# OK, tell me about this Netflix Internet thing **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 13, 2011, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309 "2011-06-13T14:10:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/1 "2011-06-13T14:10:46Z")
1. A million years ago we were netflix members and got DVDs and such through the mail. But it sure looks like they’ve altered their business model. 2. We stopped it because we rarely had time (two small SMALL children and so forth) 3. Kids are getting older now and trying to use the Digital-on-Demand a million times per month. Even at $2 or so per movie that adds up. 4. How does the new technology for Netflix work? I’ve got a Wii someplace (we just moved). Can it connect to my wireless Internet setup for Netflix? Help a dude out here! ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/2 "2011-06-13T14:17:08Z")
1. Sign up for Netflix. You can get a streaming-only account (no DVDs) for pretty cheap. 2. Configure your Wii to get on your wireless. 3. Watch movies. That’s about it. ---
**Author:** ![BetsQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/fbc32d/32.png) [@BetsQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BetsQ)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/3 "2011-06-13T14:27:29Z")
Streaming Netflix is awesome for little kids who will watch the same damn episode over and over and over again. There are lots of PBS and Nickelodeon series on Netflix. Kid #1 has been through all of Avatar, Phineas and Ferb, Johnny Test, and is now working his was through the Fairly Odd Parents. (We’re definitely going downhill here.) Kid #2 has been watching Bob the Builder, Dora, and (og help me) Barney. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/4 "2011-06-13T14:33:51Z")
You can also stream with that account to your computer, smartphone, or a PS3/XBox. For Wii setup, I think you have to find the “Netflix channel” in their channel listings and add it to your Wii’s home screen. Then sign in like you would on Netflix’s website (e-mail, password), and you’re ready to go. I assume there are probably Parental Controls settings available once you log in. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/5 "2011-06-13T14:37:03Z")
You can also investigate Roku, a $99 box that allows reception of Netflix videos on your TV. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/6 "2011-06-13T14:42:59Z")
You can indeed use your Wii for access to Netflix. The online-only version is cheaper than the DVD-based version, but the caveat is that right now, the selection still stinks. Less than half our queue is instant-watch. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/7 "2011-06-13T14:45:50Z")
They have been offering a 30 free trial for their streaming service which may still be available to you. I tried it and cancelled my subscription before the end of 30 days. Something between 1/3rd and 1/2 of the movies/shows I searched for turned out to not be available online, though you could get most of them on DVD through regular mail. Well, excuse me, I signed up for the streaming service because I didn’t want to be bothered by snail mail transactions. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/8 "2011-06-13T15:07:13Z")
The DVD service is still great, and the primary reason to subscribe to Netflix IMO. The streaming service is like having a bunch more TV channels; it considerably increases the odds that you can find something to watch any time, but it’s unlikely to be any of the specific titles that might have occurred to you. Netflix reviews are now full of comments from people who signed up only or primarily for streaming and won’t stop bitching about this or that thing that’s not available that way, only on disc. If you can’t be bothered to take an envelope from your mailbox and drop it back the next day, you’re too lazy to live. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/9 "2011-06-13T15:44:32Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > The DVD service is still great, and the primary reason to subscribe to Netflix IMO. The streaming service is like having a bunch more TV channels; it considerably increases the odds that you can find something to watch any time, but it’s unlikely to be any of the specific titles that might have occurred to you. I think that’s the best description of Instant Watch I’ve ever read. A lot of people complain about it never having new movies, but that’s not what it’s for. They get newish movies every now and then, but I doubt it will ever be a total replacement for renting new movies. But the selection is a lot deeper than people act like it is. I’ve got 240 titles in my queue, a third of which are television series. I always have something to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Pixel\_Dent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@Pixel\_Dent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixel_Dent)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/10 "2011-06-13T16:01:59Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Something between 1/3rd and 1/2 of the movies/shows I searched for turned out to not be available online, though you could get most of them on DVD through regular mail. Well, excuse me, I signed up for the streaming service because I didn’t want to be bothered by snail mail transactions. My naive view of what’s happening these days is different streaming companies are making exclusive deals with various studios to offer their movies. There’s more fracturing than consolidating going on right now and it may be quite awhile, if ever, before we see a single service which offers most movies for streaming. That being said, I am pleased with what I can see on Netflix via streaming. We’ve been members pretty much since 1999 and when they started offering streaming we switched from the 3 DVD out plan to 1 DVD + streaming. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/11 "2011-06-13T16:08:38Z")
