by Jennifer Claerr

Created on: January 07, 2011

Netflix now offers a streaming service that allows you to watch movies and TV episodes over the Internet. You can easily set up this service to watch high quality or HD movies and TV shows on your HDTV. To use this service, you will need a Netflix unlimited subscription, a high speed Internet connection of at least 1.5 Mbps for standard definition and 5 Mbps for high definition. You will also need a wired or wireless router to connect your Netflix player or home entertainment computer to the Internet.

Stream Netflix on the Roku Digital Video Player

The Roku digital video player is by far your cheapest option for streaming Netflix movies and TV on your HDTV. It's also one of the easiest options. The Netflix player comes pre-installed. You only need to install the Roku player and activate it with your Netflix account to start watching movies and TV episodes. The Roku Netflix channel includes a search function that lets you choose movies from your couch. Roku also supports Amazon Video On Demand, Hulu Plus and Pandora Radio. As with other video players, there are several different connection options. Roku XDS supports full 1080p HD and dual band wireless N and has HDMI, component, composite and optical audio outputs. It also has a USB port for playing files from your computer. There are also two other models, Roku HD and Roku XD, with most but not all of these features. Roku also supports private channels, which are created by third party developers to extend the function of the Roku digital video player. Currently, private Roku channels play content from sites like TV.com, YouTube and the Internet Archive. 

Stream Netflix on Other Streaming Players

Netflix is supported by Apple TV, Logitech Revue, Seagate Free Agent Theater+ HD Media Player, Sony Network Media Player and WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player. Each streaming player has different features and benefits. Apple TV is HD capable and comparable in price to Roku, but has fewer free streaming options. Logitech Revue is considerably pricier, but has its own web browser and supports the new Google TV. The Seagate player is also reasonable in price, has its own storage, supports HD and plays movies, music and photos from your computer. The Sony Media Player is similar in price to the Seagate player, but also supports Bravia Internet radio, YouTube, Pandora and Hulu Plus. The WD TV Live Plus player is about the same price as the Roku, but requires a separate adapter to connect wirelessly to your network. The

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