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Next you'll also need some way to connect the internet directly to the device that will stream Netflix (more on that below). Depending on the device you may need a wired Ethernet connection or, more commonly, Wi-Fi. To connect that device to Wi-Fi, you'll need to make sure you know your Wi-Fi name and password. Netflix recommends a minimum connection speed of 1.5Mbps and most broadband services can reliably achieve this, but if you're unsure try visiting SpeedTest to measure your speed.
Once you have an account and internet connectivity, you'll need a device to watch Netflix on. Just like on your phone, there's a Netflix app for TVs and other devices including media streamers and video game consoles. The app is free, but of course you'll need to install it on the device first. Bear in mind that all of the options below presume either Netflix is on board your TV or you have a modern TV with an HDMI port.
If you have an older, analog TV without HDMI, sadly these options won't work for you. Roku used to make a streamer with analog out called the Roku Express Plus, but has been replaced with a model with HDMI only. If you really don't want to buy a new TV just to get Netflix, you may be able to find one of the former versions -- just look for the tell-tale AV-out port.
Smart TV: If you have a flat-screen TV manufactured in the last 10 years you can probably already watch Netflix on it. Modern TVs integrate streaming services like Netflix into an interface known as "smart TV." While some TVs have a dedicated Netflix button on the remote, most compatible models have a smart TV button that should let you access the streaming apps available. The app may be older, slower and not as slick as the modern version, but if you want to access Netflix right now, it should still work.
Streaming device or game console: While some TVs have Netflix apps built-in, many people watch Netflix on TV using a separate device connected to their TVs. If you're not using the TV's built-in smart platform, you'll want to be sure the TV has an HDMI port. Almost every device of the Netflix devices we'll mention below use HDMI connections.
Likewise your Blu-ray player or gaming console might have a Netflix app. If you have a relatively recent console -- from the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 and up -- you'll be able to access Netflix on it. For example, the PlayStation 3 is still able to offer the most up-to-date version of the app, which includes browser sign-in.
Mobile device: Phones and tablets can also control Netflix on a TV, although the process can be a bit more complex than either of the two methods above. If you want to use your phone to control Netflix, you can use a feature called Chromecast built-in, or for Apple users AirPlay, to stream video from your device. Recent TVs from Sony and Vizio enable users to navigate the Netflix app on their phone, and then press the Cast button (below) to stream to the TV. Apple users can use the AirPlay icon (a TV with an arrow beneath it) in a similar way for Roku devices, Apple TV and other recent televisions. You can then control the action with the phone or the TV remote. If your TV doesn't have Chromecast onboard, for example, you can add a Google Chromecast, which plugs into a spare HDMI port.
Once you've got your device set up, you'll open the Netflix app and be presented with a login screen. Recently, Netflix added the option to sign on with a separate device, even on older streamers like the PS3. No more typing long usernames and passwords with a remote, just click on Sign on from Web at the bottom right of the screen. The device will give you a choice of a QR symbol or a code to type into an already-connected device (like your phone) here. However, if your TV or streamer doesn't have this capability, and you need to enter your Netflix login (username and password) manually, first confirm the login details on a computer or phone first before trying it on your TV.
While your current smart TV, game console or Blu-ray player with Netflix is the cheapest option, it may not be the best one for you. If you have an older device, for instance, you may find its Netflix app to be sluggish or unreliable. You also miss out on interface improvements or new features, such as the ability to watch interactive shows such as the Black Mirror special Bandersnatch or You vs. Wild (though it's not guaranteed). Or maybe you'd rather use a real remote instead of your console's controller.
The best way to access an up-to-date Netflix is via a new streaming device. Prices start at $30 with the Roku Express. Just plug one of these devices into a spare HDMI port on your current TV and follow the onscreen prompts. Many streamers include Netflix by default, but each device (except Chromecast) also has a Streaming Channels list or App Store for downloading the app for free.
Most TVs today are 4K models, and our favorite steamer for 4K TVs is this Roku device. It combines Roku's simple interface with the improved image quality of 4K and HDR -- both of which are available on Netflix if you get the most expensive plan.
