Movie streaming "procedures"?

Gulfstrings

Thinking about getting a BDP with built-in wifi capability so we can access Net Flix movies via our home network.

In discussing this with my niece, she said they use their PS3 to do so otherwise they need to "patch" the signal thru a computer when using their player. Apparently, the PS3 allows for remote/on-screen capability and their BDP (maybe an older machine) doesn't.

If I purchase a BDP with wifi capability built in, will I need to also use a computer to communicate with Net Flix or will the BDP have on-screen guide capability and allow me to do everything via our network from the seat of my pants ... preferred?

Thanks

Glowrdr

Newer BDP's (those specifically stating Netflix capable) will handle everything for you. I'd say half are wi-fi, and the rest are a hard-wired ethernet.

There is no need to get a computer involved - not sure what your neice has going on.

nguyendot

It will work by itself, you don't need a pc.

RuSsMaN

No, it is all in the player, the interface, the software, just connect to your network, sync your machine with your Netflix account, and you are done.

Now as far as browsing and streaming files within your network, my Samsung doesn't have that capability that I have found yet. I can youtube and facebook through apps, etc - but I don't see anything to stream files ON my network.

I will say, I hardly put a disc in anymore, I've been so wrapped up in streaming Netflix, I've opened the drawer exactly twice since Christmas, once for a BR, and once for an audio CD.

*edit - I just accessed the tutorial menu, and there is a video tutorial on how to setup my player to stream from a pc, SWEET!*

Cheers,
Russ

Glowrdr

Just to add to Russ's statement.... You will be able to stream netflix like you were originally speaking of. He (Russman) is talking about DLNA compatible devices, which would allow you to actually stream videos and music from your PC itself (not using the network to stream from a site)

z3r0m4g3

Be mindful of your internet connection when you stream any movie. Your bpm, has to be efficient enough to allow high def. If you dont get 10 mbps, or higher the streaming is usually slow and at times the high def will drop to a standard def pic, or you will wait until the movie buffers and it picks back up. I use my xbox 360, and I get the ESPN channel, and even with 10mbps, it still drops out of high def from time to time.

renowilliams

Here is a link that explains how to stream video using media player in windows 7


http://blogs.msdn.com/b/e7/archive/2009/05/12/media-streaming-with-windows-7.aspx

Gulfstrings

renowilliams wrote: »

Here is a link that explains how to stream video using media player in windows 7

Thank you! This and the other info provided is just what I was looking for. What a forum!

Dave

blueboxer

THe nice thing about the ps3 is that it will be able to decode streamed movies with dolby digital.

Gulfstrings

blueboxer wrote: »

THe nice thing about the ps3 is that it will be able to decode streamed movies with dolby digital.

Does that mean a BDP can't?

Will I need a faster router (currently using an N)?

adam2434

I've read that some BDPs have limited Netflix search/browse functionality, so folks work around this by creating an instant queue on Netflix.com (similar to creating a DVD/Blu-ray queue). The instant queue will then show up when you run Netflix on the BDP.

We just started a Netflix account after Christmas, and I'm surprised by how much we are streaming (mainly the kids). We stream to a Wii, PS3, and the kids' iPod Touches. The streaming has worked flawlessly and the picture quality has been very good, much better than I thought it would be.

renowilliams

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Does that mean a BDP can't?

Will I need a faster router (currently using an N)?

The Sony BDP-S570 will aready have a channel in the video menu of the player that will stream Netfilicks and wireless N is just fine to do this,provided your not going through too many walls etc.... As far as streaming your videos files that are on your computer just do what the link tells you in my previous post and it works great.

As mentioned by someone else. The Sony BDP players are a little limited for search fuctions for Netflicks. You could try the player and see how it works for you, worst case scenario, you wire the computer to your avr and tv from video card and sound card in the computer,for the purpose of netficks.

Pesonally, I feel the ability to play bluray and to access files on both my networked computers makes the sony player worth the investment.


Good Luck

Earthy

If your looking at a BDP, perhaps you should consider a PS3. It can stream Netflix, music, videos and someday you might even want to try a game or two. It's likely going to keep up with enhancements as well as any BDP too.

blueboxer

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Does that mean a BDP can't?

