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Netflix / Stan on TVs without the apps (in Australia)?

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Hi,

There seem to be a few tech-minded folk on these forums, so... just wondering if anyone has managed to get Netflix/Stan streaming to an old TV without a dedicated app? If so, how did you do it?

Newer "smart" TVs can just download an app for each service and you're set, but for older ones like my Samsung Series 5, or old Bravia EX600, well, there just ain't no app! Just a handful of crappy or expensive services including Quickflix.

I'm thinking a ChromeKey would work, but I don't love the idea of needing to crank up the laptop every time I want to use it.

Also, something like a Roku streaming player would be cool, but these aren't available to Australians (yet?), and I don't want the extra expense of a high-throughput VPN, which some streaming services are cracking down on anyway.

I've even tried XBMC/Kodi on a Raspberry Pi with the XBMCFlix app, to no avail. Argh!

(...aaaaand don't even think about suggesting BitTorrent + USB drives instead!)

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Ta :wink:

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You can buy roku's in Australia, check out ebay. I was thinking of getting one a while back. Do you have a games console? I have the netflix app on PS4, I'm sure xbox would have it too. I think there's also a bunch of devices like hard disk recorders, dvd players and blu-ray players that are mostly "smart" devices now and can stream netflix, without needing a "smart" tv. That may be another cheapish option if you don't want to stream from a laptop and prefer a dedicated box. Or get a second hand ps3 or xbox for cheap?

Those roku's seem like a good option, I would have bought one but then I got a ps4.

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You can buy roku's in Australia, check out ebay.

Cool, so I can get one here, but don't you need a VPN to access the streaming services it uses which are in the US? If I'm wrong, and you can use it with Netflix Australia and/or Stan, I'd definitely like to try one out!

Do you have a games console?

Great idea, I do, I have a Nintendo Wii console! Unfortunately, it only streams Netflix in 480p (640x480) :huh:

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Hmm, I think you are right about the Roku.

You mentioned chromecast. check out this (Australian) article here:

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/571125/best-way-watch-netflix-your-big-screen-tv/

I sounds like you don't need it linked to your pc or laptop, but can instead use your iphone/ipad/android device as the content streamer. Plus the phone then becomes the remote control as well which is kind of cool. I guess this then ties your phone or tablet to the tv which may not be ideal if you have to go out and your partner wants to keep watching, but I assume they would have a phone they could use as well. Looks like a cheap option anyway, less that $50.

Looks like the set top boxes, HDD recorders and bluray players that are also smart devices start at about $160. What about apple TV? That's $109, and apparently supports Australian Netflix, according to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Netflix_compatible_devices

Or maybe it's time to get backing into gaming, and upgrade to a shiny U, One or PS4? Netflix could be just the excuse you need to convince your better half that you need a new gaming console :wink:

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...use your iphone/ipad/android device as the content streamer.

Sweeeet. I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 which runs Chrome, so ought to be able to use that. Awesome, thanks Alice, I think I'll try a ChromeKey after all. Using my phone as a remote does sound pretty cool. :)

roku3 is excellent. Never had a problem with updates or streaming HD.

In Australia? Does it stream Netflix or Stan? I was under the impression the streaming services on the Roku were US and UK only, which is why I thought you need a VPN from here to get it to work.

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Just checked my channels on Roku and netflix is unavailable.I thought I had seen it there. I only use them for Plex.

Did a little digging and it seems like a few have got Aus netflix running on roku by a little dns trickery in the initial Roku setup, to get the netflix app. Once the app is up, aus netflix signs in normally without vpn.

I will give it a try tomorrow.

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