If you don't have a 4K TV and just want the cheapest option, our pick is the basic Fire TV Stick. In addition to streaming Netflix and a bunch of other apps, it has a remote with built-in voice search, thanks to Alexa.
The Apple TV 4K is the Rolls Royce of streaming devices, with a luxurious feel and all the fixins. It supports Dolby Vision HDR for higher-quality visuals on certain Netflix shows. It also enables iPhone users to stream from the Netflix app using the AirPlay button. The device was updated earlier this year with a faster processor (which is great for playing games) and an upgraded remote.
If you're going to buy a new TV anyway, chances are it will have an up-to-date smart TV system. Our favorite is Roku TV. It's easy to use and it offers the most comprehensive selection of streaming services out there. And it's cheaper and more readily available than a new Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, with prices starting around $150.
Pretty sure my device is just dying. I have Roku express streaming player which is only about 18 months old and is suddenly not connecting due to poor wifi signal. It's been trouble free up to now and suddenly started to misbehave, it worked perfectly one day, then would not connect the next. (Nothing changed elsewhere)
My suspected dodgy Roku Express indicated a signal strength of around 15 (I assume out of 100) Simply switching boxes to my Roku Premier, and touching nothing else, I get an indicated 34. So more than double.
Good luck. I've been quite pleased with my Streaming Stick+. Me only complaint is a couple of times a month I lose wifi connection and have to jump through a hoop or two to get it reestablished, but I've gotten pretty good at it.
I'll leave it a couple of weeks and then try it again, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it sorted itself out like the last issue eventually did. Gut feeling is it's a software update issue, possibly at Netflix's end, but who knows, the customer support/feed back is nigh on none existent.
Wile trying to bottom the issue I've used the "Secret screen" menu and also noticed these things run hot! My device is used in a cool bedroom at around 18deg C. The Roku hits 88-90degs and that is not streaming 4K. I'm pretty sure the processor is already beginning to throttle as you can see the clock freq stepping up and down. I would imagine the lifespan of these devices will be pretty short running as hot as they do. Rubbish design on the heat management side.
The Netflix movies that you stream are NOT in high def. Although I knew this going in, I expected them to all be at least widescreen (with the exception of titles that were never widescreen). I was shocked that the first couple of titles I tried were NOT playing in widescreen. As a matter of fact they even looked a little squished. It was like they were widescreen titles that were being forced into a 4:3 format.
This player connects to your network via Ethernet. So you will need either an ethernet drop near your TV or an Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridge (which I have not tested). It would be great if these Blu-ray players either came with Wi-Fi built-in or at least offered a low cost external option like the one available for TiVo HD.
Thanks, Terry. The world has passed me by, but I think I got it. He can load the disk on his Mac and plug the AirPort into the wall near his BD300. Then he would run an Ethernet cable from the AirPort to the BD300 and would be able to stream Netflix movies directly to his TV. Sounds like a better deal for us rather than just waiting for the movies to arrive in the mail. Again, thanks so much.
I am having the same issue with the LG BD300. this player will not connect to the internet no matter what i do. Just purchased it a few days ago; it will be going back to Best Buy tomorrow. Forget about calling LG for tech support, they are ABSOLUTELY clueless. They act like they never even heard of the connection problems that people are having.
I to having same grief as listed above. Is it because it is a DSL connection to web vs. cable modem? Bought from Beach camera and most likely will send ir bacck to them. i heard that samsung makes similiar box will check into and post with results.
I wish I had read this before I purchased my LG, I had the same problem and returned it to BestBuy, I tried to call support and it was useless, I returned it and will try setting up the new LG player, I wish LG had some help with this,
I got my LG set up and connected right away.
however, some discs that i put in the player come thru to my plasma screen (pioneer)as half the screen size in the center and everything is all in a shade of green.LG support has no clue . has anybody had this problem?
Ok everyone I figured it out.
You need to go to your connection settings on the blue ray player and change the IP MODE to a static ip. Once you do that move down to the IP Setting and press enter.
A screen should come up that asks you to enter:
IP Address
Subnet Mask
Gateway
DNS Server