Cheapest Netflix device

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Sancho

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#220204 31-Jul-2017 11:49

Hey all, setting up Netflix for the ex wife (I know, I'm an awesome guy LOL) and she's on a budget and also not overly amazing with technology... whats the cheapest easiest way to get netflix onto an non smart TV please? Is there a wee usb/hdmi dongle or something with built in Wifi? Have seen Roku versions... Looked on Trade Me and didnt seen anything obvious though.

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#1834230 31-Jul-2017 12:24

Chromecast. Assuming she has a smart phone.

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Sancho

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#1834234 31-Jul-2017 12:30

She does. But if shes out etc it wouldnt work for sitter/ ma in law... prefer a set n forget device. I have a cheap n nasty aliexpress android box. That will do for now I guess.

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baplaski

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#1834235 31-Jul-2017 12:32

Cheapest and easiest option is probably a Chromecast, as long as she has a smartphone. I have a Roku stick, and while it's good there is a bit of faffing about to get it working to start with, biggest benefit is a physical remote control.

rb99

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#1834236 31-Jul-2017 12:34

FireTV / Roku ? Not sure which version (of either) though, some do wireless only (except using some USB to ethernet adapter thingy), some do ethernet directly, if required.

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Dratsab

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#1834262 31-Jul-2017 12:41

Sancho: She does. But if shes out etc it wouldnt work for sitter/ ma in law... prefer a set n forget device. I have a cheap n nasty aliexpress android box. That will do for now I guess.

If a Chromecast isn't quite suitable I'd recommend a Fire TV stick.

gehenna

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#1834265 31-Jul-2017 12:44

Chromcast is actually perfect for guests to use, we use it in this way all the time. They just need to be on your WiFi and then they can use their own device to stream whatever they want. Saves you having to provide anything to them except access to WiFi. Mum uses hers to access my Plex daily, and when I'm there I just use my own phone to do the same thing.

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old3eyes

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#1834289 31-Jul-2017 13:07

Dratsab:

Sancho: She does. But if shes out etc it wouldnt work for sitter/ ma in law... prefer a set n forget device. I have a cheap n nasty aliexpress android box. That will do for now I guess.

If a Chromecast isn't quite suitable I'd recommend a Fire TV stick.

Which is OK if you're only going to watch NZ Netflix. Will be a real pain if you decide to watch Amazon content as adding in the DNS is a real challenge if you want to switch ..

Regards,

Old3eyes

kryptonjohn

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#1834293 31-Jul-2017 13:12

Chromecast is too hard if you are setting it up for someone else who is non-technical?

A Roku express stick costs next to nothing (US$23 for the last one I got) and is appliance-easy to use. It does require a little setup but once done your Nan could use it. HDMI CEC compatible so you press a button on your Roku remote and it even switches your TV source!

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#1834294 31-Jul-2017 13:12

A cheap small PC or laptop.

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michaelmurfy

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#1834299 31-Jul-2017 13:17

+1 for Chromecast.

I moved my parents from Amazon FireTV sticks (one of which @Dratsab bought off me) over to Chromecast and they love it. Both my parents have smartphones and my mother has a work iPad I've loaded with Netflix. I've also shown them how to use Videostream from their laptop.

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PhantomNVD

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#1834330 31-Jul-2017 14:01

Chromecast, is awesome if the user has a device, but for a separate ‘set and forget’ I still rate an ‘older’ Apple TV quite highly.
For about $50 a v2 (but only does 720p) or v3 (full HD) would suit well? Included remote works very intuitively if you don’t have Apple phones for remotes.

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elpenguino

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#1834613 31-Jul-2017 23:38

I got 'er indoors a panasonic BD player for $120. It was multi-zoned so it plays her DVDs from all over and also has a big fat netflix button on the remote so it is child's play to operate.

Connects via ethernet so no hassles with wifi and passwords etc etc.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

Sancho

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#1834839 1-Aug-2017 11:35

elpenguino:

I got 'er indoors a panasonic BD player for $120. It was multi-zoned so it plays her DVDs from all over and also has a big fat netflix button on the remote so it is child's play to operate.

Connects via ethernet so no hassles with wifi and passwords etc etc.

Could you pass on the model number please? She liked the sound of that as her current player is dodgy at best.

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elpenguino

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#1834846 1-Aug-2017 11:43

Twas Panasonic DMP-BD84GN

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

Sancho

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#1834847 1-Aug-2017 11:44

Thanks you kind sir.

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