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Small Android stick for watching Netflix.

E

elsmandino

Newbie
Hi,

I am on the lookout for a small android-based device just for watching Netflix on my TV.

I am running Openelec on a mini-pc, which famously does not support Netflix at the moment.

My main criteria is that the device must support the following:

* Full HD video.
* 5.1 surround sound output
* Ability to use Hola - I am based in the UK, so I want to switch betwee Netflix UK and Netflix US.

Can anyone possible recommend anything that might do the job please?

Thanks
 
Just so you know if you get a Chromecast you can cast Netflix from your android device.

Otherwise there is talk this year of Google coming out with Android TV, so you might just want to wait and see :)
 
I know Chromecast supports Neflix. I'm not sure about Hola. If you can watch Hola on the Chrome browser, then you can send it to Chromecast.
 
Thanks guys.

Never really thought of getting a Chromecast before and certainly had no idea that it could "cast" (just been doing a bit of reading up on this).

I have two mobile devices that I can currently use with Hola - a Windows 7 laptop and Chrome browser and and an Android Transformer Tab that runs the Netflix App that can be unblocked with Hola.

Does this mean that I can use either of these devices to stream Netflix to whatever TV the Chromecast is connected to?
 
elsmandino said:
Thanks guys.

Never really thought of getting a Chromecast before and certainly had no idea that it could "cast" (just been doing a bit of reading up on this).

I have two mobile devices that I can currently use with Hola - a Windows 7 laptop and Chrome browser and and an Android Transformer Tab that runs the Netflix App that can be unblocked with Hola.

Does this mean that I can use either of these devices to stream Netflix to whatever TV the Chromecast is connected to?
Click to expand...

Yes. Just download the Chromecast extension for your browser, it needs to be Chrome.

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/3212008?hl=en
 
elsmandino said:
I have two mobile devices that I can currently use with Hola - a Windows 7 laptop and Chrome browser and and an Android Transformer Tab that runs the Netflix App that can be unblocked with Hola.

Does this mean that I can use either of these devices to stream Netflix to whatever TV the Chromecast is connected to?
Click to expand...

The Netflix app has a feature that allows you to stream Netflix directly to Chromecast. There's an icon you tap and select and you get to choose which device (your current device or Chromecast) to show the video. If you choose Chromecast, you will still be able to control the Netflix video via controls on your Netflix app.

For the Windows Chrome browser, you need the browser extension that will allow you to send anything on the browser to your Chromecast device. Digital Controller has given you a link. When using Chromecast with your Windows browser, the video streams first to your Chrome browser. Then the video is sent from the browser to the TV.

I don't know if Hola can stream directly to Chromecast as I don't use the service. If it does, there would be an icon for it. If not, it goes to your PC browser and then to Chromecast. I notice when I stream videos this way, my fan on my laptop turns on. I think it uses a lot processing power if streaming through the browser. It will still work. The sound is turned off on your PC, but you still see the video on your PC as well as (a little delayed) via Chromecast to your TV.
 
What I use is an old Nintendo Wii. They're dirt cheap used and can play Netflix, youtube, iPlayer ect HD via HDTV, not sure about audio sorry. I'll have a look later.
Just an option 👍

Mmm@google TV! I want!
 
Stuntman said:
I don't know if Hola can stream directly to Chromecast as I don't use the service. If it does, there would be an icon for it. If not, it goes to your PC browser and then to Chromecast. I notice when I stream videos this way, my fan on my laptop turns on. I think it uses a lot processing power if streaming through the browser. It will still work. The sound is turned off on your PC, but you still see the video on your PC as well as (a little delayed) via Chromecast to your TV.
Click to expand...

I know that sometimes, like with Youtube, the video doesn't even play on the desktop, it might play the first few seconds, but then stops and switches to the TV you are casting too :)
 
Digital Controller said:
I know that sometimes, like with Youtube, the video doesn't even play on the desktop, it might play the first few seconds, but then stops and switches to the TV you are casting too :)
Click to expand...

There are some services that support streaming directly to your Chromecast device. Neflix and YouTube are such services. You will find the Chromecast icon when using these services on your browser and you can control the streaming with any browser. With these services, you shouldn't see the video on your Chrome browser at all. I usually start playing the video first and then click on the Chromecast icon to switch it to my TV.

If the service doesn't support Chromecast, the Chrome browser (and only the Chrome browser with the Chromecast plug-in) can act as a middle man. You just stream to your Chrome browser and the plug-in forwards it to Chromecast. With this method the video appears on your PC and the same video shows up on your Chromecast connected device (after a slight delay).
 
The upside to the stick is that it's an Android OS in it that can be controlled from a tablet, or phone, or a USB mouse.

It has the playstore so you can download games and everything on it, as well as just download the youtube application and watch videos like that, same with netflix.

The main issue here is that Chromecast is very smooth and not choppy, where the stick at times can be like this.

Personally I really like Chromecast, it does netflix, youtube, and google music really well, which is all I really need it for.
 
Hi,

I nipped out to Argos last night and picked up a Chromecast.

I have to say that I am really very pleased with it - have not yet properly messed about with it but I tried it out with Netflix last smooth and playback was really smooth and I loved the way that it is controlled via my phone.

Thanks very much for everyone's help with making a decision - really appreciate it!
 
elsmandino said:
Hi,

I nipped out to Argos last night and picked up a Chromecast.

I have to say that I am really very pleased with it - have not yet properly messed about with it but I tried it out with Netflix last smooth and playback was really smooth and I loved the way that it is controlled via my phone.

Thanks very much for everyone's help with making a decision - really appreciate it!
Click to expand...

Glad we could assist you with coming up with an appropriate solution.

Feel free to visit us again :)
 
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