A Netflix Player: The Easy Way to Watch Netflix Movies on TV
What is a Netflx player? Is a Netflix player the only way to stream my Netflix movies and shows to my television? Find out here.
Netflix provides consumers with an huge selection of movies at an affordable price. Of course Netflix also streams some of their movies and TV shows over the internet versus having them available only on DVDs delivered through the mail. This adds speed and convenience for consumers.
There are a number of ways to stream Netflix content directly to your TV. Netflix players are a simple way but they certainly aren't the only way. This page will summarize some of the most popular options for enjoy this content directly on your television.
If you aren't already a Netflix member, try it out for free.
Roku Netflix
Probably one of the easiest and least expensive ways of watching Netflix movies on your TV is through a Roku Netflix player. All you need is your Netflix subscription and then the Roku player. It works with virtually any television and comes with built in WiFi and ethernet so that you can connect either wirelessly or with cables. It also comes with a remote so that you can take control just as you do when watching traditional DVD's. You can fast forward, pause, rewind, and so forth just as you always do.
Other Streaming Players
There are many other Netflix players available. LG, Roku Logitech, Western Digitial (WD), RCA, Sony, ASUS, TiVo, NetGear, Do-Link, Apple TV and others offer them.
Home Theaters for Streaming Netflix Movies
There are a number of home theater in-a-box set ups that can act as a Netflix player as well. LG, Panasonic RCA, Samsung, and Sony are among the name brand manufacturers.
Netflix Blu-Ray Players
A Netflix player can also come in the form of Blu-Ray players produced by some of the major manufacturers as well. Although more expensive than the Roku Netflix player, they can be a good choice if you're wanting a Blu-Ray player anyway. They allow you to select Netflix streaming straight from the main menu giving you access to the "Watch Instantly" Netflix library at the press of a button. The accompanying remote control allows you to fast forward and rewind just as when viewing a DVD.
TiVo
Another Netflix player option is a TiVo. This is probably the pricest option but certainly a good one if you already own one or have decided that you want a TiVo anyway. With a broadband connection, a TiVo HD, TiVo HD XL, or TiVo Series 3 DVR can give you access to your Netflix movies hassle free.
Once you have a Neflix subscription, you only need to enter your activation code. Simply go to TiVo Central/Video on Demand/Netflix and you'll see the code. That's the code you'll enter on the Netflix site to get the access you need to see your queue show up on TV. You can make your Netflix selection on your TV screen using the TiVo remote control.
Using Your Gaming Console as a Netflix Player
If you have a broadband connected Xbox 360 game system and are an Xbox LIVE Gold member you can stream Netflix movies and TV shows to your TV directly. Using the Media Remote or Xbox controller you can pause, rewind, and fast forward movies giving you the same control as when viewing DVDs.
Users who are Netflix subscribers have access to all of the entertainment within the "Watch Instantly" Netflix feature; currently this includes over 12,000 movies and TV shows. Certainly, this option for getting a Netflix player is perfect for those who have or want an Xbox 360 anyway
Televisions with Internet Access/Netflix Built In
More and more televisions have added ethernet ports and internet access built in.
Manufacturers such as Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Sanyo, Vizio, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, LG, Insignia, HiSense, and Haier offer models that can stream Netflix movies and much more. Internet connected TV with their apps now allow consumers access to internet content and streaming movies.
Netflix on Mobile Devices
An increasing number of mobile devices also act as a Netflix player when you download the necessary application. There is an iPhone app. You can also stream Netflix movies on the iPad, on Windows devices, and mobile devices running with a Snapdragon platform and Android software. e-Readers such as the Kindle Fire and Nook can be Netflix Players as well. See the options for those wanting a Netflix mobile device by following this link.
Don't Want a Netflix Player? Use Your Laptop/PC
Yes, you can view movies and TV shows streamed to your PC/laptop on your TV without a Netflix player if you're willing to go through the process of hooking up your TV and computer. You'll still have to use your PC to go to the Netflix website, make your selections, and so forth, but at least you can enjoy the entertainment on a big screen. In addition, this is a fairly affordable option. At most, you'll need to buy a cable or two, providing you have your Netflix subscription, computer, and a TV.
After assuring you have the appropriate cables for making the connection it's really fairly simple but this WikiHow article will walk you through the process quickly.