What's my best option for watching Netflix? Elaborated inside..

Danger781

So basically I'm heading away for a weekend at the end of March with my GF. I was hoping we could watch a bit of Netflix if we got bored, and I started to wonder if that would be possible.

At first I was thinking just bring the tablet and watch it on that, but a 7" screen between two of us isn't exactly ideal. So then I was thinking I could connect my tablet to the TV via HDMI but unfortunately neither my phone or tablet support that.

So what I'm thinking of doing is purchasing an Android Mini PC (For anyone that doesn't know what it is, it's basically a USB stick that is capable of running Android OS). With that I could connect it to the TV in the room via HDMI, and download the Netflix app. The Android Mini PC that I'm looking at is this one.

Anyone have any experiences with this set up? Or any alternatives?

grimm2005

do you or the gf have a laptop? If so you could just connect that to the TV.

Danger781

grimm2005 wrote: »

do you or the gf have a laptop? If so you could just connect that to the TV.

Yes she does, but there's two issues with that. For one, it's kind of shared. She's not the only that uses it despite it being hers so she wouldn't feel good bringing it with her.

Secondly, it's crap.

pleasant Co.

Danger781 wrote: »

So what I'm thinking of doing is purchasing an Android Mini PC (For anyone that doesn't know what it is, it's basically a USB stick that is capable of running Android OS). With that I could connect it to the TV in the room via HDMI, and download the Netflix app. The Android Mini PC that I'm looking at is this one.

Anyone have any experiences with this set up? Or any alternatives?

How would you control the Android mini PC? would you need to pack a keyboard and mouse too?

Danger781

pleasant Co. wrote: »

How would you control the Android mini PC? would you need to pack a keyboard and mouse too?

It has bluetooth so I'm wondering if I can control it from my phone in some way..

ted1

I could think of better things to do with the misses when on a dirty weekend

maximoose

Roku?

Make sure your hotel has free wifi before buying anything...

Danger781

ted1 wrote: »

I could think of better things to do with the misses when on a dirty weekend

Netflix is for afterwards :rolleyes: Oe during.. We'll see.. hah :P

maximoose wrote: »

Roku?

Make sure your hotel has free wifi before buying anything...

I've looked at Roku but don't know if it can connect to a VPN easily. Doesn't look like it. :pac:

Merl1n

get an apple tv

Danger781

Merl1n wrote: »

get an apple tv

No. Absolutely not. Not a chance. Not happening. Terrible suggestion.

I don't like Apple.

batistuta9

your best option is the tablet

i follow a few threads here on the android on a stick/tv boxes, i'll link them if you want, and they all seem to have some issues, so i never got one yet.
Though some are better than others, but wifi is a problem with them

+ the tv's in hotels probably aren't going to be 42'+ anyway, could be some shítty 19' stuck up on a wall
just get a stand/some way for the tablet to stand up and put it on a table close to the bed

or watch sky movies/TV?

ozmo

batistuta9 wrote: »

your best option is the tablet

i follow a few threads here on the android on a stick/tv boxes, i'll link them if you want, and they all seem to have some issues, so i never got one yet.
Though some are better than others, but wifi is a problem with them

+ the tv's in hotels probably aren't going to be 42'+ anyway, could be some shítty 19' stuck up on a wall
just get a stand/some way for the tablet to stand up and put it on a table close to the bed

or watch sky movies/TV?

Plus tv might not have a input you can use - even if they do some of these hotel tvs are locked down by firmware so you cannot use the hdmi or av (so you have to buy hotel films I guess)


There is some talk on the bargains form for 'android beam' mobile phones - they have a dinky projector built in as well as Netflix capability...

Danger781

This would be for future use as well in her house. While the laptop would be an option in those situations, it's still not ideal. I'd prefer something small and portable. Hence why the Android dongle is so appealing.

However I'm now moving more towards the Roku box, because for one it will work with virtually any TV. But two, I would also have to get a wireless keyboard to go with it. I can use Tablet Remote to control movements, open apps, etc. but can't seem to get the keyboard function working.

But also I'm able to overcome my VPN issue by tethering via Wifi Hotspot from my phone. Unlimited data on Three PAYG. I'm just worried about speeds....

Edit: Speed doesn't seem to be an issue at all at home at least. Was able to stream Netflix without issue for the couple of minutes that I tried.

