Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

My wife and I are looking at the posibility of dropping our satellite, no longer using Redbox and replacing these with Netflix.
I have a few questions that the Netflix website doesn't satisfy, maybe some of you Netflix experienced people can answer.
(We watch alot of current TV shows and often rent movies from Redbox)


Questions:
1.) Does Netflix have current episodes of TV shows that are running now or just past seasons?
(Example: Can I watch the new season of Walking Dead when it starts again?)
2.) Can you get current episodes of HBO original series shows?
3.) What is Netflix que? (people say, "That is in my Netflix que" often)
4.) How fast can you begin watching a desired program?
5.) Is the movie selection that much better with the mail orders?
6.) How long is the turn around for mail order DVDs?
7.) Is there a better service than Netflix out there?

The big question:
In your opinion can we replace our satellite service and stop using Redbox if we get Netflix?

Thanks everybody for whatever feedback you can offer, I may try the free trial but want to know what to expect in advance.
*I have read through many of the other Netflix threads here, but didn't find exactly what info I was looking for, and didn't want to thread jack.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

You can find what shows they have and don't have with a visit to their web page. Their DVD movie selection is far, far better than the instant view selection. As far as how "fast" you can watch a program, it will depend on your ISP, among other things.

Honestly, the free trial is the best way to get answers to all your questions. What works for one may not for another; give it a try and then you'll know for sure.

We have it, and I ask myself every month if I got my $$$ worth. However, we do also have Comcast HD cable and several premium channels, so we have more TV than we have time to watch it...:2

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Yes, but I would also use Hulu.com for TV shows.

Questions:
1.) Does Netflix have current episodes of TV shows that are running now or just past seasons? No, Netflix's TV selection using watch now sucks.
(Example: Can I watch the new season of Walking Dead when it starts again?)
2.) Can you get current episodes of HBO original series shows? No.
3.) What is Netflix que? (people say, "That is in my Netflix que" often) It's the movies/shows that are lined up wating for you to return your outstanding dvd, before they will ship your next program.

4.) How fast can you begin watching a desired program? As fast as your internet connection speed (it takes me less than 1 minute)

5.) Is the movie selection that much better with the mail orders? NO, the mail order selection is much, much better.

6.) How long is the turn around for mail order DVDs? 2 days each way on average in PA. For example if I return a DVD on Monday, I should receive the next DVD in my que on Thurday or Friday.

7.) Is there a better service than Netflix out there? Check out Blockbuster?

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Why pay for anything when you already pay for internet? Every tv show is streamed or available for download for free, somewhere.

You mentioned Walking Dead. If you can't find a live stream, AMC has the episodes posted on their site the next day.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Let me know if you have any other questions bro!

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I don't want to watch them on my computer though. Do you have a good recommendation of how to watch them on my TV? I was planning on streaming Netfix with my Wii.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

If your TV doesn't have wifi, you can stream internet via some of the newer dvd player devices such as Wii or you can conncet using S-video cable.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I agree here for sure! Everything is available somewhere, you just have to look (and it may be a little less than perfect quality then on actual cable). This is the reason why I got the google...just pay for the device and no monthly fees. No regrets so far because my TV is the internet now...watching shoes on a 52 inch is WAY better than a 15 inch laptop.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

This is true...but by using an S-video cable you have to have your laptop beside you to use the key board on it.

I'm not trying to sell you on GoogleTV, but it is way easier than having the laptop beside you...but how much is that really worth? just my opinion since you were asking.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

On your first question it depends on what Netflix agreement with the producers says some shows you get reasonably quick but most not until the season is over. To alleviate this I would add Hulu Plus to my netflix subscription(They are better for current shows).

The que is a list you create basically it's your favorites or stuff you plan to watch soon. This way the title is on hand and you don't have to run a search(Useful because in some cases it's easier to find a title on your computer than on your entertainment devices)

your internet speed determines streaming speed

Mail orders do have a better selection. when I still had the mail portion turn around was 3-4 days depending on when I sent one in.

I use netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, have tried HULU, and Blockbuster. I prefer netflix and amazon. Content varies across the various providers so YMMV.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I am not going to be using my laptop, I will be using my Mac desktop. It is far from my TV. So after looking at Google TV, it appears I can just go to BestBuy, purchase some kind of Internet TV thing and done?

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I had already done that but it doesn't tell me how current the episodes are. They show TWD but not if it is old seasons.:sh



You guys have answered many of my questions already, thanks.
I don't think Netflix alone is what I am looking for. I really need TV shows current if not live. I will have to look into another source, maybe I will go to BestBuy after work and ask them what they recommend.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Yep...the internet tv thing is what I did, I got mine from Best Buy. I think they may sell Roku, but not sure. They def sell Apple TV. Also, fyi Hulu Plus is supposed to be coming to Wii sometime soon...so maybe you might want to check into that to get some more info on the time frame, since that would require no new purchases other than the subscription.

