Netflix viewing

[79TVR]

Hi all,

I recently signed up for Netflix and quite like it. I do, however, want to move it to the tv from the computer. What streaming or blu-ray players will allow me the same features/controls as the PC, i.e.: pause, resume watching where I left off if I didn't finish the movie in one sitting, etc. I have read that not all players do this.

Thanks

[MrBoylan]

Hi all,

I recently signed up for Netflix and quite like it. I do, however, want to move it to the tv from the computer. What streaming or blu-ray players will allow me the same features/controls as the PC, i.e.: pause, resume watching where I left off if I didn't finish the movie in one sitting, etc. I have read that not all players do this.

Thanks

All Blu-ray players with Netflix (at least all the ones we have tested, including models from LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, etc.) allow you pause, rewind, fast forward and come back to where you were in a specific title when you left off. But what very few players allow you to do at the moment is search for new titles or browse the entire Netflix streaming catalog, whoch you can do from your computer. Most Blu-ray players with Netflix streaming only allow you to view your Netflix queue, but to actually add anything to your queue, you need to do that from a computer (or at least a Web browser) by logging into your Netflix account on the web.

Sony's PS3 has a brand new Netflix interface ("Netflix Streaming 2.0" is what we call it). It allows you to search, browse, and add titles to your instant queue. Also, it's the first player to support full Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround as well as 1080p streaming of select Netflix streaming titles. I imagine these features will come to other players, but it remains to be seen whether or not these features can be added to existing players or will require new 2011 models. I'm hoping that some players will be firmware/software-upgradable with the new interface, but I have not seen any confirmation of this. Also, I saw a VIZIO demo of their Netflix app a while back that had similar search and browse features but I don't think this implementation made it to their Blu-ray players (we have not reviewed their latest players, however).

So for the best current user interface for Netflix without a PC, I'd say go for the Sony PS3. But it has its own limitations (like IR control, integration with a home theater system), etc. If you're looking for a more traditional (not to mention cheaper) Blu-ray player with Netflix streaming, most or all of them will give you full playback control while streaming. The newest Blu-ray 3D players from Panasonic are not ideal for Netflix streaming due to an unfortunate CUE issue (Chroma Upsampling Error). The HD stuff streams fine but standard def content can get a little ugly, particularly around colored borders and when viewing on a large screen.

You can read our detailed player reviews here:

Blu-ray Player Reviews

Hope that helps.

-Chris

[Geoff Morrison]

The other, cheaper, option is the Apple TV. It has similar search functions as what's on the PS3. It's a little faster and easier to use than the PS3, but it is only 720p. As currently nearly all the HD content on Netflix (and on iTunes) is 720p, this isn't a huge deal.

[79TVR]

Thank you both. I had not considered the game consoles simply because I don't do any games. And my eyes can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p!