Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I have an LCD flat screen tv (non-smart/internet) that I would like to view Netflix on.
I am wondering what's the cheapest way to add the capabilities to watch netflix on this tv.
Is there a cable that I can run to hook up my ipad to tv and control from my ipad? I know I can get netflix with Apple TV, but don't want to spend $100,
I'm also looking for a rather user friendly way too.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
A
I am wondering what's the cheapest way to add the capabilities to watch netflix on this tv.
Is there a cable that I can run to hook up my ipad to tv and control from my ipad? I know I can get netflix with Apple TV, but don't want to spend $100,
I'm also looking for a rather user friendly way too.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
A
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Try a Roku, if you have wireless in your house. Simple to use, works great. Has other options besides Netflix.
L.
L.
You can get what you want, or you can just get old. (Billy Joel, "Vienna")
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I think this would be the cheapest solution since you have the iPad to control it:
http://www.google.com/chrome/devices/chromecast/
http://www.google.com/chrome/devices/chromecast/
- TomatoTomahto
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
If you have an open HDMI input and suitable wifi, buy an Amazon Fire TV stick (normally $39).
ETA: I like Roku also, but this is cheaper.
ETA: I like Roku also, but this is cheaper.
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Have very good wifi in the house, watch netflix constantly on my smart tv located in a different room.
How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
If you have an android tablet or smart phone get a Chromecast, should be about $25-$30 and you can pick them up at Best Buy or online. The Android Tablet or Phone acts as the remote control but the Chromecast opens the network connections so it doesn't drain your device's battery.
Otherwise a Roku Stick or Fire Stick are also good choices, the best interface is Apple TV but it also is the most expensive at 2.5 times the cost of a Chromecast and twice what a Roku Stick will cost.
Otherwise a Roku Stick or Fire Stick are also good choices, the best interface is Apple TV but it also is the most expensive at 2.5 times the cost of a Chromecast and twice what a Roku Stick will cost.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Look on the back, you should have slots named HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and you may have an HDMI 3 on the side. A cable box / sat, and blu-ray player will each consume a HDMI port. If you don't have any open HDMI ports you can get an HDMI switch from newegg or even walmart that gives you more ports so you don't have to plug / unplug cables.How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Look at all the holes on your TV that you can plug things into. Look for one that says "HDMI" on it. If there's nothing plugged into it, you have an open HDMI input.Allan12 wrote:Have very good wifi in the house, watch netflix constantly on my smart tv located in a different room.
How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I use my Blu-ray player to stream wirelessly. Works well.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
toto238 wrote:Look at all the holes on your TV that you can plug things into. Look for one that says "HDMI" on it. If there's nothing plugged into it, you have an open HDMI input.Allan12 wrote:Have very good wifi in the house, watch netflix constantly on my smart tv located in a different room.
How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
I feel really stupid...thought open hdmi referred to software that the tv may have not the simple hdmi inputs.
Thanks for the help everyone, on my way to bestbuy to pick one up. $29.99
- TomatoTomahto
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I have Apple TV, which works well, but doesn't connect to Amazon. Its major advantage (before I started using Unlocator.com) is that it bypassed the Netflix/Verizon p***ing contest of a few months back.Quickfoot wrote:Otherwise a Roku Stick or Fire Stick are also good choices, the best interface is Apple TV but it also is the most expensive at 2.5 times the cost of a Chromecast and twice what a Roku Stick will cost.
Last edited by TomatoTomahto on Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
- TomatoTomahto
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Partly my fault; I could have said available HDMI port and made it easierAllan12 wrote:I feel really stupid...thought open hdmi referred to software that the tv may have not the simple hdmi inputs.
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Happens to me regularly on this forum, which is why it's one of my favorites. I have no desire to be the smartest guy in the room.Allan12 wrote: I feel really stupid...
Cheapest way to watch Netflix is on a TV with wireless capability or get a Google Chromecast if you have a TV with HDMI input that isn't internet friendly..
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I do apologize if my comment made you feel stupid. Certainly not my intention. But I'm glad we found a solution.Allan12 wrote:toto238 wrote:Look at all the holes on your TV that you can plug things into. Look for one that says "HDMI" on it. If there's nothing plugged into it, you have an open HDMI input.Allan12 wrote:Have very good wifi in the house, watch netflix constantly on my smart tv located in a different room.
How would I find out if I have open hdmi input?
