Netflix PC or PS3 or Roku Dilemna

viggen · « **on:** 2 Sep 2010, 07:02 pm »

Everytime my relatives come over, they seem a bit bored. Unfortunately, most my relatives are tube heads, and my wife and I hardly watch TV other than some public TV stuff I get from OTA. I have a PC connected to the TV, so I can watch some streaming video and stuff on the harddrive. I also have a PS3 connected that I use mainly as a DVD/Bluray player.

So, I just took notice of a Netflix free trial thingy (I am only interested in the streaming) after reading up a bit about the new Apple TV thingy (I probably don't need it for my purpose). Now I wonder how the membership works in terms of platform flexibility. If I sign up for the trial, can I use it with both my PC and PS3 and then decide one which is better? Or, do I have to decide on one or the other before hand? I know with PS3 that you need some disc acquired from Netflix to get the streaming to work. I'd imagine that a Roku is out of the question since I already have a PC and PS3 connected to the TV.

Hopefully, Netflix streaming content can tie my relatives over until dinner time. But, is Netflix streaming content good? I guess I can figure this part out myself after I sign up for the trial.

So, which platform is best for streaming unlimited content onto TV, PC or PS3? And, are there other alternatives that might be more suitable than Netflix? I like the idea of paying a single low price for unlimited access. I don't think we are pay per view type of people.

Thanks in advance.

eclein · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Sep 2010, 07:14 pm »

I think Netflix is a great bargain..I get blu-ray discs and stream via PS3 all the time, I think I pay 11.65/month and get one disk at a time and all the streaming I can handle anytime...I get a blu-ray, pop it in, watch it and send it back and in between I stream movies via PS3...its the best deal going..its basically unlimited movies in either blu-ray or streaming for pennies a day. One of the only real bargains left out there...enjoy!!

ctviggen · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Sep 2010, 09:02 pm »

Both the PC and PS3 will work well, although the PS3 interface may be a little better. I think the quality is pretty good, although DVDs and certainly Blurays will be better.

JDUBS · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 01:02 am »

Netflix on the PC sucks, much worse quality (decoder and some suspect the bit rate) vs. PS3. I haven't seen the Roku's output, but if you have a PS3, that's a good road to head down.

-Jim

bundee1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 01:34 am »

Ps3 all the way. I have the one disc plus streaming plan and you need at least a consistent 3mbps connection to get HD streaming. Sony and Netflix are working on a discless solution for streaming on the PS3.

timind · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 01:58 am »

My wife was watching Netflix on her ipod touch last night. It streams very well but man that's a small screen.
We are looking at the Roku, Any opinion there?

shawnbaden · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 02:04 am »

Background: I've been a Netflix member since March 2005 and I own an Xbox 360 and a PS3.

First off, in the PC versus PS3 debate, that's not even a contest. Hands down PS3. Moving on.

That said, I've used the Netflix disc in my PS3 2 times. I strictly watch Netflix streaming on my Xbox 360 for one simple reason: ease of use. Turn it on and select Netflix from the dashboard. Done. It's just not convenient to pop in the Netflix disc every time I want to watch. I'm awaiting the day when Netflix comes baked into the PS3 firmware. On the flip side, I exclusively use the PS3 for watching DVDs and Blu-rays.

So with that as a background, for only $69 for the Roku HD with HDMI out, I'd be tempted to pick that up just because it's a more dedicated box (i.e. no disc).

Either way, PS3 or Ruku box, you win. But I wouldn't even consider using Netflix via a PC.

shawnbaden · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 03:22 am »

Quote from: timind on 3 Sep 2010, 01:58 am

My wife was watching Netflix on her ipod touch last night. It streams very well but man that's a small screen.
We are looking at the Roku, Any opinion there?

For either $69 or $99 (I'd skip the none-HDMI $59 version) it's hard to go wrong. From this review:

http://www.technobuffalo.com/blog/reviews/review-netflix-20-for-roku/

I found this comment very useful:

Quote

Having tried Netflix streaming on the Xbox 360, the original Roku interface and the iPad, this is easily the best interface of the ones I’ve tried.

Another nice feature of the Roku is Amazon Video On Demand.

johsti · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 03:45 am »

I'm surprised by the replies recommending the ps3. Yes, it will play netflix fine, but a good HTPC will play netflix and much, much more. I would highly recommend the pc over a ps3 and I own both. No comparison if the hardware and software are up to snuff. An i3 htpc is affordable and will offer much more than the ps3 if you have some time to put into it and games aren't your primary concern.

edit - forgot to mention hulu and bit torrents with the htpc should you miss an episode. Hulu won't work on ps3 unless they offer a subscription which is not free.

2nd edit - the instant play with netflix has limited content. It works in a pinch, but don't expect a huge selection of movies that you actually want to watch.

JDUBS · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 03:58 am »

Quote from: johsti on 3 Sep 2010, 03:45 am

I'm surprised by the replies recommending the ps3. Yes, it will play netflix fine, but a good HTPC will play netflix and much, much more. I would highly recommend the pc over a ps3 and I own both. No comparison if the hardware and software are up to snuff. An i3 htpc is affordable and will offer much more than the ps3 if you have some time to put into it and games aren't your primary concern.

edit - forgot to mention hulu and bit torrents with the htpc should you miss an episode. Hulu won't work on ps3 unless they offer a subscription which is not free.

