Best possible Netflix streaming device

Originally Posted by mproper

The Roku was updated to support 1080p/5.1. It currently doesn't get those streams from Netflix though so it's still stuck with 720p/stereo from Netflix.

As it stands today, the PS3 is still the best streamer (since it's the only one that does 1080p/5.1).

That doesn't mean they won't announce 1080p/5.1 for other devices an hour from now (or it could be days, weeks, months, etc). CES starts tomorrow, so hopefully we'll hear some stuff regarding the other devices over the next few days....maybe.

Originally Posted by Charles R

Best based on what? I found the LG players had way too much edge enhancement and their image looked far too coarse. When comparing the PS3 (including the latest release) to several other streamers it lacked detail... such the building's column in the open scene of 24 (in HD). I even preferred the Apple TV to it.

The TiVo Premiere does a very good job with Netflix and you can display native resolution if you wish to use a scaler (or it will do the scaling). The line of Western Digital streamers do a nice job such as the WD TV Live Plus/HUB. Also both of the Insignia (Best Buy) Blu-ray players are better than most.

Since the TiVo does such a nice job I haven't tried the Roku. However when the Apple TV came out I saw a few reviews (along with images) that compared them and the Apple TV had more detail.

Originally Posted by syracuse26.2

I bought the original Roku box and have upgraded to a new Apple TV. My biggest complaint with the Roku was the interface, which I feel is the Apple TV's biggest strength.

Though the interface is vastly improved with the new software (the previous version was limited to just your instant queue) it still seemed a bit clunky and slow and still was difficult to discover content. The new Rokus keep the same interface, but it may run faster on the upgraded hardware.

Being able to stream 1080p sounds great, but I do wonder how much additional bandwidth it requires compared to 720p. I have a decent cable internet connection in the downtown of a mid sized city, but occasionally have issues streaming netflix without interruption. Also, is any device displaying a true 1080p netflix stream, or is it just merely upscaling the 720p to 1080?

I am pleased with the video quality in both devices, but then again I do not expect to much out of any streaming service. For me, a streaming service is all about convenience and when I want quality, I watch a BD.

Originally Posted by michaeltscott

It's possible that you are getting 1080p on some streams on the PS3 (and currently only on the PS3). Look at the description of a title in the PS3 player's browser and if it says "5.1" it may have an available 1080p encoding as well. You can find some known streams with 5.1 sound and (some of us think) 1080p encodings in the "Official Netflix Watch Instantly 5.1/1080p Title List". It's not comprehensive, but it's slowly growing as people report "5.1"-labelled titles they find. (You may have to enable 5.1 sound for some of the titles; on the title's menu is an "audio and subtitles" submenu in which you can enable the 5.1 track).

Something else you might try on the PS3 is its Vudu player. Vudu is a pay-per-viewing-period streaming VOD service whose highest quality streams, called "HDX", are impressive. Install the app and register for the service and they'll give you $6 credit, enough to rent a new release title in HDX. Unfortunately, you have to download the VUDU player. Go to the PSN column of the XMB and choose "What's New", then select "VUDU HD Movies" to download the app and install it.

Originally Posted by zzdocxx

Great thread, I will be getting super hi-speed cable internet service and want to get something to use with Netflix.

I'll introduce one other variable, I discovered that there are several blu-ray players that can also stream Netflix.

Have you considered this?

To those more experienced users, are there pros/cons to having a unit that combines both blu-ray and streaming functions? Is the PQ comparable?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by thebard

I'll jump in here... I just purchased & hooked up an Oppo bdp-93. Previously I had been streaming Netflix on the Wii. First impressions:

Wii advantages: Ease in setup (super simple network connection); interface (can navigate up/down through categories when browsing, includes search function).

Oppo advantages: Picture quality (the wii is not & won't ever be HD); ability to use universal remote; better integration in a home theater environment.

The ability to use the IR remote & program it to my universal remote was a big selling point for me; I hated having to switch to the game console to watch movies, and the tracking with the wii/sensor bar was annoying if I was watching off to the side or too far from the screen; enough so that I was willing to give up the search function. The interfaces are comparable otherwise - on the Oppo you use the "up" button and then navigate across tabs to change categories.

I also noticed that the audio levels between streaming/disc matched much better on the Oppo than on the Wii.

The Oppo connection took a little setup... the player comes with a usb wifi receiver and a usb extension, so you can position for best reception. This is something to look for if going with wireless and a blu-ray solution, as a blu-ray player is more likely to be mounted in a rack or cabinet than a game console, and interfence could be an issue. Once set, the connection has been pretty reliable.

The Oppo does not have more than 2-channel audio for Netflix at this point (nor do any other blu-ray players... only the PS3 so far), but it has the capability, so it could be implemented down the line. Just keep in mind that many of the features/selling points are like that; they depend on *Netflix*, and what they are willing to push (resolution, 5.1 audio, interface), and not so much on the receiving device.