How to start streaming movies with Netflix

Netflix started out as a mail-order DVD rental service, adding instant streaming as a side benefit for some of its subscription plans. Now, it offers an entirely separate (and quite popular) plan for instant streaming. With this streaming-only option, you can watch an unlimited amount of video from Netflix's vast array of offerings, everything from entire seasons of some of the best TV shows ever to air to Oscar-winning dramas that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Interested? Keep reading to find out how to get started.

What is instant streaming video?
Instant streaming video is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. There's no file download involved; the data is constantly transferred while you are watching the video. This usually means no wait time, unless your system needs to buffer a bit before playing your selection.

So you're probably wondering what the big deal is, right? After all, we just described YouTube. But the real value lies in the types of videos available.

Netflix offers a wide variety of television shows and movies for instant streaming. These aren't viral videos of cats flushing the toilet or other such internet phenomena (which can be fun but probably aren't something you're looking to pay for). On Netflix you can expect to find anything you might see in a physical video rental store — the latest movies and television shows on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as plenty of old favorites. 

What you won't find on Netflix instant streaming is commercials. You'll get to enjoy your show without interruption.

Components you need
In order to make streaming video work well, you're going to need some special equipment. To begin with, you'll need a broadband internet connection. The faster the speed, the better off you will be. Slower connections may be able to connect to the service, but you will find yourself watching lower-quality video or spending extra time waiting for the video to load.

Though Netflix Instant started as a service for streaming video to your computer, it has expanded to include many other devices that connect to your TV for a prime time viewing experience, including the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and many brands of Blu-ray players. Some internet-ready TVs can connect to Netflix without needing any other equipment. Not sure if your device is ready for Netflix? Check Netflix's interactive device list.

Whichever device you are going to use to connect to your TV, you will need a way to connect it to your internet service. The gaming systems mentioned have built-in wifi, so if you already have a wireless router installed, connecting is a breeze.

Most older model televisions work just fine with these game consoles. Netflix supports HD streaming, so if you've got an HDTV, get the quality you're paying for by using an HDMI cable to connect your device to your HDTV.

Signing up and signing in
Signing up with Netflix is as simple as going to the website and filling out your information. The first month is free; after that, streaming-only service costs $7.99 a month. If you're really a movie buff, you might opt for a more expensive subscription package that will give you access to Blu-ray discs as well as standard DVDs.

After you get your account set up on a computer, you'll be able to log in from your Netflix-ready device. You may have to look through a few menus to find it, but there should be a Netflix application; launch it, enter your account information, and make note of the activation code. You'll need to return to the Netflix website and enter this code to activate streaming to the device. (Just follow the instructions on the screen, and you can't lose!)

Once the code is entered, you're ready to start watching movies. Be aware that there is a limit on how many devices you can activate to use with your account.

Find your favorites
You can find something to watch on Netflix instant streaming in a number of ways. Search for something in particular, or browse by categories. As you rate movies that you've already watched, Netflix will suggest new items that you might enjoy. You can even look and see what's popular in your geographic area and pick from that list, as well. With thousands of selections to choose from and more distribution deals being struck all the time, Netflix's library of available videos is constantly growing. While some videos are only available for a limited time, new material is added monthly.

As you find items you're interested in watching, you can add them to your instant queue. The instant queue provides quick access to things that you already know you want to watch so that you don't have to go searching for them again. If something isn't available for streaming, Netflix will offer other similarly themed selections for you to choose from.

Be sure to rate as many movies and TV shows as you can, because this will help Netflix build a recommendation list based on your viewing preferences and ratings. The more you rate, the better its suggestions will be. You can find some real gems just by browsing Netflix's recommendations.

With more and more devices supporting Netflix instant streaming, there's no reason not to make the move to this technology. Who knows? Maybe one day this will replace your cable service completely!

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