2nd edit - the instant play with netflix has limited content. It works in a pinch, but don't expect a huge selection of movies that you actually want to watch.

The question was about Netflix, specifically. Obviously the HTPC has more functionality. Netflix on an HTPC is awful. Been there done that....never going back.

Long thread on avsforum.com about the crappy quality of Netflix streaming via HTPC. Maybe one day they will fix the issues.

-Jim

johsti · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 06:40 am »

The picture quality of either the ps3 or htpc streaming netflix is not going to win any awards. Rent the bluray disc if you want quality video. Like I said before, the instant play library is currently limited anyways, and is more of a instant gratification perk included with your subscription, IMHO. Get the HTPC setup and enjoy everything else it has to offer which the PS3 can't do. To be honest, I never noticed a huge difference between streaming netflix on the ps3 compared to the htpc, but I'm more concerned with audio than video.

Viggen asked about other streaming content besides netflix which is why I mentioned Hulu. Something the PS3 can't do without some workarounds (playon) or a subscription.

ctviggen · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 10:45 am »

Quote from: shawnbaden on 3 Sep 2010, 02:04 am

Background: I've been a Netflix member since March 2005 and I own an Xbox 360 and a PS3.

First off, in the PC versus PS3 debate, that's not even a contest. Hands down PS3. Moving on.

That said, I've used the Netflix disc in my PS3 2 times. I strictly watch Netflix streaming on my Xbox 360 for one simple reason: ease of use. Turn it on and select Netflix from the dashboard. Done. It's just not convenient to pop in the Netflix disc every time I want to watch. I'm awaiting the day when Netflix comes baked into the PS3 firmware. On the flip side, I exclusively use the PS3 for watching DVDs and Blu-rays.

So with that as a background, for only $69 for the Roku HD with HDMI out, I'd be tempted to pick that up just because it's a more dedicated box (i.e. no disc).

Either way, PS3 or Ruku box, you win. But I wouldn't even consider using Netflix via a PC.

I watch Netflix via PC (Dell Zino) all the time and thinks it's a suitable medium. I won't watch action flicks via Netflix, as I'd rather watch them via Bluray, but I've watched a ton of other movies on Netflix and the quality seems perfectly fine.

viggen · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 07:12 pm »

Thank you for all your comments.

When you guys are saying you are experiencing bad video quality when Netflix streaming via PC but not via PS3, is this a PC hardware issue or a Netflix issue? I will go read up on the AVS forum about this shortly myself.

FWIW, my PC is pretty old, Dual Core 950 3ghz with 3gb ram, but has a fairly new video card, HD 4650 520 ram with HDMI out. My PC is pumping out very good videos even BR files on harddrive is no sweat. From most video streaming sources, the video is good enough (close to dvd quality from most anime sites I go to).

And, my internet is 15mps cable. So, bandwidth shouldn't be an issue.

And, I just want to make sure that once I suscribe, I can use any machine I to view Netflix content right? It's not like I am locked into one designated "box" like Dish network?

eclein · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 07:31 pm »

All you need is Internet access, it doesn't matter to netflix how you playback the files. I use PS3 wired via ethernet but have used the same PS3 wirelessly when I take it with me to visit my kids.

GHM · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 10:47 pm »

I also use netflix through PC and Xbox. Both work just fine..depended on the video. Some videos have streaming issues. Most play just fine though. Hands down the best picture quality is through my HTPC.

wushuliu · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 10:57 pm »

I use the Roku. The PQ is terrific and is only limited by your internet connection. Another real plus w/ the Roku is the interface. They released new software this summer that lets you search Netflix, provides 'similar' recommended titles in different tiers, and basically operates like the actual Netflix web page. It's a very slick UI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFJY8uM15c&feature=fvsr

nicksgem10s · « **Reply #16 on:** 3 Sep 2010, 11:07 pm »

The newest PS3 units are a substantial improvement over the early units. My new PS3 does not sound like a jet engine like the older units did. Netflix bluray is where it is at with the bonus of more streaming content than any family can possibly utilize. It is pretty cool to browse available titles and try some different movies. I have watched many more foreign films since I have had Netflix streaming.

JDUBS · « **Reply #17 on:** 4 Sep 2010, 12:07 am »

Actually, I take back what I said earlier. Picture quality of Netflix streaming via PC is fine! Great even.......on my Dell Mini 9's screen.

Otherwise it sucks.

Just use a PS3 or maybe a Roku. Anything but a PC.

-Jim

NekoAudio · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Sep 2010, 01:24 am »

Didn't see one part of the OP's question answered: device limits or management.

Basically, your one Netflix account can have multiple devices associated with it. I believe the current limit is six devices. That includes PCs, iPhones/iPads, game consoles, set-top boxes, etc. Each is one device.

But I think the lowest priced plan only lets you use the PC and has a streaming time limit. On the other plans, you can use non-PC devices and streaming is unlimited.

If you ever want to activate another device and you're already at your limit, you can go to the web site and deactivate one of the previous ones. Then activate the new one.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Sep 2010, 05:02 am »

Quote from: timind on 3 Sep 2010, 01:58 am

My wife was watching Netflix on her ipod touch last night. It streams very well but man that's a small screen.

If you think that screen is small, try the screen on a Iphone4...it is tiny but my children love it. The most incredible thing to be able to watch movies via a cellphone.