I use the Netflix Wii streaming plus one DVD at a time option. It’s something like $10/month. That way I can get the DVD, esp if I get to something that is a series and certain seasons are DVD only. I absolutely love it. My kids are 6 and 10 and it has probably saved me, oh, a million dollars. I haven’t rented a movie in a long, long time. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/12 "2011-06-13T16:09:44Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > You can also investigate Roku, a $99 box that allows reception of Netflix videos on your TV. The basic Roku HD model can be had for around $70, if you shop around. Apple TV will do this too, and it’s $99. The advantage over the Wii is that the Roku and Apple will also work with Hulu Plus, Amazon Video Rental & iTunes. But since he already has the Wii, it’d be cheaper just to spend a few more bucks and get DVD service from Netflix in addition to the Instant items, if there wasn’t enough on Instant to keep his family entertained. I have the instant service and the Wii works great. Being able to watch on my iPod sometimes is a nice little bonus. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/13 "2011-06-13T16:19:16Z")
Netflix streaming is great to have when you’re on the road. If your hotel has decent wi-fi, you don’t have to pay those outrageous Lodgenet pay-per-view prices. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/14 "2011-06-13T16:26:29Z")
> [@Pixel\_Dent](#): > > My naive view of what’s happening these days is different streaming companies are making exclusive deals with various studios to offer their movies. There’s more fracturing than consolidating going on right now and it may be quite awhile, if ever, before we see a single service which offers most movies for streaming. Right. Netflix is having trouble securing content rights. Content owners used to see Netflix as an additional revenue stream; now they see them as a serious threat. ---
**Author:** ![Implicit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Implicit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Implicit)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/15 "2011-06-13T16:28:13Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > The DVD service is still great, and the primary reason to subscribe to Netflix IMO. The streaming service is like having a bunch more TV channels; it considerably increases the odds that you can find something to watch any time, but it’s unlikely to be any of the specific titles that might have occurred to you. Netflix reviews are now full of comments from people who signed up only or primarily for streaming and won’t stop bitching about this or that thing that’s not available that way, only on disc. If you can’t be bothered to take an envelope from your mailbox and drop it back the next day, you’re too lazy to live. You are right that there are two different models, but you are selling the streaming model short. While streaming has less titles available, every single one of those titles is ready for you to watch right this second. It’s a trade off: one DVD in your possession or thousands of choices right now. In Canada the DVD model isn’t offered at all, only streaming. I’ve only watched a couple of movies, but that’s because I’ve been finding great cable TV series to watch, once I’ve had my fill of those I’ll hunt down some more movies. Yes, the streaming selection isn’t extensive, but the service here is only 6 months old and more titles will be available going forward. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/16 "2011-06-13T16:55:34Z")
As has been stated, what streaming is best for is watching old TV series. For some series, that’s old as in 'this season was two years ago." And you get to watch the episodes in order, without missing any. Well, usually. Some series will deliberately not stream from one to a few episodes, so that you can only see them if you get the discs. That’s not typical though, and the older the series, the less likely it is to happen. The biggest danger is getting hooked on a series you didn’t previoiusly know about and staying up too late to watch just one more. Just one more. Just one more. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/17 "2011-06-13T17:09:24Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > The biggest danger is getting hooked on a series you didn’t previoiusly know about and staying up too late to watch just one more. Just one more. Just one more. Oh yeah, I’ve done that. The trick to watching streaming movies is not to decide what you want and then search for it. It won’t be available. Instead, scroll through what they have and make your selection from there. **Jonathan Chance** , you first have to configure your Wii to “see” the Internet. That was the painful part for me. But getting on the Netflix channel is pretty easy. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/18 "2011-06-13T17:36:39Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > As has been stated, what streaming is best for is watching old TV series. Or documentaries. > [@](#): > > The biggest danger is getting hooked on a series you didn’t previoiusly know about and staying up too late to watch just one more. Just one more. Just one more. Oh have I ever been there. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/19 "2011-06-13T19:09:52Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > The biggest danger is getting hooked on a series you didn’t previoiusly know about and staying up too late to watch just one more. Just one more. Just one more. I found out this weekend that the first 5 seasons of the new Doctor Who are on Netflix. If I didn’t get restless after an hour of just watching TV rather than doing something interactive, I’m not sure I could have made it into work today. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309/20 "2011-06-13T19:12:25Z")
> [@Implicit](#): > > It’s a trade off: one DVD in your possession or thousands of choices right now. Or both, for those of us fortunately positioned. For those who can, I really advise getting at least a 1-DVD subscription as well as the instant list. There’s just a pile of stuff that’s _not_ going to be streaming any time soon, and a lot of people seem to go out of their minds looking at listing after listing after listing that’re only available on disc. Getting the DVD in the mail is also the only way to get certain bonus features and extended editions, for those who care about such things (tip: the DVD “The Last Emperor: Bonus Material 1” is a 218-minute cut of the film, which blows away the 165-minute streaming version, if you like deep-immersion period pieces like I do). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-tell-me-about-this-netflix-internet-thing/585309.md?page=2)