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What Is Needed for Netflix Streaming to Work?

Netflix Instant streaming video is a service that lets you watch on-demand movies and TV shows over a high speed Internet connection. It may be an alternative source of entertainment if you're fed up with high cable and satellite fees or poor quality TV reception and limited viewing choices. However, there is a considerable investment in time, energy and equipment to set up Netflix instant streaming.

  1. Internet Speed

    • To watch Netflix instant streaming in standard definition, you'll need a broadband DSL or cable Internet connection of at least 1.5 megabits per second. For high quality streaming video, you'll need a 3.0 Mbps or faster connection. For high definition, a broadband Internet speed of 4 to 5 Mbps is required. Netflix will not stream properly over a dial-up connection. While you can stream Netflix using a slower broadband connection, you will probably experience interruptions in playback.

    System Requirements

    • For a Windows computer, you must have Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista or Windows 7 installed to watch Netflix instant streaming. Your computer must also have Internet Explorer 6, Firefox 3 or Chrome 7 or higher. Your PC must have a 1.2 gigahertz processor and 512 megabytes of system RAM. For a Mac, you'll need a computer with an Intel processor and at least Mac operating system 10.4.11. You'll also need Safari 3 or Firefox 3, and 1 gigabyte of RAM. To stream Netflix from your computer to an HDTV, you'll need compatible input and output ports, such as HDMI, composite, component or RGB. If your computer has no TV out ports, or your HDTV has no computer input port, you must install a TV converter on your computer to stream Netflix to your TV.

    Networking Equipment

    • If you intend to connect wirelessly to Netflix, you'll need a wireless router to set up your home network. Connect the router to your Ethernet network interface card (NIC) and your cable or DSL modem. You can also set up a wired connection with your computer or a Netflix-ready device, but the connection will be cumbersome and inconvenient. For a wireless connection, your computer must have a wireless network adapter. However, for the wired connection, all you need is an Ethernet card and an Ethernet cable.

    Netflix-Ready Devices

    • The simplest way to watch Netflix on your TV is with a Netflix-ready device. The Roku digital video player and the Boxee box are among the cheapest and simplest. You can also use an Internet-connected HDTV or Blu-ray player, certain game consoles or DVRs, as well as some mobile devices and home theater systems. For best results, choose a device with built-in wireless networking and support for full 1080p high definition streaming.

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