Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

You can buy the service using gift cards and use a throwaway email address if you want to keep them away from personal details (except that you like to watch trashy american shows at 10pm on a Thursday - Netflix and Chill)

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Using Netflix's own cards has a disadvantage though: you cannot just stop your subscription so it'll keep running off your balance until you're short on credit.

When paying with iTunes you can always stop your subscription at the end of your monthly billing cycle (for instance when going away on a holiday) and then resume it at a later time.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

I feel like I'm missing out here - mind the sarcasm.

My understanding is that you require the 50/60hz switch if you are watching American content on an old TV that doesn't switch it automatically? I've never had a juddering issue here. Why do you experience the issue?

I think we looked at the saving vs an Apple TV cost.

Is it a problem giving them personal details?

Can I not search Netflix in different ways using other devices?

Also the other big question is about Netflix itself. Is it really the king of streaming? There seems to be some concensus on the internet that it may be playing second fiddle to Stan right now. Especially when you have to jump through so many regional hoops to gain access to the US library.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Stan has the same issue that other local services have long term - they can't spread the costs over a global subscriber base. Also I'm not sure if you can share a subscription in the same way Netflix are happy with you doing?

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

True. Will be interesting to see how local services fair long term.

Right now the content is excellent. I suspect its the reason why global Netflix is not so good locally. Too many other local players buying up the good stuff.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

I assume Netflix users know of these list of categories you can use to find films exactly like the ones you are looking for.

http://ogres-crypt.com/public/NetFli...ng-Genres.html

British movies, and British TV, on the Oz Netflix, are probably useful ones:

http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10757
http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/52117

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

No, you require this setting with even the most modern of tv sets. The problem is with the encoding, some shows are encoded for 50Hz viewing (US) and others for 60Hz (UK/Europe). Even with Netflix or iTunes you will be using both as there is no automatic switching.

Of course it all depends on how picky you are with your picture. If you don't mind/see excessive judder, or slight pauses (like a single frame) ever 1/2 second (when playing Google Play purchases in 50Hz when they have been encoded for 60Hz) then you probably won't mind the picture being off a bit.

Yeah, we looked at that too. Best - and cheapest - way to handle Netflix.

Most people give them their full personal details and CC#. I prefer to just subscribe with 1 click of the remote without giving them anything.

The thing is how long can they continue to compete with Netflix, who will be applying pressure for global rights with ever-increasing force?

Content will be key though as that's what the game is all about. It seems like cable tv companies/broadcasters, or in this case an internet company that delivers content to people's screens via the internet, can bypass the traditional monopoly that has always existed in various countries. But at the end of the day it's all about the product, which is why the emphasis has now switching from simply being able to deliver content to consumers' homes to actually producing it.

Netflix, Amazon, just a question of time before Apple (and maybe Google) join in too. HBO is also doing well in keeping tons of quality content away from Netflix.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

So you are saying that people have to go out and spend $250+ and join the Apple Ecosystem just to watch US netflix without a judder?

Garry, you are on the ball with US netflix ...... better options?

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

All you need is a SmartDNS service, such as Getflix, so you can appear to be wherever the content is live. If the box has a DNS entry you just stuff the relevant info into the appropriate box and off you go.

Chromecast is more hassle, but there are lots of instructions online as to how to make your router do the job.

Flixsearch.io allows you to search for where the content is playing around the world https://flixsearch.io/

The 50/60Hz thing is no longer an issue with Chromecast, and indeed most other boxes. https://support.google.com/chromecas.../6308937?hl=en

Oh, and a more complete list of Netflix categories is available here

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...g-Genres2.html

some don't work in Oz.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Phew. I can rest in piece and keep steering clear of Apple. :). So can the rest of the clever world.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Go back. Re-read. I specifically mentioned the Apple TV 3, which costs around $100. In return you get the best way to watch Netflix and a 25% discount on your Netflix subscription.

Google finally gave the CC the 50/60Hz switch. But setting up Getflix for the CC is a B-I-A-T-C-H so people have to mess with their router which is not the best solution. With ATV you just input the DNS number in one field in the settings and that's it - Getflix is all set up.

