What's the best Netflix UI for a HTPC?

[wayner]

I am just curious to know what people are using as the front-end to access Netflix content on their HTPCs? I am using the Windows 7 MC plugin - is that the best there is or are there other options?

What about Hulu - the Hulu desktop? I am using this which is initiated from Win7 MC.

[panteragstk]

I use hulu desktop. It works ok, but could be much better. For netflix I use Boxee. It'd be nice for boxee to have hulu integrated, but hulu is picky about pc integration for some reason.

The netflix UI in boxee is pretty nice. If we can get Plucky to buy an i3 system we could have a netflix ui (for clients), but he won't let us take up a collection...

[PLUCKYHD]

Originally Posted by panteragstk

If we can get Plucky to buy an i3 system we could have a netflix ui (for clients), but he won't let us take up a collection...

Collection=Commitment/expectations and all that stuff that comes with it

[brainbone]

Originally Posted by panteragstk

The netflix UI in boxee is pretty nice.

If you're talking about Boxee PC and not Box, unless things have changed dramatically in that last few versions, I found Boxee's Netflix implementation a complete waste of the Netflix "branded partner" status that Boxee gained. Horrid performance, horrid quality -- need I go on. They should have access to the same level of integration that WMC7 has, but chose not to use it on the PC client.

[tmar89]

The Netflix interface through Zinc.tv is much better than Boxee's.

[Audacity]

I like using the browser interface (in Chrome), with the default zoom set to a level so that the typical webpage width fills a HDTV screen.

This is using The Loop, not a typical HTPC remote. Prior to buying "The Loop", I would have been looking for a UI that matches the input device for every streaming service out there, but I've found that until someone comes out a standard UI for all the streaming services a better approach is to get a web browser friendly input device for your HTPC.

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by brainbone

If you're talking about Boxee PC and not Box, unless things have changed dramatically in that last few versions, I found Boxee's Netflix implementation a complete waste of the Netflix "branded partner" status that Boxee gained. Horrid performance, horrid quality -- need I go on. They should have access to the same level of integration that WMC7 has, but chose not to use it on the PC client.

TBH I haven't used boxee in a while for anything other than setting it up. The last time I actually used watch now was when you made the autohotkey script. I guess I should try it again.

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by PLUCKYHD

Collection=Commitment/expectations and all that stuff that comes with it

That's kind of the point... It's not like you have anything else to do...

I'm honestly not too worried about seeing as though I tether my phone for my internet connection. Surprisingly it actually works well. Once I get a hard wired connection we'll talk.

[SWKerr]

Netflix:
The Win 7 Plugin for MC is probably the best but it requires you to go into MC to use it. If I could call it independently it would be great. It is actually better thru the Xbox360 although I have not tried the new Kinect control features.

The latest version of Boxee works well and you also get tome other online goodies as well.

Recommended: I end up using Playon with the SageTV plugin. I know I loose a little video quality but I really don't notice a big difference. It integrates the TV and Movies right into the SageTV Diamond interface so they look like any other Movie or show. It is worth the slight loss in resolution.

Hulu:
The Hulu Desktop is good but I still like the Playon plugin with Diamond combo better for the same reasons listed above. Boxee really does not work with the Free Hulu nor does the Xbox360.

[wayner]

The problem with the Xbox is that you have to pay $10 per month to get it.

i agree that Diamond is pretty good, at leasr for what is in your queue. But it isn't so good for browsing through the movie selection.