question for Netflix subscribers

9 years ago

I feel so totally silly and stupid for needing help with this, but here goes.

I watch Netflix on my little laptop. I've read you can watch Netflix on your TV, but for the life of me, I can't seem to grasp what it takes to do this.

If you're willing to take the time to explain, please talk to me in very simple terms...remember who you are dealing with here. And thanks from this dense grandma.

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Comments (21)

pam_25f
9 years ago
I hope others chime in. I think you have to purchase a roku, kind of like a small cable box.
lucillle
9 years ago
Yes I have a Roku so I can watch Netflix on my TV. My son set it up for me in a few minutes.
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alisande
9 years ago
Roku is good--the basic model worked for me. Then my DS hooked the living room TV up to a computer, and I watched Netflix that way. My kitchen TV is hooked up to a Blu-Ray player (recertified Sony--cheap!) that streams Netflix. I think you can also watch it via a video game console, but I don't know which one.
sushipup1
9 years ago
Newer TVs (ours is almost 5 years old) are now usually wifi streaming enabled. So we just used our home's wifi, and followed the instructions.
socks
9 years ago
Granlan, LA Times did a review of the streaming boxes available. I've linked it below for you.

I did not read the article as I have an Apple TV box which is working fine. If I understand correctly, the different boxes can offer different "channels." For example, my sister has a Roku but does not have access to Apple movies. She probably has access to things I don't. Someone here correct me if this is wrong.

Of course you still pay your monthly Netflix streaming fee. If I want to watch an iTunes movie, it costs on a per movie basis.

Here is a link that might be useful: streaming devices
ont_gal
9 years ago
first off Lan,silly or stupid you are not :) this modern tech gets the best of us-with that said,all we have to do here is get a USB cable from the computer that matches the television-as far as the boxes others are talking about,I have no idea-good luck tho!
pammyfay
9 years ago
A little Roku will work fine for you, and as Alisande wrote, you really just need the inexpensive basic model. It's super simple to hook up.

You get various "channels" with it, starting with Netflix. "Channels" being ones that air old-time TV shows, TV classics, lots more.

(And I wouldn't worry about not being able to get Apple TV broadcasting. Anything that's on Apple TV is almost certainly to be on Amazon, and there's an "Amazon channel" you can access off the main Roku page. Of course, for Amazon stuff, you have to pay the per-movie fee, but Netflix isn't a totally free service, either. More cost-effective, but not completely free.)

You can order one online on its Website, but a lot of stores -- BJs, Walmart, Cosco, Target, Radio Shack, to start -- also sell it.

Be aware that when you go through the login process once you've hooked the gadget up, they will ask you for credit-card information (the Raku people themselves). But I've read that they will relent if you don't want to do that and call them about it. Netflix will obviously require a credit card for monthly automatic billing.
Shelgal
9 years ago
If you have a Roku, you also need a router (for WiFi) to stream movies on your TV. If you have a smart (newer) TV, you will not need a Roku, but you need WiFi.
naughtykitty
9 years ago
There are many different ways to watch Netflix on the TV, and it depends on how your current equipment is set up.

Some options:
-I have an internet enabled TV. I just push the Netflix button on my remote and it comes up.
- An internet ready DVD player, gaming console, Roku/Apple TV, etc. Some of these are wireless and some need to be plugged into your computer to get the internet
- Plug your computer directly into your TV (use one of the HDMI inputs and choose the new input from your TV settings)

Hope this makes sense for you. Good luck!
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
First of all, thank you for your responses.

With the following information, let's see how this changes the advice already given.

I don't have a newer TV and no cable or dish. I have to use digital converter boxes to watch regular tv.

Currently, I have no other devices except a cheapo DVD player. And I have no WiFi.

I do pay a monthly fee for Netflix on my computer.
naughtykitty
9 years ago
Sounds like you will need to hook your computer up to the TV if you don't want to buy anything new.

This post was edited by naughtykitty on Mon, Aug 25, 14 at 15:21
pattico_gw
9 years ago
we also watch it on our tv through Roku

And....you can watch it on you computer. I have a 21/22 inch computer screen so I watch it on pc a lot.
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm ready to invest in Roku or something so I can enjoy Netflix on a bigger screen; my laptop is not large.

Wonder since I don't have a newer TV if I should just bite the bullet and get Suddenlink cable, and if I do, I'm assuming I'd have what I need to view Netflix on the tv. ???
mare_wbpa
9 years ago
Pretty sure that you can use Roku on older TVs. That's how it was advertised on the home shopping channel from which I bought my Roku. If you can watch Netflix on your computer you must have high speed internet service. A router is alll you would need to get the signal to the Roku.
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
Right now, I have DSL through AT&T. It's fast enough to watch Netflix, but not for other viewing (other tv networks or Hulu) without jumpy video and broken sounds.

I do have a router. It's a long story about why I'm not using it. Good to know I will need it for the Roku.

I'm starting to see a clearer picture in my little old dusty mind, but still wish one of you all were here to guide me as I go forward. Haha.

Thanks again to each and every one who responded.
mare_wbpa
9 years ago
I have a laptop, a router and Roku in another room, hooked up to a 32" flat screen, not a smart TV. The router isn't connected to the laptop, just the cable modem. If you hook up the router , you'll be sending a signal to your computer, unconnected, if you have a wifi enabled computer, plus it will send a signal to your Roku box, connected to your TV, giving you the Netflix, plus many, many other channels, lots free, some pay.
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
Guess I'll be shopping for a Roku box next week.

Thanks mare_wbpa and all the KT folks for your advice and links.

Still doubtful since I don't have a wifi enabled computer or cable tv.

Can you tell I'm still foggy after all this good information?
mare_wbpa
9 years ago
Do an internet search for the Roku to check out prices. There are several models, mine is older and basic. Then go to Best Buy or one of the electronic stores and talk to a sales associate, they are usually very knowledgeable about electronics. He/she might be able to tell you how to set up your system easily, and you can ask questions. Just because you looked in the store doesn't mean that you have to buy. You have the right to shop around.
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
I've already been comparing prices on the internet.

Good to know I can talk to someone who could help me get a better grip on set up, etc.

Thanks again Mare.
chisue
9 years ago
We may want to re-think our whole system before just adding to it. Fewer people -- especially young 'uns -- are buying cable or satelite packages.

Today's Chicago Tribune has a Business Section story about a new DVR option from TiVo: The Roamio OTA. It can record 75 hours of high-def programing. You can access over-the-air broadcasts and stream Netflix and YouTube. It is NOT compatible with cable services.

TiVo is betting that more people will 'cut the cable (or dish) to use streaming and a HD antenna to access programs.

The device is $50, and it's $15/month for service.

TiVo pioneered the DVR in 1999. Early models could record OTA (Over The Air).Then they made cable/dish-connected DVRs. Now they are offering this -- for aerial and/or streaming only -- no cable/satelite connections. (Back to the Future?)

I'd love to eliminate our $100/month DirecTV bill. Is this my chance? (Couldn't do it earlier because we record/watch everything but the news.)
Granlan_TX
Original Author
9 years ago
Hmmm...something to think about. Thanks Chisue.

question for Netflix subscribers

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