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Netflix Streaming
#257534 04/20/09 03:43 PM
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Let me just say up front that I hate Qwest.

Today's Phrase That Pays is pain in the ass Internet Bandwidth.

I currently have Qwest 1.5Mbps DSL. Hey, don't mock me. Problem is, I can't seem to get Hulu to acceptably stream. I am also considering one of those Samsung Netflix-ready BD players (since I do not yet have ANY BD player). I'm sure I would need more bandwidth for that, too.

I am trying to leverage my existing resources (so I don't want to hear about Roku boxes or any other seductive hardware).

To get a faster connection, Qwest won't let me keep my existing ISP (I have to join the evil empire). Bastardy bastard-coated bastards in bastard sauce. Fine.

(is there a question in there somewhere?!?!)

I envision the following uses, and want good fidelity:
1. Netflix streaming over computer (currently doable but very poor quality)
2. Hulu
3. Netflix streaming to a compatible device (like the Samsung BD-P2500 or BD-P1600).

Does anyone have experience or opinions as to whether 7Mbps DSL would be adequate, or whether I would need a higher speed? I can also get 12Mbps (or higher) DSL, but I really don't want to spend the money.

Are there opinions about DSL v. Comcast?

Are there ANY other viable options?

Thanks for your always profoundly helpful geekitude.


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Re: Netflix Streaming
tomtuttle #257536 04/20/09 04:04 PM
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When you say Hulu and Netflix have poor PQ, do you mean on your PC?

I have DSL at home and Hulu and Netflix play fine on my Mac. The Hulu HD is acceptable. Perhaps it might be your browser config? Or a video/graphics limitation of your PC? Have you tried other machines just to validate this theory?

Netflix on my Tivo is choppy, I never get the HD stream.

I am actually considering moving to Comcast cable but I think (unfortunately) each has their own pluses and minuses that (for me) are almost a wash. I can get DSL up to 6 Mbps but only 728Kbps up, cheaper than Comcast but not that fast. Comcast is faster but the cost is almost double. But w/ faster speed, I can get Netflix HD on my Tivo. The cheapest route (for a year) is to do the triple deal from Comcast.

My friend lives in the city in condo complex. They have a fiber installation and a 3rd party company that supplies a full fiber line to his building. He can get fiber access for $40/mo. Then he can go full online TV, VoIP, etc and ditch ATT, Comcast, DISH, etc. I wish I could do that.

Re: Netflix Streaming
tomtuttle #257537 04/20/09 04:05 PM
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Hi Tom,

I have the Roku Netflix player, which works just fine (for the most part) for SD content on my SD TV over my 1.5-3.0MBit (read 1.5MBit) DSL connection, for what that's worth.


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Re: Netflix Streaming
Ken.C #257547 04/20/09 04:56 PM
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I was at 1.5 Mbps, and would fall 1 notch short of full quality on Netflix. I upgraded to 22 Mbps and everything is good now. ;\) Really though, 3 Mbps is what Netflix says is needed to get full quality.

EDIT: That 3 for SD.

Last edited by ClubNeon; 04/20/09 04:57 PM.

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Re: Netflix Streaming
ClubNeon #257548 04/20/09 05:05 PM
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Thanks, guys.

Yes, trying to stream Hulu and Netflix on my PC now. PQ is poor on Netflix, and unacceptably choppy on Hulu. Multiple computers. One is newish E8400 processor with 3650 video card. I think it's the bandwidth.


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Re: Netflix Streaming
tomtuttle #257550 04/20/09 05:10 PM
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 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
I think it's the bandwidth.

Maybe the squirrel chewed through your wires?


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Re: Netflix Streaming
MarkSJohnson #257552 04/20/09 05:27 PM
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Netflix is much better with dedicated devices. Well, and not on HD screens... which is sort of a prerequisite with computers--any computer screen is higher res than SD, and many are higher res than 720p or even 1080p.

Incidentally, that's what cracks me up about all the HD craze--game at HD resolution! Thanks, I've been doing that for 8 years...


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Re: Netflix Streaming
Ken.C #257555 04/20/09 06:12 PM
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Yeah, my computer monitor is 26", 16:10, 1200p (1920x1200), but I still prefer to game in my living room (50" 1080p with 7.1 surround). Actually, I hate gaming on a PC. My job involves working on computers; I game to relax. I don't want to trouble shoot drivers, and search for updates; that seems too much like work. I just want to put a disc in and play.


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Re: Netflix Streaming
ClubNeon #257831 04/22/09 11:45 PM
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Well, I decided to give Comcast some business. I am hoping for the best.

I will probably kill off Qwest altogether; I no longer need the DSL and it might be satisfying to abandon my land line.

Which got me to thinking...

If I can stream Netflix and Hulu...

And If I could get OTA HD from an antenna...

And if I could figure out MediaPortal or something as a computer-based DVR...

I might not need to retain D*TV, either.

Who/where is the authority on OTA HDTV Computer-based DVR?


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Re: Netflix Streaming
tomtuttle #257832 04/23/09 12:29 AM
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I use something from El Gato. It's a USB-based HDTV tuner for ATSC and NTSC, including ClearQAM encrypted cable. Works fine on my G4 Mac Mini and uses TitanTV and TV Guide for EPG (guide) info. It can scan my Comcast analog/digital channels (HD too) and my OTA channels. Works great and automatically converts to MP4 and other formats and can also automatically add shows to iTunes in the background. I got it at Macworld for about $120 or so.

There's a PC version from a company called Hauppage (SP?). If you want to go all out, I believe there's a handful of Cablecard ready PCs that you could use w/ MediaCenter. You might want to check out the HDTV podcast on iTunes. They've reviewed many products like this in the past.

If you get a Mac Mini or similar sized-PC, you can use that as a Media Room PC. The newer Mac Minis can also go from mini-display port to HDMI. I'm using the DVI to my plasma. Then you can run Netflix and Hulu on either of those machines. You can also try Boxee or Plex if you have a Mac.

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