How to Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV

Netflix streaming video is a new feature that you can access using your computer, game console, digital video player, TiVo DVR or Internet-connected Blu-ray player or HDTV. By using a Netflix-ready device, you can stream Netflix movies and TV with greater speed and ease. In some cases, you may even be able to access Netflix shows in high-definition. With a little more time and effort, you can use your computer to stream Netflix content. To watch streaming Netflix movies and TV, you will have to subscribe to a Netflix unlimited plan. These streaming movies and TV programs appear in the "Watch Instantly" tab on the Netflix website.

Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV with a Roku Digital Video Player

Using a Roku Digital Video Player is probably the simplest way to stream Netflix movies and TV on your HDTV. You'll get the best quality video and audio by using a Roki HD or HD XR digital video player. Simply connect the Roku player to your television. Then connect it to your wired or wireless router or connect it directly to your broadband modem, if the modem supports the feature. To use the player to watch standard definition Netflix movies and TV, you will need at broadband high-speed Internet connection with a speed of 1.2 Mbps or higher. To watch content in HD, you'll need a connection speed of 5 Mbps or higher. When you're connected, you just have to go to the Netflix website to activate your Roku device.

Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV with a TiVo DVR

Using a TiVo DVR is another easy way to stream Netflix movies and TV on an HDTV. You will need a TiVo HD, HD XL, or Series 3 DVR. You will also need a high-speed Internet connection and a TiVo service plan. To get started watching Netflix on your HDTV using TiVo, you must activate your TiVo DVR on your Netflix account. Access TiVo Central by pressing the "TiVo" button on your remote control. Select "Video on Demand," then select "Netflix."

Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV with a Computer

You can use either a laptop or desktop computer to stream Netflix movies and TV on an HDTV. While the process is a little more complicated than using a Netflix-ready device, it isn't difficult at all. You don't need as fast an Internet connection with a computer as with a Netflix-ready device, but with a slower DSL or cable connection your video and audio quality may not be optimal. You should use a relatively new computer with a fast processor and lots of memory. The computer should also be running a recent operating system, such as Windows XP, Vista or 7 or Mac OS 9 or 10. You must make sure that both the computer and the HDTV have compatible connections. If both your computer and your HDTV have HDMI connectors, choose this connection method. If your computer has a TV tuner installed, it may have coaxial, A/V or component outputs. If HDMI is absent, using component video will provide the next best video quality. However, you can get a high-quality signal using A/V or coaxial, especially if the TV tuner outputs a digital signal. If your computer has none of these outputs, you may be able to connect it by S-Video, VGA or DVI. Turn off your HDTV and computer before making the connection, then turn them back on when you're ready to stream Netflix movies and TV programs on the HDTV.

You can watch Netflix programming using your Internet Explorer 6.0 or Firefox 2 or higher web browser. Just navigate to the Netflix.com website and log into your account to start searching for movies and TV to stream on your computer. Using a wireless mouse will make the process of watching streaming Netflix much quicker and easier. Click the "Play" button to start the instant streaming movie or TV show, then select "Full Screen" from the lower right side of the window.

You can also watch streaming Netflix movies and TV in Windows Media Center. Open the program, navigate to "TV and Movies," then select "Netflix." Select your Instant Queue on the left side of the screen. If there's nothing in your Netflix Instant Queue, you can search for movies in Windows Media Center, or you can browse by "New Arrivals: Movies," "New Arrivals: TV" or browse movies and TV shows by genre.

Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV with a Game Console

You can stream Netflix movies and TV using a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 game system. To use your PlayStation 3 system, you need a high-speed Internet connection and a Netflix instant streaming disc for the PS3 which you can order from the Netflix website. Like other Netflix-ready devices, you can easily connect your PS3 to your home network to access your Netflix Instant Queue. You don't need a special disc to watch Netflix with your Xbox 360. However, the Xbox 360 does require a separate adapter if you choose to connect to your high-speed Internet connection wirelessly. Otherwise, you can use a wired connection. You will also need an Xbox 360 LIVE Gold membership to download the Netflix application to the Xbox 360 game console. Then, get your activation code and enter it on the Netflix website.

In the spring of 2010, you will also be able to use your Nintendo Wii game console to stream Netflix. You can order the free Netflix instant streaming disc for your Wii console from the Netflix website.

Stream Netflix Movies and TV with an Internet-Connected Blu-Ray Player or HDTV

Netflix movies and TV can stream instantly on a wide range of Internet-connected Blu-ray players and HDTVs. They include select Internet-connected Insignia, LG, Samsung and Sony Blu-ray players and HDTVs, as well as certain VIZIO HDTVs. In most cases, you only have to activate the device on the Netflix website to use it watch streaming movies and TV with the service. The compatible devices are listed on the Netflix website, along with links to the manufacturers' websites.

You can get more information about home entertainment by reading How to Increase Digital TV Signal Strength and How to Change the Aspect Ratio on a VIZIO HDTV.