Will I need a faster router (currently using an N)?

From my experience, streaming movies from Netflix via a Apple TV, 360, or BDP, most movies are streamed in stereo rather than surround sound. I noticed movies from Zune have DD/DTS, but for some reason I never got it via Netflix. However, Netflix announced that they would begin streaming movies with surround sound via the PS3 early this year.

TNHNDYMAN

Gulfstream
I recently just started streaming netflix and am very happy, but be aware that not all BDP's have the same interface for accessing Netflix movies. On some you can only choose what's already in your "instant que" which you can setup thru netflix.com on your computer. On some brands you have more capability to pick from various categories such as scifi, animation, tv, recent release, ect... usually each category will have 10-75 titles to choose from. I tried a Vizio from WalMart and it had categories but I took it back and replaced w/ a LG550 (non wireless) and it has the category interface as well. I'm pretty sure some Sony's, Samsungs, and poss Panasonics ONLY have the instant que option. Some retailers such as WalMat and BestBuy allow a 30day return policy if you buy a particular unit and are not satisfied w/ it you can swap for another. As Reno mentioned some BDP's offer DLNA access to your existing computer files for pics or vids. Do some research on which features are most important to you and go for it.

Gulfstrings

Earthy wrote: »

If your looking at a BDP, perhaps you should consider a PS3. It can stream Netflix, music, videos and someday you might even want to try a game or two. It's likely going to keep up with enhancements as well as any BDP too.

No doubt this is an amazing unit but I really have no interest in gaming. Whatever ends up on the shelf will need to do what I "hope" it can do or I'll just wait for the next tech release.

I started to like what I read (and almost understand) about the new Oppo BDP-93, but like gaming, there's no interest here in 3D nor would I expect it to take the place of my CD player.

Work to do ...

danger boy

i got a Wii for X-Mas and it streams Netflix much easier and faster to load up than my blu ray playa

Glowrdr

I just bought the 93 (well, not just - but it's only been out for a month)

It seriously is an amazing unit. Granted, for the price point - some people may be better off buying (2) $250 BDP's. Get one now, and get another in a couple years when something else comes around. Me? I just went all out for the 1 I think is the best. I'd rather not do this every couple of years. It took me this long to buy my first.. lol

Gulfstrings

Glowrdr wrote: »

I just bought the 93 (well, not just - but it's only been out for a month)

It seriously is an amazing unit. Granted, for the price point - some people may be better off buying (2) $250 BDP's. Get one now, and get another in a couple years when something else comes around. Me? I just went all out for the 1 I think is the best. I'd rather not do this every couple of years. It took me this long to buy my first.. lol

Seriously, these things earn more praise than an honest politician! So damn tempting, but I'm (probably too much so) sensitive to buying something more than what I think I need ... the 3D thing.

Are you streaming Net Flix with your Oppo?

Glowrdr

I currently am not. I had credit card in hand, and was on their site and decided against it for now. I'm waiting another couple of weeks and I'm buyng a new TV and receiver, and kind of wanted to get it all done at once. (Right now, I'm afraid picture or sound may ruin my "first impressions" since I'm analog 7.1, and 1080i)

I'm sure there are plenty of people that can directly comment on that though. If not, it would not be the end of the world for me to spend the $7 and find out firsthand for you. Whats a month anyways?

Gulfstrings

Glowdr - Not too sure what I'm hoping for will be found at the end of this process, but I'll keep the faith ... which may very well be answered in the form of the Oppo.

btw, I see you're from M.MN. At the risk of hijacking my own thread, have you ever visited The Podium (six string Mecca) in Dinky Town?

Glowrdr

That I have not. Thought it was a bar at first, till I googled it. lol - I tried to learn the guitar as a kid, but never really got the hang of it.

mutelight

danger boy wrote: »

i got a Wii for X-Mas and it streams Netflix much easier and faster to load up than my blu ray playa

The Wii has very subpar image quality.

For me I use my PS3s because they offer 1080p Netflix streaming and select movies and shows in 5.1.

Roku and Apple TVs are great, cheap, alternatives as well.

As others have mentioned, your connection speed is very important. You will ideally want 6-10mbps for full 1080p streaming.