Quote:
Originally Posted by Juicy D. Links
Ah shit , didnt realize that Netflix wasnt in HD....
Checking out Roku now
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Like flip says, they do stream in HD, but:
* If you're going the Roku route (my recommendation) you need the higher-end box. The cheap one doesn't have an HDMI connector, and therefore can only do SD.
* Netflix's HD is 720p. If you have a 1080p TV, the TV will upscale it. It'll still look pretty good.
* Only some Netflix videos are presented in HD. They show when they are.
* If your connection can't support the approx. 2 mbps it takes for HD, the Netflix server will drop you down to SD. If the connection is still too slow, the server drops you down in bandwidth steps. Two dots (out of four) is fairly unwatchable. Three is okay.
* Netflix will dynamically alter the framerate of the videos without affecting bandwidth. You can still have a four-dot HD connection but you may notice some "strobing" in fast pans or action sequences. This is due to skipping frames.
The upshot is this: make sure you have a good connection, and if possible, avoid a wireless router. If you have a cable ISP, be sure not to "split" the account to more than one IP. They will spread your bandwidth evenly across the IPs, and you may not have enough on any to adequately receive.