Windows 8 - Netflix App or WMC plug-in? - Page 2

For what it's worth, if you have a Netflix "Open Connect" capable ISP, you definitely want to be using the Windows 8 version, because that supports SuperHD:

http://support.netflix.com/en/node/8731#gsc.tab=0

Edit: Oops, apparently someone mentioned that already.

My partial solution to netflix integration that satisfies me will be my display. I am looking at a sharp tv with netflix supports that has super hd stuff (I dont even like netflix because i am quality nut, i prefer to grab everything on blu, but other people here enjoy it) and if you have a universal remote capable or touch screen you can customize it to launch apps over top of xbmc or whatever and access it all with one remote.

If you have a simpler setup you could even use pulse 8 hdmi device so you could use your tv remote to control xbmc and your tv along with the apps.

Edit-I realize this idea might not have made much sense, but what I am basically saying is if your running an htpc the best currentl solution imo rather then using a separate windows program which require a mouse and keyboard is to use the display (tv) itself for Netflix if thats an option. Many displays like sharp tvs have a popup or overlay menu that calls up things like netflix and vudu and pandora. I tried it on my neighbors and brought my htpc over just to test, and the apps popup with a nice clear overlay at the bottom of screen while xbmc is still being shown on the screen.

This would be imo the closest we see to htpc netflix integration right at the display level.
Edited by Murilo - 1/14/13 at 6:13am

Just as an FYI, the Netflix Windows 8 app was updated today, and now it outputs 5.1 Dolby Digital + for shows that support it (if connected via HDMI at least).

I'm pretty surprised they added this. In fact, the Windows 8 app seems to take advantage of the highest quality Netflix streams possible (1080p and 5.1). It's even getting the new "Super HD" streams. If only you could navigate it with a directional pad

you don't need KBM. you can also use a touch device like a Windows 8 or Windows RT tablet or you can use a newer touch pad that supports Windows 8/RT gestures. or you can use a Windows Phone. And there's rumors of doing SmartGlass stuff which means you can use any touch device.

What's the list of involved ISPs?
VZ Fios is not, apparently.

Cable Vision and Google Fiber.

just saw another new Windows Store app version of Netflix get pushed out. anyone know what changes in this version?

Acer Revo 3610 running W8. Hands Down Winner = The App. Better than browser and WMC version (at 1080p).


EDIT: I just tested it again @ 720p and was told by Windows that I can't run the app at that resolution but the WMC plug-in and the browser version work fine, so being as this W8 machine is going to be paired with a 720p 32" set I guess the WMC version is it.
Edited by olyteddy - 1/30/13 at 3:18pm

Most metro apps (especially the ones that play video) won't run on 720p resolution. You need 1376x768 minimum. Some kind of Win8 limitation.

I can play videos from the Windows Store Netflix app on my 1280x1024 monitor. How do I check if the stream is 720P or not?

720p is 1280x720 only. If your TV is 720p only, don't even try to use Win8 on it unless you can send 1080p signal to your TV.

Them are some pretty strong words. And why would that be? Media Center and all the other actual 'Windows' (desktop) stuff works fine. So what if the 'app' crap doesn't work...As I mentioned before 720p is a match made in heaven on a two core Atom with an Ion graphics set. Especially with a 'leaner, meaner' Windows.

that is the question you will have to ask Microsoft. I have encountered it twice on two different win8 machines.

but you said that the resolution had to be at least 1366x768

Actually 1024X768 (1366x768 to 'snap' apps) is the minimum for the start page app crap. The desktop works fine in 1280X720 (720p) and since WMC runs from the desktop it also works at 720p.

I just discovered the ability to enable DD+ 5.1 on Win 8 Netflix. Fantastic! Only problem is that it seems to be locally decoded as my receiver sees 5.1 PCM. Is anyone actually bitstreaming DD+? I'm a little confused because I thought Windows 8 didn't come with a Dolby decoder unless you bought the Media Center Pack.