Also, I think if you got Apple TV you could stream from your Mac to your apple TV and that may allow you to watch Hulu Plus that way.

As you can see...I think Hulu Plus or Amazon Instant are far better options than Netflix

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I may have to look into Apple TV also then, I have a friend with it and I wasn't impressed but maybe he wasnt using it to its full capabilities.

Basically I want one service that I can watch new release movies, older & "classic" movies as well as new TV shows as they are aired. I have what I need now with Satellite and Redbox, but I hate stopping at Redboxs and my satellite bill is rediculous.

Hulu Plus still shows coming soon for Wii.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

....dunno, this seems pretty clear (Season one only so far):

http://www2.netflix.com/Movie/The-Wa...l&trkid=222336

I guess I don't see what you have to lose with a free trial...??

Good luck on your search....

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

My main contention for sticking with the satellite is that you cannot watch live sporting events without it. I am not sure if the google TV can get live sporting events or not, but I know that Netflix, hulu, etc. cannot.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Well, you will get one device to do all of this for you...it's just a matter of subscriptions after that. With internet TV you are awarded the ability to forgo those subscriptions if you do internet searches for what you are looking for. For example, the you tube links you posted a couple days ago of old zombie movies. Sure they would probably be viewed better on Netflix (if they had them), but you found it and you watched it....

As for AppleTV, it doesn't show that it is supported for Hulu yet...my honest opinion would be GTV or Roku (Roku has Hulu Plus) because of the streaming abilities. If you want to pay for subscriptions then Roku is the winner...if you want the net at your fingertips (and most subscriptions) then GTV is the winner.

Best Buy will certainly know more than I though :r Not sure if they carry the Roku though.

Best of luck :tu

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

It depends, since GoogleTV (GTV) is basically the net, if you can get streams of live events on the internet you should be able to on it I WOULD ASSUME. I have watched the masters on it, it was spotty.

As for all events, there may be an App on GTV that would allow that...not sure. It just depends on if the internet site you are looking for your game on is compliant with GTV...not all are, for example Hulu Plus

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Hold off on Apple TV as the rumor is Apple will be producing actual TVs soon with more capabilities than the Apple TV units.
I dumped Netflix when they wanted the extra fee for streaming as the streaming feature was terrible as far as content. No new releases and most of the movies were pretty dated. The one thing I liked about the streaming is the fact that they had a lot of kids stuff that I could stream through my Blu-Ray for my daughter but for teh amount of times I actually used it the extra cost every month was not worth it. As others mentioned I would look in to Blockbuster.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

After digging into more of the units it would appear that a Roku unit with a subscription to Hulu Plus is what I need to cover current tv show issues. Then I need a way to stream new release movies. I guess Netflix isn't a good source for new release streamed movies. Got a better option?

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Amazon instant.

Remember now...Roku is not the internet. You won't have the ability to watch anything other than what they offer through their apps/partners. So without satellite, you won't have live sports or news and what not (some Roku person correct me if wrong...just reading on their site)

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

OKay so I need:

Roku
Hulu Plus
Amazon Instant
and a way to search the web?

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

That's where the fun comes in! lol

That is why I went with GoogleTV...sure i would love Hulu Plus to be on there and sadly it isn't yet (but in the works), but at least I can search for the shows I want to watch. Roku is a subscription streamer.

So to answer your question...you won't need a way to search the web if you are comfortable watching your computer for those things that are not available through roku.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I don't want to watch anything on my computer.
Does GTV have current TV shows?
Why is GTV better than Hulu Plus?

I want unlimited subscriptions so I am not buying individual items all the time.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

GTV is strictly better in that the internet gives you access to find current tv shows, HOWEVER, they may not be best quality as someone may have bootlegged and what not to make them available.

Hulu Plus may come to GTV and when it does, I will sign up for that subscription in a heartbeat on my GTV.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Here let me run through it with you:

Roku = Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Prime, others that are available to purchase a subscription. Roku is a streaming device that gives you instant access to these through apps (same as would be on a smart phone) but is limited to what they offer, as in, the app has to be on Roku to use...Roku does not have internet.

GoogleTV = is also a streaming device that you purchase subscriptions through...the down side is that it doesn't have Hulu Plus (yet), therefore, there isn't a "platform (i.e. app)" to watch current tv shows. However, it used the google chrome web browser for your internet and you can search (just like on an comp) for anything the net has to offer. Therefore, if you search long enough, you will probably find the latest episode of anything you want to watch...just depends on how much you want to dig around or if you want it at your fingertips through an app.

As for movies, again, the GTV may be your best bet for finding a current movie faster than it came out to Netflix or Amazon instant.

