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 8:34 PM on December 25, 2014
We just got my parents a Roku because they kept looking sad because they couldn't get Netflix to work on their "Smart" TV and so far, so good! Plus it was only about $75.
posted by MadamM at 10:37 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by MadamM at 10:37 PM on December 25, 2014
I'd normally recommend a Chromecast, but I'd caution against it here for the reasons people have said - the whole cast-from-device model takes some getting used to. Nth-ing, the Roku; it's comparatively cheap, it has a remote, and it's easy to work.
posted by Itaxpica at 11:17 PM on December 25, 2014
posted by Itaxpica at 11:17 PM on December 25, 2014
I agree that the Roku is what you want.
Especially if you need to *plug* it into the router. Only one of the models, the Roku 3, has an ethernet port.
posted by General Malaise at 7:43 AM on December 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Especially if you need to *plug* it into the router. Only one of the models, the Roku 3, has an ethernet port.
posted by General Malaise at 7:43 AM on December 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
1. If wifi is not an option and you really do need to plug it into the router, a Roku 3 is about your only choice. However...
2. The TV needs to have an HDMI port for the Roku 3 to work.
If there is no wifi and no HDMI, you are going to need to either set up a wifi network or get a new TV.
posted by Rock Steady at 2:45 PM on December 26, 2014
2. The TV needs to have an HDMI port for the Roku 3 to work.
If there is no wifi and no HDMI, you are going to need to either set up a wifi network or get a new TV.
posted by Rock Steady at 2:45 PM on December 26, 2014
Oh, hey, looks like the WD TV Live actually does both Ethernet in and Component output. No idea what the user interface looks like or how easy it is to use.
posted by Rock Steady at 2:51 PM on December 26, 2014
posted by Rock Steady at 2:51 PM on December 26, 2014
Netflix is pretty slow to launch on the smart tv where I'm staying. Based on this article, the Roku sounds easiest - you can get a standard remote control. If you can find a cheap android phone to use as a remote, then Chromecast looks quite reasonable.
posted by theora55 at 3:53 PM on December 27, 2014
posted by theora55 at 3:53 PM on December 27, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Made of Star Stuff at 5:45 PM on December 25, 2014 [1 favorite]