It’s impressive that Netflix is so easily managed to make itself an integral member of the family’s living room. More and more people are joining Netflix and growing hooked on the service. What makes this ‘DVD by mail’ service so popular? Three main factors have contributed to the popularity of Netflix. Conveniently priced and up front. Netflix is extremely easy to use and navigate- and affordable thanks to the many potential packages. The third is the very draw on consumers? The ability to stream movies directly to your home. But every system has a very different experience, some flourish where others fail. All of these are listed with a personal game console, Comcast Broadband Internet Connection, and a Belkin Wireless G Router.
Nintendo Wii – Netflix Channel
Available as: Downloadable Channel
Console Price: $199
Service Fee: No
Interface: Excellent
Streaming speed: Very Fast
Visual Quality: Satisfactory
Simply put, the Netflix Channel on the Nintendo Wii was a stroke of genius. With nearly 100 million Wiis sold, the installation base was just asking for Netflix’s support. This is the reason why every week another million hours of Netflix use is wasted on the Nintendo Channel. The interface is superb. Owners just need to point the Wii remote at the screen and the magic watches will come. The Wiimote’s IR pointer makes a fantastic peripheral for scanning through instant movies and controlling them from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re watching animated movies like “Fullmetal Alchemist: Victorious or Shamballa” or something like life-action like “Final War Godzilla”, you will be in good hands.
While streaming in standard definition movies, the speed and efficiency is top-notch. By choosing a movie, you only have to wait about fifteen seconds before the frame plays. Even with a slower connection, you’ll only need to give it a minute or so to adjust before seamless streaming. Channel-Shop Channel- from Wii Channel-Shop- can be downloaded for free and takes space requires a one-time activation code from Netflix account to move My recommendation could not be higher for those interested in using the Wii’s Netflix Channel.
Playstation 3 – Netflix Plug-In
Available as: Firmware Add-on
Console Price: $350
Service Fee: No
Interface: Tolerable
Streaming speed: Slow
Visual Quality: High
The PS3’s Netflix plug-in is a suitable alternative to the Wii’s Netflix Channel, but it comes with some drawbacks. Visually, the PS3 version is very impressive – if we watch on HDTV. If not, it’s simply a hassle. Why? Terrible streaming speed on PS3 from HD format. While the Wii’s Netflix Channel can perform perfectly with a wired or wireless connection, I find myself using a wired connection with the PS3. I don’t want to exaggerate if I say that I can only watch a movie for ten minutes before I have to stop and stream independently. . “Cool World” was playing fine within half a minute on the Wii, often on the PS3.
While the streaming speed is heady, for those looking for HD content – the PS3 doesn’t disappoint. The interface is accessible – the PS3 controller does the job. It’s quite responsive, though not quite as streamlined and straightforward as the Wii version. The Netflix PS3 plug-in is part of a required firmware update and can be found in your menu. Recommended for HDTV owners, but not so much different from the more expensive and slower streaming.
Xbox 360 – Xbox Live Netflix
Available as: XBL Service
Console Price: $300
Service Fee: Yes
Interface: Cluniac
I want to flow: Adequate
Visual Quality: Moderately High
If you just absolutely can’t get your hands on a Wii or PS3, this is going to be a distant third choice. There are some problems that make Xbox Live Netflix unplayable. The biggest offender is the duty fee. Even if you already have a Netflix account, you need to fund Microsoft with $60 a year, paying for Xbox Live to watch movies. While the Xbox 360 had the luxury of having Netflix as its first support, it was this very weakness that sent Nintendo and Sony running.
Besides the hosting fee, there are a few other issues. Because it’s also streaming in HD, it’s not very fast. Why is it rated higher than the PS3? Because out of the box the Xbox 360 lacks wireless support and requires an Internet connection. This alone improves streaming speed but cannibalizes convenience. Not only are you paying extra, but you’ll also need an Xbox 360 Wifi adapter to watch wirelessly? On the positive side, the movie quality is pretty high second only to the PS3’s. Then again, the working channel is clunky. Watching the “Hook” of the headset was unintuitive with the Xbox 360’s menus and controller. This accessible experience has more processing than variety, but it can be a useful option.