I feel really stupid...thought open hdmi referred to software that the tv may have not the simple hdmi inputs.
Thanks for the help everyone, on my way to bestbuy to pick one up. $29.99
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I use a Blu-ray player for Netflix too. Bought a Sony, very happy with it.anonenigma wrote:I use my Blu-ray player to stream wirelessly. Works well.
Francis
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." |
Dale Carnegie
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Chromecast works very well.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I agree, I have Apple TV, Roku, and XBox, and a Chromecast. Apple TV is by far the most responsive and intuitive design (and I HATE apple) but they do lock you into Netflix, Hulu and iTunes, while I prefer open systems my wife prefer's Apple TV's interface . Google's TV device looks interesting but I haven't had a chance to try it.I have Apple TV, which works well, but doesn't connect to Amazon. Its major advantage (before I started using Unlocator.com) is that it bypassed the Netflix/Verizon p***ing contest of a few months back.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Google Chromecast for ~ $40.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I'd go with a Chromecast as well. You can control it from your Ipad, and it will also allow you to cast other apps as well.(HBO Go, WatchESPN, etc.) I have both it and an Amazon Fire Stick, but I've used the Chromecast a lot more.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Cheapest is probably Chromecast, but you need a tablet/phone to control.
Fire Stick will will work with their remote. Might be able to cast as well.
Don't overlook PS3, Wii or XBOX if you already have a device that will support Netflix.
Older/Used Roku boxes are also cheap.
Fire Stick will will work with their remote. Might be able to cast as well.
Don't overlook PS3, Wii or XBOX if you already have a device that will support Netflix.
Older/Used Roku boxes are also cheap.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Cheapest way to watch netflix is for free. Do any friends or family already have an account? You can legally share your account to multiple devices. It is part of the subscription.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Connect your laptop with the tv. All you need the is appropriate cable.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/lapto ... p-tv-hdmi/
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/lapto ... p-tv-hdmi/
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
If you already have a wifi signal in your house/apartment, I'd recommend the cheapest Roku at $49. It's very simple to use, handles Netflix [and many many other services. I've used it for 3 years and have been very happy with it.
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Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
The cheapest way to watch netflix is out of your existing computer. If your laptop has HDMI as well as your TV, plug the cable in and go. Else, but a cheap adapter from VGA to whatever adapter your tv has.
Yes, Roku, Fire, Chromecast are all cheap, but not as cheap as using something you already have!
Yes, Roku, Fire, Chromecast are all cheap, but not as cheap as using something you already have!
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Hahaha, that was my exact thought when I saw the thread title. I was worried about the subscription cost (~$100/year) rather than the cost of the device used to play it.mathwhiz wrote:Cheapest way to watch netflix is for free. Do any friends or family already have an account? You can legally share your account to multiple devices. It is part of the subscription.
If we're talking about devices:
- Your existing computer, tablet, or cell phone may have an HDMI output. If so, you can connect it to the TV with a cheap HDMI cable. Or just watch it on the portable device.
- I have and like the Chromecast.
- I also have a Panasonic Blu-Ray player with Netflix capability.
- AppleTV is also a possibility, although more expensive than a lot of other devices. I bought and returned one. I have a slower Internet connection and I was not happy with the way the AppleTV streamed over the slower connection compared to other devices.
If we're talking about the account:
- Sharing with friends/family, although Netflix now has streaming tiers which will cap the number of simultaneous streams. I'm not sure whether this complies with their terms of service.
- Personally, I pay for a month or two at a time, watch what I want, and cancel the subscription. It's cheap entertainment, but they make it easy to cancel when you reach the point that there's nothing to watch.
- I have seen blog/forum posts about how to obtain multiple free trial periods, with Netflix as well as other subscription services. Ethically, this is questionable. Even ignoring that concern, the methods I have seen described look like a lot of headache for the potential to save a couple of bucks.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I just bought myself a refurbished Roku stick for the same price as Chromecast from Amazon. Don't overlook the option of getting it for cheap as refurbished, or used from Amazon Warehouse deals, or from Craigslist.
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
I love my Chromecast! Currently $29.99 on Amazon (support the forum!).
Re: Cheapest Way to Watch Netflix
Turns out I price matched in BestBuy for $29.99.The529guy wrote:I love my Chromecast! Currently $29.99 on Amazon (support the forum!).
Thanks for all the help everyone!