NOW CLOSED Netflix product testers review thread

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 Mumsnetters who are trying out Netflix, the internet subscription service to watch TV shows and films instantly. Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to leave any other comments you may have too. This thread will be up for the duration of your free month's trial so please do add comments as and when you want to during the trial. All 'official' testers who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a 40" Samsung LED TV and a PS3 (RRP £1,000).

If you're not an 'official' Mumsnet tester but happen to be trying out Netflix at the moment, please add your feedback too - everyone who does so will be entered into a separate prize draw to win a £100 John Lewis voucher.

Questions:
Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?
Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?
Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?
Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?
Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

I started using this in February.

1. I found it extremely easy to set up and very simple to use. We also downloaded the Wii channel for it and the app for the iphone - all done very rapidly and easily.

2. My son is 9 and has ASD/ADHD, emotionally and developmentally he is immature but LOVES the children's section and there is plenty for him to watch. So far his favourite shows are the Mario ones and also WonderPets. He's love to see thngs like Spongebob on there too.

3. Netflix earns lots of points for havinbg Lost in Austen which was a cracker of a series. I'd like to see more current films as well as the older stuff, Harry Potter for example, the Twilight stuff, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (okay that's older but still very good fun).

4. it's really easy to use and we have it on laptop,Wii and iphine. I really like the "Resume" bit so that you can pick up where you left off.

5. Yes I would definitely recommend it and have continued the subscription following the free trial.

We've had Netflix for about 6-7 weeks now.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process? We downloaded it very easily to the ps3 and had/haven't had any problems at all with it.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet? My DS (8)loves films, so Just for kids is perfect for him, he's watched loads of different films and loves the Mario series, and Power Rangers too.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future? We like the variety on there, and have watched a great variety of programmes and films. I would love to see Madmen on there, an I am hoping it becomes as big as it is in the US .

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?This is the one aspect we're not 100% pleased with, as we can find different films when looking on the pc than when we looking on the ps3. We don't run Windows on the pc so cannot watch via pc. We would love a better search facility , with searching by actor too.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not? Would do and have already done so, we've also carried on the subscription after the free trial.

Why won't it go on my tv

I've signed up, found it very easy to register and start looking through the films available.

I was intending to watch it on TV through the XBox, but didn't know I needed to have an XBox Gold account (costs £6 a month) to get Netflix through it. I'm not going to pay for that, but I think I can get it through the Wii so will see if that's free. Otherwise it's the laptop, which isn't as convenient, but will suffice for the purposes of this product test.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?

I found the sign up process a bit annoying, to be honest. I didn't at all like that Facebook seemed to be the default option and you had to look carefully to see that there is an email alternative. Why not make both options the same size? Well actually, I know why. Netflix want you to sign up via FB because that gives them access to oodles of personal information that people would never fill give them otherwise. It's all a bit underhand.

The process on iPad seemed a bit buggy. I entered my email address and password details but then it wouldn't move on to the payment details bit. I kept getting stuck on an intermediate page and it took a long time to persuade it to open the page accessed by clicking on the 'finish sign up' button. If it weren't for the MN thing, I'd've just given up and not bothered again.

Then the credit card details bit. Netflix should alter this for the British market buy making it debit and credit card as standard. I have a visa debit card (which was fine) but no credit card. People with another debt card might not be able to sign up. Yes, pay pal is an option but there is no way on earth I'd use pay pal.

Honestly, if it weren't for MN, there is no way I'd've signed up for the free trial at all, simply because you have to give your card details at the start. The whole thing is designed so you'll forget and end up paying and I don't like that at all. Netflix don't need your card details until you've actually subscribed. They could offer a free trail and then have people enter payment details if they want the service to continue. If they had confidence that people would want the service (and, therefore, would be eager to continue it), then I don't see why this would be a problem.

I'm just downloading the iPad app now, so I'll report back on the rest once I'm done.

And my next gripe is that the iPad app keeps trying to get me to connect to Facebook. If I wanted it connected to Facebook, I'd've signed up that way. I don't want to spam Facebook friends with my tv/movie watching activities (and I really don't want to be spammed by anyone else either). Yes, I can ignore it (and dismiss dialogue boxes), but it is irritating. And you don't want to irritate people on a free trail (or actual customers for that matter).

Other questions:

2. I'll check with the kids after school/nursery. My inclination is not to show this to DS2 at all, as he'll just want to watch crap on the iPad all the time and I'll have to put up with whinging. None of the young kids stuff looked like anything I would want to sit through!

