Netflix makes it incredibly easy and affordable to watch movies and TV episodes on your computer. You can try Netflix for one month for free. You can choose from thousands of titles. The technology used by Netflix automatically checks your broadband speed and adjusts the streaming video quality to give you the best possible picture. Here’s what you need to know to watch Netflix on your computer.
How much does Netflix cost?
In November 2010, Netflix lowered its price for unlimited downloads of movies and TV episodes to $7.99 a month. That is a one dollar reduction from its previous $8.99 per month — however, this plan does not include DVDs mailed to your home. Netflix has other plans that includes streaming videos plus mailed DVDs.
What computer equipment do you need to watch Netflix?
For instant watching Netflix movies and TV episodes, your computer must be able to handle streaming Netfix content. According to Netflix, here’s what you need:–
- If you have a Windows operating system, you need at least 512 MB RAM, 1.2 GHz processing speed, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Vista or Windows 7. Your browser must be IP 6.0 or higher, or Firefox 2 or higher.
- If you have an Intel-based Mac, you need 1 GB RAM. Your browser must be Safari 3 or higher, or Firefox 2 or higher.
I watch Netflix on my HP Entertainment Notebook PC with a 17-inch screen. The results are terrific.
The sound coming from the PC is adequate, but you may want to use headphones for better personal listening, or external computer speakers.
What level of Internet broadband service do you need?
You must have broadband service providing a minimum of 1.5 Mbps. Your image quality will improve with faster speeds. Netflix recommends at least 3.0 Mbps if you want DVD-quality video and audio.
How can you get started?
It’s very simple. Go to Netflix.com. Sign up for the free trial. At the end of a month you’ll be automatically enrolled in the unlimited download plan for $7.99 per month.
In order to create your own Netflix web page with personalized suggestions, Netflix will ask you for your age, sex, types of movies and TV episodes you like to watch, and how often you watch various kinds of content.
Then you arrive immediately at your own Netflix homepage — no waiting for long software downloads. Once you choose the movie or netflix series episode you want to watch, Netflix chooses the video quality based on your Internet speed. Then after a short buffering delay, your cinematic experience begins.
Any time during the movie, you can end it. Or go back and browse for another movie.
For no additional charge you can watch Netflix movies and TV episodes on 5 additional devices — including large-screen high-definition televisions.