Netflix users have been waiting for an easier way to "watch instantly" on a TV for a while now, or at least I know I have. Watch instantly is a feature that comes with a membership to Netflix. It allows users to watch streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix.com. What does this mean? Basically, your Netflix Ready Device (including; Xbox, some DVD and some Blue-ray players, some TV's, computers, etc) will allow you to connect to the Netflix website and watch quite a few TV shows and movies instantly. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ye6wuf9 for a full list of compatible devices.
Watch Instantly is great for sick days when there's nothing on TV but soaps, and you've exhausted your current Netflix movie stash.
For those of us who have the Wii the capability to watch instantly from it has just been added. To do this simply visit the Netflix website, log into your account, and go to this address http://www.netflix.com/wii Follow the steps to have a Wii Instant Streaming Disc sent to you. Once it arrives put it into your Wii, and run it like a game. You will need to write down an activation code, then access your Netflix account from a computer to activate your Wii. Wait a few minutes for your Wii to activate and your set.
Now, for the nitty gritty. First of all, this isn't a difficult process, but it is more lengthy and time consuming than it should be. I have not set up any of the other Netflix Ready Devices so I'm not sure if this is the standard, but it is still a bit much either way.
The main issue for someone like me is that the Wii still uses component cables, which means its resolution isn't near what it should be considering it's main competitors are Xbox and Playstation 3 who both offer HD resolutions. What this means for you is that if you chose to watch movies from your Wii, they will be in a comparable resolution to a progressive scan DVD player (480i)! Why Nintendo continues to remain static in the resolution game I don't know. Nintendo has been using component cables for years, isn't it time for an upgrade guys. 480 is fine for the bulk of Wii games, but I would love to see some higher resolution games for the Wii.
For an avid movie buff like myself, watching streaming movies in 480i isn't worth it. I paid too much for this HD LCD TV to watch movies in low resolutions. That said, if this was my only solution I would probably use it. However, another downside is that whenever you want to utilize the Netflix Watch Instantly feature you have to put the Netflix Streaming Disc into your Wii. Now I'm certain a few of you out there are calling me lazy, fair enough, but the whole idea of watch instantly is convenience, and let's be honest, watching movies is a lazy activity, let's keep it that way.
Currently, my setup includes an old pc I had laying around connected to the VGA (PC) input on my LCD TV in the family room. This gives me near 1080i resolution and surround sound capabilities. Not everyone has 8 or 9 pc's laying around the house like I do though. I do think most people have an older pc somewhere in the house that's not being currently used. If it happens to be small enough to fit into your family room, the setup is quite simple. All you need is a wireless network, and a wireless card in your pc (check out TigerDirect.com for an inexpensive USB wireless card). You could even use your laptop if it has HDMI, S video, or VGA outputs.
Once you have your pc connected to the wireless network and your TV, simply visit the Netflix website, follow the tabs to Watch Instantly and pick something to watch! It's really simple to do. Some pc's may require a Microsoft Silverlight upgrade, or a Service Pack update, if so, DO IT! You should have the latest Service Pack for security and functionality purposes anyway.
So, what's the verdict? If already you have a Wii, and want to watch movies and TV shows instantly on your main TV its not a terrible solution. All you really need to know is that there are better solutions available. In this economy it is easier and cheaper to use the "I already have this" argument instead of buying new equipment.
If you have any questions, or need assistance setting up any of these configurations please feel free to contact us at StellarWindTechServices@gmail.com More contact info can be found on our website www.StellarWindTechServices.com
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