Hope this helps bud

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Question: Is your internet service coming from the same satellite provider you are thinking about cutting out? If you drop the satellite, usually the internet price increases by a decent amount. Then you won't be saving as much as you originally thought. It may be beneficial, it may not.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

No I have two different service providers, good point though. Thanks.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I voted no. There is no single source of entertainment. For example, I have Netflix, Frontier FIOS (used to be Verizon until they bailed) for TV and Internet. I subscribe to all the premium channels.

I watch True Blood on HBO. For some stupid reason my DVR failed to record one episode. HBO does not share their content with any other providers at this time. My provider, Frontier does not have an "HBO Go" agreement with HBO, so there is no where for me to go to obtain my missed episode short of waiting for HBO to re-air it.

Netflix has a really wide variety of titles, especially for older stuff. Their contracts do not permit them (today) to steam many new releases...

This kind of thing happens all the time for all providers. No one service seems to have it all. The closest thing would be DirecTV + Netflix. DirecTV has about the best selection of On Demand shows from the premium channels, and Netflix gives you everything else.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Michael, go to www . sidereel . com and search true blood, all of the episodes are on there and you can pick the one you missed and watch it on the net. just an option.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Unless I am missing something it seems to only let me watch it through HBO GO or Xfinitity and I am not subscribed to either...

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

sorry, wrong site...not sure what I was thinking. See pm

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

:tu

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Not so much. The "newest" releases are not streamed. Or very very few, anyway. To see what Netflix considers "new" releases, go to www.instantwatcher.com and click the button. "New" is 6 months (if you are really lucky), but most likely a year or two behind the DVD release date. And spotty selection as well.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Thanks everybody for all of your helpfull opinions, so I went and bought a Roku last night.
Now I gotta sign up for Hulu Plus and a movie app. So far I am pretty happy with the unit, very easy install and seems to be very user friendly, maybe too user friendly as it is very simple. And I can't believe it didn't come with a HDMI cable, that's my fault for not reading but you think the BestBuy rep would have suggested it.

Man I just found out Hulu doesn't have The Walking Dead or Ink Masters.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...s/10c01aa4.jpg

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I vote you hook your TV up to a computer :D

The possibilities are ENDLESS :r

Netflix sucks.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

REALLY!?!?! I would have never guessed that! I figured Hulu was your best bet at all current shows. I haven't looked through what it has and doesn't have because GoogleTV isn't compatible yet. Everyone raves about Hulu Plus though.

Amazon instant may have it, but my guess would be that you have to purchase it to watch it.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I may eventually buy a windows TV, I was checking them out yesteday. Pretty awesome operating system in a TV!
I need to subscribe to Amazon instant and Hulu Plus, thats my plan so far.

I just don't want to have to use my computer for controls???

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

yeah those TV's are Bad A$$

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

You don't :D

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I just got the Sony Streaming Player. It does everything the Roku does but is a bit cheaper (the N100 version is $20 cheaper) and has more options, like YouTube, Sony concert series, etc. It also comes with 2 months of Huluplus for free. The only thing it doesn't do from what I can see is the gaming that the Roku SX does. Just another option for those looking for a cable/satellite alternative.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

I'm in just the opposite boat from you, Shane. I tried Hulu plus, I thought it sucked out loud. I had no use for it at all. Netflix is like 8 bucks a month. I get way more than my money's worth out of it.
My thing is football. I'm pretty much forced to go to directv next year just so I can get the nfl package. When I do that, pour Internet service cost will go up. It's the worst of all the worlds. :)

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Right now I'm using Hulu Plus and Netflix and Amazon Instant. Amazon instant has better stuff than anything else so far but you have to pay for almost all of it like pay per view. Oh and there is a Roku app for my iPhone that is awesome. It works as a remote control and much more. The only sports I really watch is the Skins games and they are hardly ever televised here. I usually listen to then on the radio on my phone.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Thanks for this -- watched the missing episode last night. All is right with the world :)

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Doesn't Hulu have commercials? So, you pay for the service and have to sit thru commercials as well. Not me, brother!

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Yah 60 second ones, very annoying. I didn't think it had them when I signed up.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Wow. Totally sorry that some things aren't great with Hulu man. All I have heard is great things which is why I was so excited about it coming to google tv soon! Are you able to fast forward through the commercials?

But you're liking th roku? You still planning on getting rid of satellite?

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Nice! The Internet! You can find anything!!!!

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Working on it still.
Im not blaming you for anything brother. All you did was help!!!
No you can't FFWD commercials. Movies don't have them just TV shows.
I'm not complaining at all here, just trying to post facts for others.

Re: Netflix instead of satellite & Redbox???
 

Football is my big question mark also. I can't watch the Vikings every week without the Sunday Ticket. I think next year I'll just go to the sports bar to watch them. It's not worth the cost of having directv for the whole year.