3. I'm not enormously impressed to be honest. I was interested in the anime section but really very disappointed by its very limited contents. Lots of the stuff was from 4oD, etc, and I can get that for free. Similarly, there are lots of films and television shows on offer, but very little that DH or I actually want to watch. I actually signed up hoping that we'd be able to get the wire because we were watching it on FX recently until they went all mental with the scheduling and we missed a chunk. We'll have to wait months and months for sky Atlantic to catch up to where we were.

4. Browsing the app reminded me of being a teenager and standing in the video shop browsing for ages trying to find something we'd be willing to rent but being uninspired by everything, before plumping for something you were sure wasn't going to be very good anyway. It's also a lot like going to a small video shop in the sense that the new and interesting film aren't there so you're just browsing older stuff that you've already seen or generally don't want to see. I was hoping that I'd be impressed and that it would be miles better than the sky go/anytime+ selection. It isn't.

5. probably not.

Q1 Setup

Signing up was fine (although I echo previous comments regarding the push towards FB...I really don't want to broadcast my viewing options to everyone I know!) but so far I cannot get Silverlight installed on my laptop.

About to reboot and try again, but otherwise a miserable Fail from me! :)

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?

Very easy set up - don't have facebook so never had any of the issues others have had. Have used it on PC and Xbox and seems easy enough to set up.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?

Kids have loved Netflix - they've liked seeing things they don't usually get to. Dora was very popular with DD.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?

It does have quite good content and there seems to be more being added quite regularly. I mainly liked choosing random movies to watch but DH has been enjoying old TV shows (Fawlty Towers has been on regularly!)

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?

Although it is easy to navigate, if you're not sure what you want to watch, it can take a while. There were a few films that seems to be in strange sections but if you know what you want - using the search is really quick.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

I probably would - I would definitely say it's worth the free trial to find out if it would suit the person. It seems quite easy to cancel after the trial so it's not like you're being tied to something long-term if they find it doesn't suit them.

Overall, quite liking it :)

We've had netflix for about 6 or 7 weeks now and I love it!!

1 - Set up was extremely easy and we watch via the wii or on the pc (I just opted out of facebook sharing)
2 - The kids love it, the fact that we can have back to back Dora or Max and Ruby, plus its all in order AND the system remember where you are in an episode is a big plus - DD and DS would love to have Disney / Barbie films on there
3 - I am busy catching up on the many series that seem to have passed me by as well as revisiting old but much loved chick flicks. DH on the other hand is not so impressed with the film content. I would love to see some more up to date releases of films as well as other titles mentioned (Buffy, Star Trek etc)
From what I understand the content of Netflix in the US is huge..........why not here??
4 - I have recommended to a friend, but she was not at all impressed with the content and has decided to go with lovefilm.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?

Pretty easy - but please tell me upfront I have to download some evil app from Microsoft. Being an apple user I'm likely to be dubious and I'd rather not get a shock AFTER I've put in my credit card details.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?

DS likes it - more Peppa Pig please.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?

No I'm quite happy with what I've found so far. I'm easily pleased though

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?

Fairly easy, DS (3) found what he wanted fairly quickly with no help.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, but you need a bloody good internet speed IME. I get judders. :(

It is probably easier to get the iPhone app to work if you use the same email address that you used to sign up with Netflix.

Can anyone tell me about the amount of broadband that this will use up? Mum doesn't have unlimited broadband and we've already had a bit of a fright when she had almost reached her limit - I hadn't known this and had been downloading episodes of West Wing. In HD.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?
It was so easy I was quite shocked We did it through email and not FB, no problems at all.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?
I think that there is a very good selection on here. So far my children have watched Alpha & Omega and Open Season 3.
Will have another look later and see if they have any suggestions for more shows.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?
There is a good choice but alot of the newer films are not available. Shows that I watch such as Dexter are only Season 1&2 .... these are years old. I would still watch them again BTW but have a DVD for that. More up-to-date content is a necessity for this to be purchased by me after the free trial.

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?
Navigation was simple, the children managed without my help to see a film today! Love the way the site is laid out ..... very easy to see what category you want to view ..... looks good

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would definitely.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?

Easy enough although it took me a while to remember my facebook password, I set it up on the laptop and then the ipad. Had problems on the ipad better after a few tries I managed to get it working.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?

