Netflix and Wii

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How many of you are using Netflix through your Wii console? I just read about it in a over from Netflix. Do you have to have a telephone jack to plug into it? I currently have a modem that runs the cable and telephone all together. Could I plug in the cable line into the Wii? I'm lost on this and trying to "update" myself. Any education or input would be greatly appreciated by this 47 year old "dinosaur."
 
Works well.

I just got a Blueray player that does the Netflix streaming and its slightly better than the Wii but both are a great way to get some content.

The Wii is using wireless and Blueray wired here.

Take care, Bill
 
works well for us-wireless. We have 12mbps through U-Verse and we get a pause every once in a while, but other than that is has given the Wii a new purpose.
 
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Originally Posted By: tom slick
but you can run a network cable, just like your computer, from the modem to the Wii.


AFAIK, Wii does not have a built-in wired network port, so you would need to buy an adapter if you wanted to have it hard-wired to your home network.

But like you mentioned, Wii has a built-in wireless adapter, so a wireless router is all you need.
 
Xbox, PS3, or the newer set-top boxes are better because they will support 720p and Dolby 5.1 that Netflix is starting to bring to their streaming services. So don't buy a Wii thinking this will tip the scales!
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: tom slick
but you can run a network cable, just like your computer, from the modem to the Wii.


AFAIK, Wii does not have a built-in wired network port, so you would need to buy an adapter if you wanted to have it hard-wired to your home network.

But like you mentioned, Wii has a built-in wireless adapter, so a wireless router is all you need.


You're right! I was mistakenly thinking of the ROKU box I tried out (and wasn't worth it).
 
We use Wii for Netflix and have basically stopped their DVD service and went with their $10/month service.

The quality of the picture is usually pretty good it being a 480p connection. Of course, a lot depends on the picture quality of the original material.

The availability of content for streaming is not quite as rich as the DVD media but there is always something to watch.
 
Wait...time out....my Wii has a built in wireless adapter???? Am I reading that correct? How does that work or how do I access that? Guess I need to open up the manual. I got a wireless router running in the house and picks up the wifes' Dell laptop pretty. Wow, did not know that and that would be the way to go.
 
Yup, it has a wireless card. You just need to go into your Wii's settings/options and configure the network connection (tell it the name of your wireless network and password, if any).

Once your Wii is networked, it can download software updates and additional content such as games, apps, etc.

As for Netflix, I'm not sure, but I think Netflix needs to send you a CD that you put into Wii in order to make it work.
 
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THANKS!!!! Wow, did not know that. I'll have to try that out but I'm having a lot of trouble with my wireless and that stupid password. I can't even get the ipod hooked to it. Guess I'm going to have to call linksys and walk through it all again.
 
What software version on the Wii enables the NetFlix features?

I'm at 3.4 so Homebrew works great with many different apps. WiiRadio, Space Invaders, Castle Wolfenstein, etc...
 
You have to get their (Netflix) CD and run it each time. The first time it connects the Wii and Netflix gives you a code that you have to enter with your computer to ID the Wii with Netflix. Once that is done then they stream wireless the movies.

Same procedure with a lot of newer DVD/BR players with out the need for the DVD. They just connect, give you the code and wola! it works.


Bill
 
Well, I finally fixed the problems with my router. The internet is wonderous place for learning, I tell you what!!!!
Anyway, went through everything and Shazam!!!! It worked. Downloaded the internet "app" and now my 6 year old can get on the internet and I can watch. Definently going to try Netflix. I got this offer in the mail for like 9 bucks a month for goobs of movies. If we like it, I'm going to drop HBO and Showtime and save about 30 bucks a month. We really don't watch those channels much and can only watch the PG-13's and R's late at night when my daughter is asleep. Thanks ya'll!!!!!
 
Originally Posted By: Schmoe
Downloaded the internet "app" and now my 6 year old can get on the internet and I can watch.

Is that like a simplified web browser for Wii? I'll have to check it out. Our Wii has been collecting dust for months... we only play games on it when some friends come over and we run out of things to do.

But I'm getting tempted to crack our Wii - I hear there is some good free content available out there.
 
When you go to the shop wii channel, it's in there. You use to have pay for it, but they started offering it free last year I think from what all I read on the internet. I punched up cnn.com, you tube, etc. etc., it all came up, no problems. You can even pick out the kind of seach engine you want to use. One thing you'll need, and I'm looking into it right now, is a wireless keyboard. There are to USB jacks on the back of the Wii that you can plug it into. You also don't need a mouse, the wii controller serves as that function. It's really pretty cool, especially if you got younger kids. You can watch what they are doing without them thinking your snooping around. I also had a 4G scan card I put in there. You can also save your favorites as well. I'm telling you for surfing, it's all you really need. I can't access nexflix from work, big brother won't let me in, so I'll do it from home. But, netflix will send you a disk that you have to boot up everytime you want streaming movies or television. So far, I've been impressed with the operation and the absolute ease of use. Believe me, they put a lot of thought into this little baby!!!
 
Yeah, I know Wii can do a ton of stuff, although watching HD movies is not really one of them since it can only output 480p. Hence, I just use a dedicated HTPC for that purpose - it outputs 1080p as well as true surround sound (up to 7.1). On a big screen and with a nice audio setup, it does make a difference. But I agree, it's convenient to be able to do basic things on Wii without having to invest in additional pieces of hardware.
 
Well, one thing I did notice when using the Wii internet, your pretty limited. You can't run flash, adobe, quicktime, microsofte media or mp3 files. A lot of my daughter computer games, she can't play on the Wii. But, for looking at headline news or stock market reports, etc. etc. it's fine. Also, does anybody recommend a certain type of wireless keyboard for the Wii??? I like the Microsoft 3000 for around 35 bucks.
 
You will need to get a wired one because the Wii won't have drivers to run the transceiver for the wireless keyboard. Not sure if it has the ability to use a bluetooth keyboard since it has bluetooth for the controllers. I have a Logitech wireless Bluetooth keyboard for our PS3 that I can try on the our Wii.
 
I've had the netflix on my Wii for the past couple weeks. I like it just fine. Playing on a 37 inch HD flat panel, it looks near DVD quality with most content.

Definitely some motion blurs, artifacts, and the blacks look washed out, but worth the money.

I ordered a component cable for the wii on monoprice for 6 dollars, and that cleaned the picture up a little more.

I'm streaming wirelessly to a G network, and a 10MBPS roadrunner connection and I'm actually surprised how snappy it is. No buffer issues at all, and it pulls up content very quick.
 
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