Netflix Silverlight Streaming Beta Now Available for Mac Users

[MacRumors]

Netflix's beta for streaming content directly to Macs is now available for open beta at http://www.netflix.com/silverlightoptin. Netflix notes a few things to consider before signing up:

- There may be bugs. We are logging all errors, but if you run into problems you can help out by posting details here in the blog comments.
- Not all movies are available to watch with Silverlight. You may notice errors or lower than normal quality when watching certain titles.
- Our new player works on PCs and Intel-based Macs.
- Windows users should be aware that if you opt in, you will need to use Silverlight on all the machines you use to watch instantly.

Netflix previously announced that they had begun limited beta testing of the new Mac service and expects the final release to be available by the end of the year.

Netflix is best known for its mail-order DVD rental service but also includes unlimited video streaming with their fixed monthly plans starting at $9/month. Up until now, this streaming service has not been Mac compatible.


Article Link: Netflix Silverlight Streaming Beta Now Available for Mac Users

[natebookpro]

I think its time to sign up for a free trial

[creator2456]

Trying it out now with Helvetica. Glad this just came in, can't find anything good to watch on TV.
I had been using blockbuster for a couple years due to stores being so close to home, and then the option to return to the store for another movie for free...but the NXE update for 360 and Mac streaming made me switch.


Will report back with results.

- Loads fairly quick and only using 75-90% CPU (cable internet over G wifi, 2.16 CoreDuo)
- now using 50-75% after loading completely
- Fullscreen quality (1680x1050) is a little lacking, but normal view looks good.
- Window resizing is quick and responsive, no lag in playback
- quick, responsive scrubber (nice little preview too)...slowish buffering once you have found your spot.
- just had to log off to get on another account, logged back in and restarted Helvetica. Resumed quickly and within seconds of where I left off

Very impressed so far.

[Rojo]

So bummed this is Intel Macs only....

[notnek]

crashed first time.
nice quality/quick loading on 2nd try

[Matthew Yohe]

Watched a couple flicks last night. Quick buffering, nice scrubber, not bad.

[iTeen]

Works great so far!
Been waiting for this for a while.

[twoodcc]

glad to see the mac beta available along with the windows version

[thepandamancan]

I wish they had HD options like Apple TV but the SD streams load quickly and looks great on my 24" iMac screen. It's a bit choppy in full screen and sometimes it'll go out of sync but it's not much of a problem and usually corrects itself. I'm glad I got Netflix.

[gcliv]

Wow, FINALLY!

And it runs great, even better than the Windows version for me!

[dolphin842]

We're just getting started with Netflix... good to see the Mac version's finally seeing the light of day.

[gcmexico]

Just signed up for this...pretty sweet!!!!

[x86isslow]

Originally Posted by Rojo

So bummed this is Intel Macs only....

I've used Netflix on G4, running VPC6+XP for a couple years now

[Mattjeff]

What plans do you have/need for this? I have been aching to sign up for netflix because I love movies but I am on a budget.

[creator2456]

Originally Posted by Mattjeff

What plans do you have/need for this? I have been aching to sign up for netflix because I love movies but I am on a budget.

The one movie at a time with unlimited streaming ($8.99) plan but might bump it up to the 2 at a time w/unlimited ($13.99).

[jackc]

Originally Posted by Mattjeff

What plans do you have/need for this? I have been aching to sign up for netflix because I love movies but I am on a budget.

It appears that all but the cheapest ($4.99) plan allow for unlimited instant viewing. You should be able to get a free trial.

The instant selection is pretty weak compared to the DVDs.

[ziggyonice]

I'm so glad they made it public! About time!

[ashkelon28]

Anyone know if users outside of the US (such as myself) will be able to use this? Most streaming sites in the states (networks, hulu, etc.) block our IP's and force us to use things like Hotspot Shield which are unreliable at best.

[acrahm]

simple question, can i hook up my 06 MBP to my 37 in Vizio to watch this on my TV?

[isthatafirepara]

So excited to see this however I keep getting error 8051. Anyone else see this one?
------------------------
Apple MB 2Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
Running it in Firefox....(maybe this is the problem?)

[eliehass]

I keep getting an error that netflix is deactivated on this device due to an account issue. This is strange bec I can stream movies just fine from my MBP on vista through bootcamp I called netflix and they said they problem was my ISP. I called my ISP and they said the problem was netflix. Im tempted to side with my ISP here since everything else with my internet works fine... Even netflix streaming through windows. Anyone else have this problem and/or a solution?

[GeekLawyer]

Cool! Step-children, no more!

Works like a champ on my C2D MB...

Gotta wonder when this will work with the aTV. Seems like an easy enough patch or software update...!

[conshok26]

Originally Posted by eliehass

I keep getting an error that netflix is deactivated on this device due to an account issue. This is strange bec I can stream movies just fine from my MBP on vista through bootcamp I called netflix and they said they problem was my ISP. I called my ISP and they said the problem was netflix. Im tempted to side with my ISP here since everything else with my internet works fine... Even netflix streaming through windows. Anyone else have this problem and/or a solution?

Having the same issue here too. I'll see what happens tomorrow. I was thinking there's only so many machines you can stream on and I might be at that limit. Maybe Netflix can reset my authorizations.

[AiralynRose]

Just watched Bubble Boy on my new macbook. Loaded fast, and never skipped a beat even over wireless! Worked wonderful.

[creator2456]

Originally Posted by conshok26

Having the same issue here too. I'll see what happens tomorrow. I was thinking there's only so many machines you can stream on and I might be at that limit. Maybe Netflix can reset my authorizations.

I think I just read something that says you are allowed 4 or 5 machines per 12 months for streaming. You are also limited by the number of machines streaming at once. If you have the 1 DVD unlimited, you are allowed 1 stream at a time. 2 DVD unlimited, 2 streams at a time etc.