How to stream Netflix without a smart TV

​If you are one of the many Aussies who haven't got themselves a SMART TV (or not every TV in the house is SMART)... You can still get your fave shows via Netflix - here's how.

Using a smart TV is just one of the many ways you can stream services like Netflix and Stan. There’s  a number of options that you can use, to get your Netflix fix. 

These include:

• Using Apple TV
• Through Google Chromecast
• Using your compatible gaming console (Xbox, PlayStation)
• Through your tablet or computer
• Other Options
  

Using Apple TV 
Apple TV is a relatively cheap (currently around $239 - $299) way to watch a variety of media from any television with an HDMI port (most from the last 10 years). What I love about using Apple TV to watch Netflix (and other streaming services) is that the navigation through your Apple TV remote is so easy.  The app is right there on the home screen and you can browse through the many shows and movies so easily.  Plus you get the other benefits that come with Apple TV, such as easy ways to enjoy photos, music and iTunes content on your TV.

Through Google Chromecast 
Google's Chromecast option is a cheaper way to access your Netflix (or other content) to your TV (currently around $59). Chromecast is basically a simple way to stream content from a smartphone or tablet to a TV.  To stream Netflix through Chromecast, simply plug the Chromecast dongle into the HDMI port in the back of your television and change your TV’s input to HDMI.  Then you can "cast" content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV wirelessly.  So once you've found your show in Netflix on your smartphone or tablet, simply click on the "cast" icon and the content will show up on your TV.

In my view, the setup of Chromecast is a little more involved and less obvious for the non-techy folks.  But once you are up and running its pretty easy to use.  

Using a compatible gaming console (Xbox, PlayStation and Wii U) 
If you own either an Xbox (360 or One), Playstation (3 or 4) or Wii U, you can already access Netflix. Each of these consoles has an online store where you can download games and applications, including Netflix Australia.  Simply download the application from the appropriate store (it’s always free to download), log in with your Netflix account details and you’ll be watching Netflix in no time. The only tricky part here is learning to use your gaming controls, to navigate your Netflix menu's.  That can take some getting used to, but this is an otherwise easy way to enjoy Netflix.

Through a tablet or computer
Using the appropriate HDMI cable, (can vary depending on your available ports on your tablet or computer) connect your computer or tablet to your TV with an adapter, change your television to the relevant HDMI input and you should see the screen from your tablet or computer mirrored on the television. Then all you have to do is access Netflix via your web browser or mobile app and you’ll be watching Netflix on the big screen in no time.

Other options
There are a number of Netflix compatible devices now being developed such as Blu-ray players and Fetch TV, Netflix have kindly detailed these devices on their website to keep us all in the loop.  

Here is the link to find out if your device is Netflix compatible. devices.netflix.com/en/

If you'd like some help getting your Netflix ready devices connected or would like to ask us about our Apple TV + Install Bundle, get in touch with us today.