Netflix versus Hulu

bayonetbrant · January 10, 2014, 11:19:03 PM

Just make sure you get an HD antenna for over-the-air broadcasts so you can still get your local news. And you'd be amazed what you get on the HD stations in your area, too.

Bison · January 10, 2014, 11:21:22 PM

Ok. I'll need to look into an HD antenna too then for news and some sports.

eyebiter · January 10, 2014, 11:53:26 PM

.

GDS_Starfury · January 11, 2014, 12:00:23 AM

fwiw Ive never been a fan of Hulu.
60% of that is because of their setup. 40% is because of an unfortunate hula hoop accident involving one of my best men at my bachelor party at Cheetah Ft. Lauderdale.

undercovergeek · January 11, 2014, 05:02:31 AM

I'm a Netflix fan.... and like steam as long as I have a net connection it goes with me... I've used my account in hotels, at my parents and on the iPad

Staggerwing · January 11, 2014, 07:32:52 AM

Quote from: Bison on January 10, 2014, 11:21:22 PM
Ok. I'll need to look into an HD antenna too then for news and some sports.

You can make a DYI version that works just as well as one you have to pay $100 for.

mirth · January 11, 2014, 11:43:50 AM

Has Amazon improved their video player? I did a trial Prime membership a year or so ago to try the streaming service and I thought the video player was far inferior to the Netflix player. Also the search sucked. The free and pay video options were lumped together so it felt like I had to wade through a bunch of stuff I didn't need or want.

Netflix is a little more per month and you don't get the other benefits of a Prime Membership, but it's far easier to use when it comes to just watching movies and programs.

mirth · January 11, 2014, 11:50:23 AM

Quote from: Bison on January 10, 2014, 11:03:42 PM
Cool. I think I'll just go with Netflix. Now just need to figure out how I want to stream it to the tv. What's the device limit on Netflix?

Pick up a Chromecast. Only $35. Plugs into an HDMI port on the TV. Streams Netflix, Youtube, some other stuff.

mirth · January 11, 2014, 11:52:36 AM

Damn. Chromecast is only $30 on Amzaon. Time for me to get one!

mirth · January 11, 2014, 12:00:02 PM

Bison, this will give you a better idea of what a Chromecast does, beyond streaming Netflix to your TV.

http://gigaom.com/2013/12/21/chromecast-tips-tricks/

Bison · January 11, 2014, 12:03:13 PM

Interesting. I'll look into it.

Staggerwing · January 11, 2014, 12:16:21 PM

If you have an MHL-enabled HDMI port on your HDTV you can also get the Roku Stick, eliminating a box and power cord from your TV cabinet. It costs more than the Chromecast but comes with a remote.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3400R-Streaming-Stick-Purple/dp/B009CL6DUE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389460486&sr=8-2&keywords=roku+streaming+stick

mirth · January 11, 2014, 12:35:43 PM

Quote from: Bison on January 11, 2014, 12:03:13 PM
Interesting. I'll look into it.

I have one on the way now. I can give you a review in a few days.

Bison · January 11, 2014, 12:46:02 PM

I'll need to look at my TV again, but it's 6 years old or so. I'm pretty sure I'll need to go with something like the apple tv that uses an HDMI cable to connect and provide the WiFi connectivity.

Staggerwing · January 11, 2014, 12:59:13 PM

The Roku Stick won't work unless the HDMI port is MHL-compatible since the port powers the device. You can get adapters that have a power cord but that kind of defeats the purpose of getting a stick-device. Note that the Chromecast uses a power cord of some kind and that Amazon Prime isn't yet available on it without some fiddling and disabling Silverlight.