I'm after suggestions for a simple Netflix device for my older, not so tech savvy in-laws.
The device would need to simply start into Netflix automatically on boot, and also have a Bluetooth remote or capability to pair one.
I personally have several first gen Fire TV's that I can't fault, but sadly they lack being able to boot straight into Netflix (not rooted).
Suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.
Maybe chromecast 2 if they have a mobile or tablet device and wifi at the home?
I taught my mother to use it before she got a new tv with a big ass netflix button on the remote.
Im not sure of any other simple and best of all "cheap" ways for simple netflix.
HTPC built to your budget then load chrome with netflix homepage on startup?
Foxtel.
Easiest way if you ask me. Netflix isnt made simple
I'd suggest a Telstra TV (you can activate with a $2 sim) - VERY simple remote, one click to launch Netflix, also has catch up TV if they want to use that.
I would agree with this suggestion, very easy to use and can be picked up new on Gumtree for 60-80
I was thinking… that's a horrible suggestion.
Just let them get a Roku.
No need to get the latest Roku 4K, a Roku 3 will suffice… and maybe even a Roku 2.
I even checked to see if Amazon/ebay had any new or refurbished that ships to Australia.
…and then I realised… the "Telstra TV"… is in fact a Roku with a different badge!
*facepalm Kangal
Did Telstra also make a good device into a shit one by using their own firmware? They just can't seem to help themselves from disabling and slowing any third party device so I'd be surprised if Roku escaped.
@Diji1: Probably. Can't buy Rokus off Amazon anymore but there are heaps available on ebay. Also, if you are going to get a Roku, get the Roku3 or 4 and not the streaming stick. It isn't nearly as powerful.
@Diji1:
Nope, it looks like all they did was slap a logo on the box, and gain exclusive rights for Roku in Australia.
It is a Roku 2 at the end of the day.
However, it doesn't have much of the American shows… it instead has Australian ones (Netflix, Stan, Presto, iView etc etc).
So its great for those choices, but is that what the consumer is looking for?
A regular Roku 2, 3, 4 doesn't work in Australia without a VPN and a membership to the specific media provider(s).
People honestly have legitimate grounds to make for piracy in Australia.
I actually just use my laptop for watching movies/shows… and send the signal via HDMI to the TV.
I ageee that the newer Roku's are a better device but for a someone that wants a simple way way to access the Australian catch-up services and Netflix/Stan Telstra Tv is great
Doesn't meet op's requirements however Agree the Telstra tv's are very fast, much better than my Sony home theatre or TV app
I also stream live TV and catch up TV.
Sidelloaded plex, took 5 minutes.
Downside. Is no Netflix button on the remote, so not 1 click
Can't remove the Telstra apps, can remove the non Telstra ones.
Don't have access to the main App Store, just Telstra
Make an offer on eBay.
Using a Roku 3 at the moment but looking to change to a NVidia Shield once I can get one at a decent price.
Haven't tried it, but PS3 or PS4 maybe second hand or Xbox one second hand would be pretty cheap. I've seen some go for like 250, which allows you to play games if you ever get the itch.
Ahah i was going to suggest a PS3, control batteries last forever but dunno if OP wanted one remote for the inlaws to be able to control everything on. Also my ps3 broke recently so maybe they have all reached their time limit :(
08 model still going strong.
shiiiiiiiz, got mine in Nov 2012. Havent played frequently for the past 2 years but had a few games queued up and just tried to start it up recently and its dead :'( dont really want to get a new one as they said its quite hard to get the saved stuff transferred. EB games has a standard $89 to fix it, but seeing as a new ps4 is going for $320 on sale, kinda heavy price.
@kza2610:last 2 years i havent played it as much but im getting about 3 nights at about 4 hours each when the kids and wife are going to bed.
Before that i was hammering it hard nearly every night doing the night shift with the little ones and can squeeze a few hours….. and a couple cups of coffee to keep me hoing during the day.
@Hotkolbas: haha, thats some dedication you've got right there! i think mine was a power issue, because my power fuse kept tripping and couldnt figure out what was causing it. And then right after i got a dead ps3 so booo. might just pay to repair it and use it as a Netflix box for my parents, and catch up on games when i have the time. hopefully they got some warranty period on their repairs.
@kza2610: i find that netflix get some good use out of my ps3 more than gaming but its not as simple as it seems to use unless you are savy with scrolling theough menus.
Ps3 from eb games 2nd hand can be had for as little as 120 bucks.
you can buy a bluray player with smart features, some have a remote with a dedicated Netflix button, surely they can press that.
some TVs even have netflix button on their remote.
Blu-Ray player with Netflix functionality?