Streaming Netflix: The Down Low On Streaming Devices
With the cost of cable television services skyrocketing and the ever-increasing amount of endless content available on-demand via the internet, it may be time to consider the switch to a device that is capable of streaming one of the best sources of internet-based entertainment… which is Netflix.
The first of the Netflix streaming devices you may be aware of is the one that is probably in front of you. That’s right, your home computer or laptop. Netflix is, after all, an internet based content provider streaming a variety of oldest and newest content that television has to offer. System requirements should be easy to meet if you are looking to use your computer as just one of the many Netflix streaming devices available.
For PC, you will need: an x64 or x86 Windows OS with a processor speed of 1.6 GHz or higher and 512mb of RAM. If you’re a Mac user, you will need at the very least an Intel Core Duo 1.83Ghz processor, and as with the PC, at least 512mb of RAM. Mostly all browsers are compatible with Netflix; however you can check Netflix's website to double check and see if you have any issues with browsers you are using.
In addition to your home computer or laptop, there are several stand-alone Netflix streaming devices currently leading the pack. A discussion about Netflix streaming devices would not be complete without discussing the Roku. Available in four flavors ranging from the Roku LT to the Rokus 1, 2 and 3, all of them are devices capable of streaming Netflix and all of them, but the LT will do it in HD 1080p.
All of them include wireless internet connectivity, but if you want to play Angry Birds or another game, you will have to spring for the Roku 3; it is the only one that includes the motion detection technology you'd need to multi-task.
If you are heavily invested in all Apple products such as the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch and are really in the market for Netflix streaming gadgets then you will definitely want to consider purchasing Apple TV. Like the Roku 3, Apple TV rivals the best in Netflix streaming devices, but also offers the unique ability to integrate your iOS device as a second screen for playing games and many other things. It can also display your iOS device’s pictures, videos, as well as offer you complete access to the iTunes library. (This is what I use and highly recommend it for streaming.)
Lastly, consider the Western Digital TV Play. Offering HD 1080p and wireless connectivity, it rivals in many ways the other Netflix streaming gadgets I have written about. Whichever device you choose, you really can’t go wrong. When it comes to Netflix streaming devices, it is often about which one will give you the features you want to pay for and which one will leave out the out the ones you don’t. Regardless of which Netflix streaming device is most compatitible for you, it's pretty evident that Netflix streaming devices are a must have if you are looking for an endless amount of entertainment; as well wanting to lower your cable bill.