what would be the cheapest way to stream netflix to my room?

[nageov3t]

once in awhile, I just want to watch tv in bed. I've got an extra flat screen wasting away in my apartment, but I've got no cable outlet in my room and no particular inclination to go through the hassle of getting one put in.

but I'd still like to be able to stream netflix into my bedroom, though.

what are my cheapest options?

it needs to be able to support wifi (much as I don't want to run cable to my bedroom, I also don't feel like running ethernet) and I'd prefer not to use a PC (noise, upkeep, start-up time, etc)

I thought about a second xbox, but figured there had to be cheaper options out there.

 

[EMPshockwave82]

you can stream on the wii too... not sure which one is cheaper

 

[Freshgeardude]

get a blu-ray player with netflix support.

they come with wifi. i think my dad got one for 150ish

 

[sjwaste]

We have a Vizio TV that has wifi and a Netflix app. That's one option, but if you already own the bedroom TV, likely not your cheapest.

Do you have a Wii collecting dust or anything? Or an Ipad? Assuming you don't own anything you can repurpose like one of the above, the Roku HD is $70 from Amazon and has good reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-2000C-HD-...dp_ob_title_ce

 

[Freshgeardude]

you can stream on the wii too... not sure which one is cheaper

wii cant stream hd

 

[DesiPower]

IMHO ROKU HD = $59 is the cheapest option

 

[Freshgeardude]

looks like the roku HD device is the cheapest

 

[Leros]

Another vote for Roku.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

WII is HD?

 

[vi edit]

I've seen some wifi capable blu ray players on Amazon going for under $100 refurbished.

Brand new you can do something like this for around $170.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMP-...1854989&sr=1-2

 

[Leros]

WII is HD?

Wii is 480p if you have the component cables which do not come standard.

 

[Brainonska511]

IMHO ROKU HD = $59 is the cheapest option

I would suggest something in this vein as well - either a Roku, a WD device, or something else like those.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Roku will also stream Amazon free content if you have Prime, and Hulu Plus if you pay for that.

Note for wifi support you need the more expensive models, the $60 version only has wired networking.

 

[TheVrolok]

Roku is probably the cheapest at 60 bucks, like others are saying .. but then all you have is a Roku box. I bought a Wifi enabled Blu-ray player for 100 bucks that also supports Netflix, Pandora, and two other services that I don't use. I love it. DVDs/BRDs, Pandora for music, and Netflix for movies/TV all for 100 bucks.

 

[davmat787]

Roku will also stream Amazon free content if you have Prime, and Hulu Plus if you pay for that.

Note for wifi support you need the more expensive models, the $60 version only has wired networking.

I recently signed up for Prime, whats this about free content for Prime customers? Is it only for Roku or for all Prime members?

 

[DaveSimmons]

I recently signed up for Prime, whats this about free content for Prime customers? Is it only for Roku or for all Prime members?

It's for any device that plays Amazon streaming including PCs and some TV sets.

Go to Amazon.com, look for Unlimited Instant Videos at the top-left of the page.

 

[ponyo]

Roku is probably the cheapest at 60 bucks, like others are saying .. but then all you have is a Roku box. I bought a Wifi enabled Blu-ray player for 100 bucks that also supports Netflix, Pandora, and two other services that I don't use. I love it. DVDs/BRDs, Pandora for music, and Netflix for movies/TV all for 100 bucks.

Tradeoff with the Blu-ray player is the interface is usually clunky, slow, and not very user friendly.

Roku or Apple TV would get my vote. I went with Apple TV because it's small, silent, energy efficient, great interface, and can be hacked to run XBMC and other programs. It complements other Apple devices so if you have an iPod, iPhone, or iPad you can use AirPlay to stream media back and forth between the devices and TV. It's a steal at $99 IMO.

 

[KeithP]

One thing to keep in mind with Netflix streaming devices is that they don't all have the same interface. For instance, some may only give you access to content in your que and require that you fill your que on a PC.

Between a Samsung BD player I used to own and what I current have, a PS3, the Samsung interface was a joke. However, it is possible that newer Samsung models are better.

-KeithP

 

[Leros]

One thing to keep in mind with Netflix streaming devices is that they don't all have the same interface. For instance, some may only give you access to content in your que and require that you fill your que on a PC.

Between a Samsung BD player I used to own and what I current have, a PS3, the Samsung interface was a joke. However, it is possible that newer Samsung models are better.

-KeithP

As an example, Netflix on my Xbox only lets me see the latest 75 movies per category. I can search for anything and get to it that way, but I can only browse those 75 latest.

I can obviously still go to my computer and add anything to my instant queue which will then show up on my Xbox.

 

[davmat787]

It's for any device that plays Amazon streaming including PCs and some TV sets.

Go to Amazon.com, look for Unlimited Instant Videos at the top-left of the page.

Thanks, did not know this. Took advantage of the free Prime trial to get $3.99 next day shipping on my laptop. Ended up using it enough to keep it but have not looked into the other advantages.

 

[Leros]

Roku will also stream Amazon free content if you have Prime, and Hulu Plus if you pay for that.

Note for wifi support you need the more expensive models, the $60 version only has wired networking.

Just an FYI in case anybody is confused. You don't get the streaming content if you have free Amazon Prime for students.

 

[The Stigenator]

RokuHD has built in wireless. I used it until recently when I gave to the gf. It worked fine for almost 2 years. Updateable, nice features.

 

[Ns1]

Jailbroken apple tv with XBMC = $99. Gives you option of playing porn movies off your computer too.

See av forum

 

[lykaon78]

IMHO ROKU HD = $59 is the cheapest option

I believe Netflix is advertising these on their mailers. Sounded reasonable to me too.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Roku or Apple TV