Best set-top box for Netflix Streaming in NZ

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#1166225 31-Oct-2014 23:56

BigMal: I have a Fire TV, Roku 3, Chromecast and a ATV3.

IMO

Fire TV - best value for money, fast and responsive to the remote, versatile (can install other apps like XBMC), DNS cannot be configured for wireless, only wired, Netflix interface is a bit ugly
Roku 3 - Best looking Netflix interface, good remote with headphone option on the remote, DNS can't be changed on the device
Apple TV3 - Netflix interface is a bit ugly, easily configurable DNS on the device
Chromecast - DNS can't be changed on device, controlled via phone, tablet or computer, cheap

The Roku is the staple in our living room, it got the WAF with it's large clear icons and nice Netflix interface.

However I've been tinkering with the Fire TV and aside form Netflix not looking as nice as the Roku 3 the Fire TV is a great device. I have it configured with Netflix, SPMC, NFL Gamepass, SOPCast - it's versatility is awesome and at $99 I think it is by far best value for money.

Big Mal, I'm considering what will be good for streaming Netflix, factoring in that I like to change Netflix regions.

1. I saw a Canadian review of the Fire TV that said the Netflix app only works for the US version of Netflix. i.e. Cannot watch non-US versions of Netflix. Has this been your experience?

2. Would pointing your router level DNS to a smart DNS service like UnoTelly or UnblockUS allow the Fire TV to work wirelessly?

Thanks for comparing the big 4 set top streamers.

benokobi

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#1166227 1-Nov-2014 00:18

Ps4 and ps3 work perfectly on fibre 100 using unblock us.

BigMal

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#1166610 1-Nov-2014 18:13

Kiwifruta:
Big Mal, I'm considering what will be good for streaming Netflix, factoring in that I like to change Netflix regions.

1. I saw a Canadian review of the Fire TV that said the Netflix app only works for the US version of Netflix. i.e. Cannot watch non-US versions of Netflix. Has this been your experience?

2. Would pointing your router level DNS to a smart DNS service like UnoTelly or UnblockUS allow the Fire TV to work wirelessly?

Thanks for comparing the big 4 set top streamers.

1. You can only get the Netflix app on the US Fire Tv if you have a US Amazon account. However once the Netflix app is on the device you'll get whatever Netflix content your DNS Unblocking region is set to. So yes, you can get Non-US netflix content on the Fire TV.

2. Yup or you can configure the DNS on the device (wirelessly or wired). Previously I thought DNS config on the Fire TV only worked for wired by wireless also works as well.

Hope that's of some help.

Kiwifruta

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#1166709 1-Nov-2014 22:47

BigMal, thanks for the quick reply. It definitely was of help.

shuttle15

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#1167189 2-Nov-2014 22:26

I know that with the chromecast you need an external source i.e. tablet or smartphone to stream the video onto the TV. Is the Amazon Fire TV a stand alone set top box which does not need a tablet/smartphone to be connected? If so how does the Amazon Fire TV receive the streaming video?

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#1167215 2-Nov-2014 23:16

shuttle15: Is the Amazon Fire TV a stand alone set top box which does not need a tablet/smartphone to be connected? If so how does the Amazon Fire TV receive the streaming video?

Yes, Amazon Fire TV is a stand alone set top box. The Fire TV receive the streaming video like any computer or tablet, via the net. Its a full computer (well, tablet/smart phone type computer), and connects to the net via Wi-fi or ethernet.

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#1167227 3-Nov-2014 00:37

I personally use the Chromecast on 2x TV's and run a media browser on my MicroServer for streaming to a browser -> Sending to Chromecast.

Requires a single rule on my Mikrotik however once it is there it is essentially set and forget - GF loves it.

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shuttle15

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#1167299 3-Nov-2014 09:11

Thanks jarledb and michaelmurfy for your replies.

I went to the Amazon link for the Amazon fire TV from a previous post and found out that Amazon don't ship this item to New Zealand. I have done an internet search but can't find anyone who sells it in NZ. Where have NZ'ers managed to buy them?

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#1167300 3-Nov-2014 09:13

Apple TV here - Netflix, iTunes rentals everything, airplay everything goes through it

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#1167301 3-Nov-2014 09:17

I wouldn't be too keen on a console of any type, they use far more power than any of these little set top boxes, making them one of the slowest and highest cost ways to get Netflix on your TV.

I would pick up the Fire TV as it is the most recent box to be released, we have the Apple TV at home and it's OK. Netflix works fine, but it's a bit slow/featureless and text entry is not fun at all...

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#1167452 3-Nov-2014 11:12

shuttle15: Thanks jarledb and michaelmurfy for your replies.

I went to the Amazon link for the Amazon fire TV from a previous post and found out that Amazon don't ship this item to New Zealand. I have done an internet search but can't find anyone who sells it in NZ. Where have NZ'ers managed to buy them?

Use a re-mailer like youshop.co.nz

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#1167517 3-Nov-2014 12:10

BigMal:
shuttle15: Thanks jarledb and michaelmurfy for your replies.

I went to the Amazon link for the Amazon fire TV from a previous post and found out that Amazon don't ship this item to New Zealand. I have done an internet search but can't find anyone who sells it in NZ. Where have NZ'ers managed to buy them?

Use a re-mailer like youshop.co.nz

I have one (via You Shop) arriving any day now. Cost was NZD $22.00.

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#1167667 3-Nov-2014 14:28

Look like an interesting device. Is the remote IR or BT? It's hard to see how it could be IR since most of the time the devices would be mounted behind the TV and out of line of sight.

My Roku 2 is BT but also IR and since it's in line of sight I can use my Harmony rather than the Roku remote.

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#1167688 3-Nov-2014 14:57

lchiu7: Look like an interesting device. Is the remote IR or BT? It's hard to see how it could be IR since most of the time the devices would be mounted behind the TV and out of line of sight.

My Roku 2 is BT but also IR and since it's in line of sight I can use my Harmony rather than the Roku remote.

The Fire TVs remote is Bluetooth. Makes it easy to place the Fire TV since you don't have to have it in line of sight.

shuttle15

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#1167691 3-Nov-2014 14:59

Thanks for all the replies to my question. The U.S. power supply is 120V whereas NZ is 230V. Is a transformer required for the Amazon Fire TV to work in NZ?

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