Windows 8 includes Dolby technologies out of the box. Purchasing the Windows Media Center add on activates those Dolby technologies for use in Microsoft applications (WMC, WMP, etc). Third party companies (Netflix in this case) can (need to) license Dolby technologies so that they can be used in their own third party apps, whether or not the WMC addon is installed.

Came here for the exact same reason, watched House of cards with the Metro app, and sure enough, my receiver (Anthem mrx300) shows the audio as DD+ (bitstream). I got the wmc addon for win8, but I uninstalled it a few days ago. Much more happy with XBMC (with hdmi-cec) than with wmc on win 8. RIP WMC....

As with remote support for the Metro app, I use this one http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3586995 with great success

Interesting, just to follow up: I tried "House of Cards" and low and behold my receiver sees DD+. When watching everything else it sees 5.1 PCM. I sort of expected that all source material would be remuxed into a DD+ stream.

I think you can configure Win8 to lauch Media Center on startup. Look at what this fellow is doing to boot to the desktop - you can configure a task that's triggered by startup or login. Just substitute the command line for MCE, %windir%\ehome\ehshell.exe.

As for Netflix, there are issues with the Metro App and older graphics w/ legacy drivers. Certain connections - HDMI maybe? - can cause hangs if the app doesn't detect a fully compliant driver. Something to do with copyright protection. I am torn because the legacy ATI drivers for my old on-mobo chipset looks better and allows me to scale the display (Catalyst), but the netflix app hangs at 97%, or gives me connection errors (even though my internet connection is fine).

I watched House of Cards last night on MCE. MCE and web netflix don't seem to care about DRM or legacy drivers.

There are some Win8 forums with threads about work-arounds for legacy display drivers if anyone is having that issue . . .

Did a random test just now, the latest Sherlock Holmes movie and an old episode of Californication. Both shows DD+

That is probably because those two can only receive SD streams.

I just did a test on my Surface RT connected to my HT system. The Netflix player on it won't playback any 5.1 audio, only stereo.My other x86 Win8 laptops do output DD+.

Substituting ehshell.exe will not work.

The Netflix app supports keyboard commands for most functions. There are multiple programs that can map your remote to keyboard commands(only when netflix is active) my favorite is Eventghost.

Arrow Keys to navigate.

Enter to select.

Space to Play/Pause.

I have to send a stop media command to stop.

Anyone figure out how to go back a page? The only way I can find to do this is to hit the <-- button in the top left with my mouse.

you can install the Catalyst Suite that comes with that legacy 12.6 driver. just don't use the 12.6 driver itself. when you run the installer, select all the options and DESELECT/UNCHECK the driver. use the Windows 8 driver for your legacy ATI card with the Catalyst Suite to control your display.

I did that for my old ATI cards.

And EPB Fiber Optics in Chattanooga. I can get a 1Gb/s up/down connection for $350 a month. The minimum speed you can get is 50Mb/s up/down.


Sorry, I just like to brag about that every now and then.
Edited by Puwaha - 2/3/13 at 1:59am

Tried it with trigger = log on. It launches, although not instantaneously, and I have to select the desktop from the "Tiles" screen to get to it.
What if I had another task to switch to the desktop first (or second)?

To configure a task, I had to go the Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools. The method suggested by the TechRepublic bogger (search for "schedule") did not work for me.

Running Win8 Pro w/ MCE, 64-bit version.

I should have been more descriptive than "will not work" sorry. As you said, it does launch but it launches behind the Metro screen, it does not get rid of the Metro screen on boot the way launching "explorer.exe" does. Also, once you click to the desktop from Metro, even if you had ehshell.exe open behind it in fullscreen mode, it is still behind the taskbar.

If you had another task that switched to the desktop and then launched ehshell.exe, that might work but I haven't tried it.

I'm pretty sure I know a way to programmatically do it but I'm still in the process of building my Win8 development machine so I haven't tested it yet.