OpenElec + Netflix, can it be done (and how easy)?

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Jonski

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 201595 25-Aug-2016 22:59

So, I have a Panasonic TV with three HDMI inputs which are currently stocked with a Panasonic HDD Freeview recorder, a Panasonic Home Theatre and an OpenElec/Kodi HTPC for viewing my video library that resides on my NAS.

I'd like to know if Netflix can be added to this mix, preferably on Kodi as the Panasonics only have QuickFlix as built-in apps.

My research to date indicates that getting Netflix to work is a major pain in the a$$. At this stage I'd only be signing up to the first month's free trial and I'm not sure if it would be worth the hassle. I definitely want to watch whatever the offerings are in 1080p (I have UFB), and I've also seen indications that 720 is my best/only option.

So, what can I do? Throw out OpenElec and replace with a ChromeCast or Roku or something? Reprogramme the OpenElec with MythTV? I don't think I can cast Netflix from a device can I? I'm looking for an appliance-type solution and casting ain't. I don't expect the rest of my family to open an app on Kodi or a phone, stream it to another app on Kodi, faff around and get all techy about it. I want something that is only a couple of remote-control button-presses away. Call me difficult, but if we can send men to the moon...

Any comments appreciated! :-)

Cheers

Jon

I reject your reality and substitute my own!
- Adam Savage, Mythbuster

davidcole

4527 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1617651 26-Aug-2016 07:33

What about dual booting the htpc (I assume it's a PC and not a raspberry pi/intel stick) to windows 10...there's a netflix "app" in there. Its a slightly better experience than using a browser.

Also I thought it was available for linux http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/watch-netflix-natively-linux-easy-way/ - so a browser might be an option?

Previously known as psycik

OpenHAB: Gigabyte AMD A8 Brix, OpenHAB with Aeotech ZWave Controller, Raspberry PI, Wemos D1 Mini, Zwave, Xiaomi Humidity and Temperature sensors and Bluetooth LE Sensors
Media:Chromecast v2, ATV4, Roku3, HDHomeRun Dual
Windows 10 Host (Plex Server/Crashplan): 2x2TB, 2x3TB, 1x4TB using DriveBender, Samsung 850 evo 512 GB SSD, Hyper-V Server with 1xW10, 1xW2k8, 2xUbuntu 16.04 LTS, Crashplan, NextPVR channel for Plex ,NextPVR Metadata Agent and Scanner for Plex

davidcole

4527 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1617652 26-Aug-2016 07:37

Also this stuff is more difficult than flying to the moon. Getting to the moon people wanted them to succeed...you've essentially got companies that don't want to talk together nicely, or want you to buy their toy.

Another solution is to potentially git rid of the HTPC and go to a media device that has all the services you want on it.

Persoanllu my picks are roku 3 for US or UK content + local (via plex). But it you want locally supported then chromecast or apple tv (or some of the smart bluray players).

reven

3443 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1617660 26-Aug-2016 08:11

so far to my knowledge there isnt a decent way, decent being able to do it via a remote without a browser or windows 10 app.

Best experience is with a device that can run a kodi app and netflix app. something like amazon fire tv, google nexus player etc.

but personally I go with osmc on raspberrypi3, dedicated to kodi. amazon fire tv stick (much cheaper) use only for netflix and hulu. and a harmony universal remote.

I havent had a lot of success with kodi on the fire tv, too many actions required to launch it. nexus player would probably be better but havent had any experience with them.

Killerkiwi2005

345 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

# 1617726 26-Aug-2016 10:13

I dont think its possible, support for ff on linux is still in progress, but then you would need the module compiled for ARM

joff_nz

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1617808 26-Aug-2016 12:10

reven:
so far to my knowledge there isnt a decent way, decent being able to do it via a remote without a browser or windows 10 app.

Best experience is with a device that can run a kodi app and netflix app. something like amazon fire tv, google nexus player etc.

but personally I go with osmc on raspberrypi3, dedicated to kodi. amazon fire tv stick (much cheaper) use only for netflix and hulu. and a harmony universal remote.

I havent had a lot of success with kodi on the fire tv, too many actions required to launch it. nexus player would probably be better but havent had any experience with them.

Off topic, but recent changes to firetv Has made kodi more usable. It will now show up in your app list and recent apps. Your app list is also now available by double tapping the home key

nickrout

216 posts

Master Geek

# 1619919 30-Aug-2016 21:15

Netflix on Kodi DOES work using the flix2kodi addon. However you will be restricted to the quality allowed in the browser you use on your kodi box.

On LibreELEC I use Chromium Browser to view NF, and it seems to be SD/Stereo only. I am not a dedicated NF user so I play occasionally.

If you want kodi and netflix on the same box then dual booting between LibreELEC and Android (and running NF on the android app) would probably be your best bet.

DeepBlueSky

436 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1620019 31-Aug-2016 07:06

Grab a chromecast and have a play they are cheap enough, version 2 gives you FHD. Then just use a tablet to navigate to the program you want to watch it's nice and easy.

Other option if you have budget is a 2016 TV i just picked up a 4K built in Netflix that can stream Netflix in 4K, plus built in Plex, I now use the HTPC for special occasions.