Best "Box" for Netflix and internet streaming

EagleCap · 03-06-2009, 05:33 PM

Looking to get the best all around unit to do movie streaming (have Netflix now but could change for best HD) and tv programs off the net. Got rid of cable, to many issues and not used. I would like to get the highest resolution. It will have wired DSL (house is wire for DSL) or could go WiFi.

The contestants are:

LG BD300(or 370), can do Blu ray and netflix. Can it do streaming off the net in HD?

Samsung BD-P2500950), does blu ray and netflix. Can it do net streaming in HD?

TiVo HD DVR, not a blu ray player. Can it do net streaming?

Computer box which will be dedicated. I have enough spare parts to put this together.

Then maybe consider the PS3. Pro and Cons

Did I miss any?

DoctorCAD · 03-07-2009, 07:02 AM

Roku???

EagleCap · 03-07-2009, 09:48 PM

Ruko. Explain!

DoctorCAD · 03-08-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleCap

Ruko. Explain!

www.roku.com Its a Netflicks and Amazon TV and movie streaming device that works on the internet, exactly what you asked for. $99 complete.

EagleCap · 03-10-2009, 06:19 PM

Roku seems ok. Does not do 1080 or BD however.

Does the Sony 350 (360) stream Netflix or content off the net?

Dingle1911 · 03-10-2009, 08:52 PM

In my setup I have an older computer that I stream netflix with. It is not HD quality, I would say that it is about SD quality. I may be able to get better quality if my internet connection was faster. You may want to look into vodo, I think they have some HD stuff. In my opinion I think the computer gives you the most options.

BAZ-man · 03-11-2009, 11:57 PM

Some of the answers are in the thread. One issue is HD bandwidth requires >>10Mbit/sec and most DSL and Cable are lucky to hit 5-8Mb/s peak. Some regions of the country have Fiber-to-the-curb which can do ~30Mb/s. With the much lower streaming rate, the HD streams will look at best like upconverted SD. It is on the horizon, but not in the near few years.

Netflix says they can do some HD but nothing on their site and I have called twice. They say they can, limited titles but also that 1.5Mb/s, connection, distance, etc. So I would assume that they either just stream a universal minimum data rate or have some pretest to determine a minimum acceptable stream rate. If if stream is pushed to the limit, any variation (high usage in your neighborhood or their system) and you could likely see pixelated or paused vidz.

Rent for now and watch in their full glory because it won't be what you think it is.

**PFC5** · 03-15-2009, 11:02 AM

Also many ISPs are putting bandwidth caps on customers now and will either throttle you back in speed or charge when you go over the caps.

Until they stop having caps (but the trend is going the other way right now), then outside video downloading will have limited appeal and could be very costly in the long run. Add in downloading HD content and it will be worse.

Lets hope the current caps trend reverses at some point, but until it does, I think downloading will have limited appeal IMO.

03-06-2009, 05:33 PM	#1
EagleCap My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 8	Best "Box" for Netflix and internet streaming Looking to get the best all around unit to do movie streaming (have Netflix now but could change for best HD) and tv programs off the net. Got rid of cable, to many issues and not used. I would like to get the highest resolution. It will have wired DSL (house is wire for DSL) or could go WiFi. The contestants are: LG BD300(or 370), can do Blu ray and netflix. Can it do streaming off the net in HD? Samsung BD-P2500950), does blu ray and netflix. Can it do net streaming in HD? TiVo HD DVR, not a blu ray player. Can it do net streaming? Computer box which will be dedicated. I have enough spare parts to put this together. Then maybe consider the PS3. Pro and Cons Did I miss any?

03-15-2009, 11:02 AM	#8
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,369	Also many ISPs are putting bandwidth caps on customers now and will either throttle you back in speed or charge when you go over the caps. Until they stop having caps (but the trend is going the other way right now), then outside video downloading will have limited appeal and could be very costly in the long run. Add in downloading HD content and it will be worse. Lets hope the current caps trend reverses at some point, but until it does, I think downloading will have limited appeal IMO. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

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03-07-2009, 07:02 AM	#2
DoctorCAD Direct TV Fresh Meat Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 805	Roku???

03-07-2009, 09:48 PM	#3
EagleCap My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 8	Ruko. Explain!

03-10-2009, 06:19 PM	#5
EagleCap My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 8	Roku seems ok. Does not do 1080 or BD however. Does the Sony 350 (360) stream Netflix or content off the net?

03-10-2009, 08:52 PM	#6
Dingle1911 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 35	In my setup I have an older computer that I stream netflix with. It is not HD quality, I would say that it is about SD quality. I may be able to get better quality if my internet connection was faster. You may want to look into vodo, I think they have some HD stuff. In my opinion I think the computer gives you the most options.

03-11-2009, 11:57 PM	#7
BAZ-man BAZ-man Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Left Coast Posts: 30	Some of the answers are in the thread. One issue is HD bandwidth requires >>10Mbit/sec and most DSL and Cable are lucky to hit 5-8Mb/s peak. Some regions of the country have Fiber-to-the-curb which can do ~30Mb/s. With the much lower streaming rate, the HD streams will look at best like upconverted SD. It is on the horizon, but not in the near few years. Netflix says they can do some HD but nothing on their site and I have called twice. They say they can, limited titles but also that 1.5Mb/s, connection, distance, etc. So I would assume that they either just stream a universal minimum data rate or have some pretest to determine a minimum acceptable stream rate. If if stream is pushed to the limit, any variation (high usage in your neighborhood or their system) and you could likely see pixelated or paused vidz. Rent for now and watch in their full glory because it won't be what you think it is.