How to Improve Your Xbox 360 Netflix Connection

In 2009, Netflix revolutionized home movie watching by offering streaming video, which allows users to instantly stream movies to their television or computer. Previously, Netflix only allowed for movie rentals via mail. Streaming allows users to browse Netflix's vast movie catalog and add movies instantly to a queue, which can begin playing in seconds, in most cases. In reality, however, some users experience a streaming lag, poor video quality or a failure of the video to start at all, making the Netflix experience less than revolutionary.

How to Improve Your Xbox 360 Netflix Connection

Go Wired

If you are using a wireless connection, switching to a wired one can improve your Xbox 360 Netflix connection due to less interference and higher bandwidth limitations. This may also improve your overall Xbox Live performance.

Connect Your Xbox to Your Router

Make sure your Xbox 360 is connected directly to your router. In some instances, users have complicated setups which often reduce the bandwidth available to the Xbox 360 and your video quality.

Reduce Bandwidth Usage

Stop using high bandwidth applications and downloads on all computers and other devices connected to your network. Any network activity will use up a portion of your bandwidth allotted from your ISP. Activities such as downloading large files and watching other videos online are some of the biggest bandwidth hogs. Disabling these may result in an instant improvement. If it does not and you are currently watching a video, try restarting the Netflix video to see the changes take effect.

Get the Xbox 360 Wireless N Adapter

Microsoft has recently released a new Wireless N adapter, which is must faster than their previous wireless adapters for the Xbox 360. To utilize the Wireless N adapter, make sure that the wireless router is capable of Wireless N broadcasting. This adapter can significantly improve the quality of your connection.

Upgrade Your Internet Service Package

Your internet provider may offer faster internet connections for a premium fee. Many ISPs offer higher speed connections, including faster cable and fiber optic connections. If you are currently using dial-up, streaming Netflix videos will be choppy at best. DSL users will most likely not be able to take advantage of high definition streaming. Even cable internet users may be able to get much higher speeds through premium packages. In any case, upgrading your internet connection speed is sure to improve the quality of your Xbox 360 Netflix connection.