Cheap device for netflix (preferably HD)

I just didn't find plex that useful. I found it slow, didn't like how tagging or aspect ratio's, or even subtitles where handled. The TV and the cable box had plex clients, as did the NowTV. I just didn't like it. I tried with the server on the laptop, and then a dedicated PC. Just all seemed too much effort for nothing better in return. In the end (for me) Netflix and my cable box do it all much better, or day to day stuff.

The HD is a library of our own content. It handy where the content isn't available anywhere else, or there's no network/internet access.

I don't watch that much content that I need it in every room in the house. I've actually gone the reverse removing TV's from some rooms, and limiting/controlling what content is available. I don't want the kids games on my TV. I don't want my content in the kids room.

I don't get the vitriol for Smart TV. Buy a better TV and its generally got smart features. Why not explore what it can do. Doesn't matter if its a TV, Rasberry Pi or any device. The clients for your service, (or the hardware performance) may not be all the same. For example the performance via the WiFi on the NowTV box wasn't great. Got the NowTV app on the TV, which then could use Ethernet and performance was greatly improved. However the YouTube client on my phone and table are much better so I could use DNLA to the TV.

I just use what ever works.
 
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OspreyO said:
I just didn't find plex that useful. I found it slow, didn't like how tagging or aspect ratio's, or even subtitles where handled. The TV and the cable box had plex clients, as did the NowTV. I just didn't like it. I tried with the server on the laptop, and then a dedicated PC. Just all seemed too much effort for nothing better in return. In the end (for me) Netflix and my cable box do it all much better, or day to day stuff.

The HD is a library of our own content. It handy where the content isn't available anywhere else, or there's no network/internet access.

I don't watch that much content that I need it in every room in the house. I've actually gone the reverse removing TV's from some rooms, and limiting/controlling what content is available. I don't want the kids games on my TV. I don't want my content in the kids room.

I don't get the vitriol for Smart TV. Buy a better TV and its generally got smart features. Why not explore what it can do. Doesn't matter if its a TV, Rasberry Pi or any device. The clients for your service, (or the hardware performance) may not be all the same. For example the performance via the WiFi on the NowTV box wasn't great. Got the NowTV app on the TV, which then could use Ethernet and performance was greatly improved. However the YouTube client on my phone and table are much better so I could use DNLA to the TV.

I just use what ever works.
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I have built two home cinemas and tried probably all options for media content...What I have now works flawlessly. I have a HP micro-server with all the media on. And this pumps all the content around the house...I have chromecast connected to every TV and everyone uses these to watch what they want using the PLEX App on their phones..I have a HTPC in my man cave and use PLEX on it...It works great...All my content displays perfectly.

Of course if your Media library is not named correctly or managed properly then you will run into problems...But this is not the fault of PLEX this is user error... I have my library on my server managed properly. TV shows are in server\videos\TV shows for example. Music Lossless are in server\music\music lossless I love the fact I can lock content for each user profile...So Violent movies etc...cannot be accessed by the kids...so I'm not sure what you were doing....It seems to me that you have stuff on the HDD not managed correctly...

I use PLEX and its flawless...Its a central library I can manage from any device or browser.I can delete stuff add stuff and lock stuff down. I have never used Smart TV features...They're mostly crap.
 
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Apple TV is £59 and works beautifully. Also gives you AirPlay without having to rely on an third-party app that may or may not work in the future.
 
Chromecast is only 720p isn't it?

Either way, the Chromecast is excellent as a "just works" device, and if you want to spend a bit more for something more independent and feature rich then the Fire TV is fantastic.

I've got both.
 
Skeeter said:
Chromecast is only 720p isn't it?

Either way, the Chromecast is excellent as a "just works" device, and if you want to spend a bit more for something more independent and feature rich then the Fire TV is fantastic.

I've got both.
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They've just introduced 1080p to tab casting from Chrome. I would assume in that case that it will soon be heading to Netflix casts.
 
easyrider said:
Once setup its last hassle than plugging in a USB drive every time.:p

Netflix is good..But the content is limited...
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I think our idea of hassle might differ slightly

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13117840&postcount=3

The OT tropic was cheap netflix. If you're getting a netflix box one with USB isn't that much extra. Whereas two PC's and all that entails is a big leap from that. But "cheap" is a relative term.

robfosters said:
Has to be this. So simple and the Netflix interface on a tablet is far easier to navigate imo than one on the TV.
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If you have a tablet/smartphone (and right version of android). If you don't then something with a remote is cheaper. But I agree its all about the version of the client you have on your device. Which kinda makes the apps on smart TV a lot less useful, as they'll never be kept up to date like mainstream media box.
 
Skeeter said:
Chromecast is only 720p isn't it?

Either way, the Chromecast is excellent as a "just works" device, and if you want to spend a bit more for something more independent and feature rich then the Fire TV is fantastic.

I've got both.
Click to expand...

Chromecast will grab the 1080p version on netflix wherever possible.
May drop down due to bandwidth or the version that's available being lower, but it'll try for 1080p

Try streaming this to it. It'll show you the resolution and bitrate it's grabbing.

http://www.netflix.com/WiPlayer?movieid=70136810
 
Also if you are getting the hd or superhd check the download cap you have with your broadband provider. Especially others are using it kids etc. If your bb is unlimited you'll probably stay under the limit.
 
apple at the moment have refurb apple tv's for £49, might grab one at that price
the chromecast seems ok, but i dont want to stream stuff from phone/pc etc to it
 
I've got a WDTV, 360 and a Chromecast and use the Chromecase 99% of the time as its so easy.
A couple of gripes though:
Occasional disconnects. Only seems to happen if its not been used for a while and a quick power off/on usually sorts it. Frustrating though.
No support for UnblockUS. The DNS settings are locked so no different regions of Netflix for moi. In fact thats pretty much what I use my WDTV for exclusively. :(
Still, for 30 quid...
 
shatpank81 said:
apple at the moment have refurb apple tv's for £49, might grab one at that price
the chromecast seems ok, but i dont want to stream stuff from phone/pc etc to it
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I'd be the same. I want a remote for the kids etc. Also want Full HD. Which I'd be happier on an ethernet connection.
 
easyrider said:
You don't stream stuff from your phone or tablet...the chromecast is doing all the streaming.
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You can though if you purchase BubbleUPnP.

I've used it to stream from my server via a smb shared folder via the phone which transcoded the audio into a supported format in real time and then to the chromecast.

Wouldn't say it's the most reliable method though. Works better for things stored locally on the phone.
 
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