The CC also doesn't do the 5GHz band as it's wifi capabilities are quite outdated.

Also, if you are on an unmetered broadband plan then fine, but if you aren't then the CC eats up data 24/7 by constantly downloading and displaying pictures. It never stops, even when the tv is off - as long as it's powered on it just keeps downloading.

By all means, be so "clever" and stay clear from anything that works well. ;) You seem to be allergic to... quality... because the last time around you even moaned about Singapore Airlines, the world's best carrier by a light year. :)

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Err, the Chromecast 2 has the 5Ghz band.

Why would you leave it turned on? Like anything that doesn't need to be turned on constantly, you turn it off. Mine is connected to the same remote control switched block as the amp etc. so it's off when not in use.

If you do have to have it turned on 24/7 for some reason, there are ways round the backdrop images (cached Google+ images).

And, of course, you haven't mentioned the price benefit, ~$35 is hard to beat ....

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

So basically you are saying its not worth the money to get the latest Apple TV and its only worth getting version 3? In that case wouldn't it just be better paying $30 and getting a Chromecast as it does 50 and 60 hz and the cost saving for Netflix on UHD is only $36 per annum?

But what if you have a Smart TV that has all the apps? Mine for example lets you enter a DNS. Most TV's released in the last 3 years do the same. Therefore you can do away with both Chromecast and Apple TV.

I think Garry successfully demostrated it does.

Now that's a point. I have mine running constantly. It probably is using my data though I never go over my limit. Perhaps I'll just set it to power off the USB or cache it to the my Google images. Problem solved not that there was one in the first place.

Firstly I'm just trying to analysis whether an Apple TV is worth my money. So far I have yet to be sold on the cost vs value. Quality wise I'm sure its a well built unit. Most Apple products are but like most Apple products the question I have is whether its really appealing to the blinded. Bit like Singapore Airlines have previously had the tag "Worlds best airline" but really does that really apply today. And because they won't let you take off or land with the entertainment system on and because their staff can't think outside the box when it comes to service, they have certainly lost that position. Sorry if you work for SA and its hit a personal bone.

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Err, the Chromecast 2 isn't even sold here. It's not available in Australia.

Because there is no way to turn it off. You need to literally cut its power supply. Pull the plug. Whatever. How frigging ridiculous is that?

$35, really, that's it? And how much extra do you have to pay to get some place to ship a CC2 to Australia because it's not sold here (not to mention your warranty being invalid)? What about not getting 25% off your Netflix subscription each month? What about not being able to set up Getflix on the device like a piece of cake?

Re: Streaming video - my experience
 

Yes, that's exactly what I am saying. The new one just adds storage for apps/games but not for films/shows. Why bother? Unless they bump the firmware into streaming 4K and that's what you're after...

I have a CC and like it. But I never use it for Netflix.

Only if you can manually switch between 50/60Hz modes.

He was referring to a product that isn't sold here.

There is a problem and Google keeps getting pelted with complaints from users about this. But Google being Google is really slow to get things right. Took them ages to understand that a 50Hz mode is needed. Might take them just as long to switch off the data leakage that happens 24/7 as long as the device is powered.

So yeah, there was a problem in the first place. Still is. It can be solved by cutting off the power (because it has no on/off switch), but it's just downright funny how idiots design these things...

Here we differ because I am often less-than-impressed about Apple's "build quality" for most of their products. In fact I am dubious about it to say the least. But the ATV3 is a nice device that seems like it was actually designed with us in mind (yes, those that want to mess with cross-boundary accounts, "changing" countries, etc.). :)

As for Singapore Airlines, they are the world's best airline. You cannot have headphones on for take-off or landing for safety reasons so what use is the entertainment system then? Big deal, just a lot of yahoo over nothing it seems. Staff is exemplary, no airline even comes close to their high standards. Stop creating problems out of the box and maybe there will be no issues, eh?

Don't work for SQ, not my industry. But I do give credit where it's due.