Danger781

I ended up going for the MK802IIIS Android Mini PC as the manufacturer has its own app in the app store for controlling the device. Exactly what I need for around €65.

Danger781

ozmo wrote: »

What you going to use to play though? The usual one doesnt seem to work very well yet on that device...

What do you mean? I don't understand.

ozmo wrote: »

Does Netflix run on it?

I'm assuming it does. The IIIS is the 2013 version so hopeful they fixed some of the issues associated with the III and II.

ozmo wrote: »

The included file manager app won't connect the SMB network shares.

Not entirely sure what that means, but I doubt it will bother me. Why not get a different file manager like root explorer?

ozmo wrote: »

There is a version of XBMC for the Rockchip CPU however it is in Alpha and isn't properly optimised to take full advantage of the CPU hence playback is choppy..."
link

Sounds like the experience I got when I tried out XBMC on the Rasbery PI - without a compatible build for it yet it kinda sucked compared to Netflix etc on wd live and others....

Don't think I'll have a need for XBMC any time soon.

ozmo

Danger781 wrote: »

I'm assuming it does. The IIIS is the 2013 version so hopeful they fixed some of the issues associated with the III and II.

ok so - sounds like an interesting device - let us know how it works out.

grimm2005

Hopefully you get sorted but it sounds like more money and effort than its worth if it's just a weekend away tbh. Tablet plus maybe some external speakers would be the best bet imo or even easier, a few DVD's would seem like the easiest option.

Also, I wouldn't depend on Three 3G to give a consistent connection. Tried using it to stream netflix on a tablet on a bus trip to Galway a while back via phone tethering and it was notoriously unreliable, bus wifi was no better. Will definitely be loading some files on to it next time! Mind you, might be better when it's in a fixed location rather then traveling on a bus.

Danger781

grimm2005 wrote: »

Hopefully you get sorted but it sounds like more money and effort than its worth if it's just a weekend away tbh. Tablet plus maybe some external speakers would be the best bet imo or even easier, a few DVD's would seem like the easiest option.

Also, I wouldn't depend on Three 3G to give a consistent connection. Tried using it to stream netflix on a tablet on a bus trip to Galway a while back via phone tethering and it was notoriously unreliable, bus wifi was no better. Will definitely be loading some files on to it next time! Mind you, might be better when it's in a fixed location rather then traveling on a bus.

I'd also be using this in her house as well for Netflix. Far easier than hauling around DVD's or trying to organise what to put on a memory stick before going over.

There's Wifi in the hotel though, so even if Three fails where we are hopefully the Wifi will suffice. If not, no biggie. I can do without in the hotel.

batistuta9

Danger781 wrote: »

I'd also be using this in her house as well for Netflix. Far easier than hauling around DVD's or trying to organise what to put on a memory stick before going over.

There's Wifi in the hotel though, so even if Three fails where we are hopefully the Wifi will suffice. If not, no biggie. I can do without in the hotel.

keep us updated

i'd nearly guarantee it won't work as expected

The Pheasant

Ps3 is the best for streaming Netflix

Danger781

The Pheasant wrote: »

Ps3 is the best for streaming Netflix

... Not exactly portable :pac:

But for general use I would disagree. PC with a HDMI cable is easier.

The Pheasant

Danger781 wrote: »

... Not exactly portable :pac:

But for general use I would disagree. PC with a HDMI cable is easier.

Ps3 slim is more or less the same size as a laptop, wouldnt be hugely difficult to bring...you could also play games too! And nah I stick with the playstation since it's already hooked up to the tv by hdmi anyway, too much effort fiddling with the wires with your pc everytime you wanna watch some flix

Danger781

The Pheasant wrote: »

Ps3 slim is more or less the same size as a laptop, wouldnt be hugely difficult to bring...you could also play games too! And nah I stick with the playstation since it's already hooked up to the tv by hdmi anyway, too much effort fiddling with the wires with your pc everytime you wanna watch some flix

My TV is next to my PC.

Android Mini PC can fit in my pocket. That is portable.

pleasant Co.

The Pheasant wrote: »

Ps3 slim is more or less the same size as a laptop, wouldnt be hugely difficult to bring...

Personally, I think it's a ridiculous suggestion to consider the ps3 [slim] as a portable netflix device, now the wii mini makes a little bit more sense, but not a huge amount when there are so many more viable, cheaper and sensible options available.