[opendtv] Re: Netflix quality
- From: dan.grimes@xxxxxxxx
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:18:20 -0800
It is interesting to hear of your response to Netflix streaming, especially
compared to the three unique devices that I have been using to run Netflix
applications (four if you count the computer): a PlayStation 3, two Vizio
VXT TVs, and a Logitek Revue which just got new firmware which completely
revamped how it operates.
The PS3 is probably the best device. It has almost never hung or stopped
and controls are very responsive. However, having no QWERTY keyboard, even
with the optional Sony remote for using it as a media player, makes it slow
to search for specific media. What is really great is that the PS3 keeps
track of everything you have watched and where you are at in a program,
making it really easy to go back to a program you didn't finish or to watch
the next program in a series. Media is high-def almost from the start of
the streaming.
The Vizio TVs are very slow to log into Netflix and very slow to initially
start a selected program (apparently a long lag before it starts
buffering). Once the video starts, it almost never glitches. The fast
forward and reverse are near impossible to use with long buffering delays.
The video starts in a very low quality and gradually gets better. The TVs
have QWERTY keyboards built into the remote and searches are simple and
quick. On the other hand, the main menus often change and the "Recently
Watched" menu often goes away. Also, it doesn't not do a good job of
keeping track of what has been viewed.
I haven't logged in on the Logitech since the recent firmware update. But
the Revue has a full sized QWERTY keyboard, touch pad and mouse controls,
giving excellent control, allowing efficient interfacing with a website,
albeit, not as good as a regular mouse due to the need to switch to several
control areas to mimic the mouse.
I recently wrote a bit about the GoogleTV on the Logitech Revue device.
With the new firmware, it is a completely new device in many respects.
First, it now has access to Android Apps. Of course, there are limitations
to what is applicable for a device meant only for displaying media. The
menu's useability is slightly hindered. But it is easier to get to
GoogleTV now. But GoogleTV is still a non-starter and cannot compare to a
MVPD. Meanwhile, it lost several other apps that weren't working. And the
Revue still only outputs 720P and still has black bars around it. This
makes websites just slightly too small at 10' from a 42" screen. I have to
choke up on it a bit to get the small details.
As far as Netflix is concerned, it is still very limited in content but it
is great to see so many new things added from mainstream media, especially
TV series from the big media congloms as well as from around the world.
Dan
From: "Mike Tsinberg" <Mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
I had different experiences playing Netflix on different devices:
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