DD3 loves it annd has already watched Dora a few times, it is great for when the older children want to watch bloody Tracy Beaker because I won't allow my 3 year old to watch it so she can now go off and watch Dora on the ipad
DD2 would love to have Tracy Beaker on Netflix and DD1 said she would like come dine with me and coach trip!
I think something educational would be good as well as some nature documents.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?

iplayer doesn't show Casualty and I hate it when I miss it so I would like to be able to watch that.
I did search for the inbetweeners film with no luck and some of the oldies like Annie & Mary poppins would be good.

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?

Easy

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Some of the programmes are poor picture quality and loading time is sometimes far to long especially if the children are waiting to watch something and I can't get it to work on the TV but that said I have found it great for taking myself off to sort the washing whilst watching undercover Boss today so yes, I would recommend it!

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find it to set up Netflix? Can you think of any improvements that could be made to the sign up process?

Had a hassle getting the app to work on my ipad. Had to faff about getting new password sent to get it to work - had to do this on my laptop as was getting nowhere on ipad. It's all working now but it really was annoying.
I also set netflix up on the tv via my wii - I'd never done anything apart from play games via a wii disc but it was surprisingly easy to set up.

Q2 What do your child(ren) think of the TV shows and films available in the Just for Kids section? What has been their favourite so far? Is there anything else they'd like to see on Netflix that isn't on there yet?

Love the Kids section that is available on the tv/wii. Both my boys have been watching various cartoon already and my 7 year old is very happy at finding Spongebob Squarepants!

Am I going wrong somewhere or is there no Just for Kids section on the ipad/ipod app? My 7 year old has an ipod so I put the app on that but there's no way to stop him accessing EVERYTHING. Obviously I make sure he can only watch it when I can see what he's choosing but it would be so so much better to have a Just for Kids section on the app. AND it really needs to have a passcode so that they can't access any other stuff.

Q3 Now thinking about you and/or your DH/DP - what do you think of the content on Netflix, both in terms of the TV shows and films available? Is there anything else you'd like to see on there in future?

I NEED Supernatural on it. Neeeeeeeeeeeed. And House, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, The X-Files, all the Star Treks. And probably a million more. Not a huge selection yet. I have found lots I DO want to watch, which is great. Heroes marathon for me! There needs to be more up to date films. I do like the cheesy ones that are on it but there's not much that my DH wants to watch.

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?

Easy. And my DC had no trouble finding stuff to watch either. I like that it gives me suggestions as to what I might like to watch taking into account what I've already watched. Found a couple of series that look good that I'd never even heard of.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. There is a decent amount of stuff for the £6 fee. And if more gets put on on a regular basis then It'll be even better. It's a reasonable amount of money since you can watch as much as you want unlike Lovefilm.

One more comment - the app keeps crashing which is giving me The Rage. It crashes ALL the time when I find a programme I want to watch but want to click on Season 2 or more. As soon as I click on a different season from the wee drop down menu it crashes. Every. Single. Time. I've had to go to the last episode of Season 1 and skip to the end to get to the first episode of Season 2 and then on an on if it's an even later season I want to watch.

Lenin: you don't have to go via FB. You have to look quite hard to find the non-FB option and then confirm that you really aren't interested in linking the two again when you open the app, but you can sign up with just your email.

LeninGrad The FB sharing is optional. If you don't wish to do this, sign out of FB before signing up for Netflix, you will then be able to sign up using your email address.

Q1 Easy, signed up using facebook but then de-linked it. Would prefer when selecting preferences directly after sign to be able to customize it for different members of the family.

Q2 Ok selection, would prefer to be able to sort by age of child. I like shows are in episode order. DD like so far Pingu, George of the jungle and chitty chitty bang bang. Many more shows could be added,
Go Diego go
Peppa
Postman Pat
Fireman Sam
Anything justin
In the night garden
Charlie and the chocolate factory
Wizard of Oz etc

I also like the fact you can resume from where they left off.

Q3 Again ok selection could be expanded more with current shows and films. Think after a while I would struggle to find films I would like to watch. alot more shows especially.

Q4 Easy to navigate, DD1 4 years has managed to work it out. I would like a area to put films and shows I have chosen for them to watch and then they can choose of that page rather than having free rein. Also an a-z list of all shows and films.

Q5 Yes purely for the fact they can watch children's without any adverts. they currently mute adverts on TV but always "forget" so this saves me nagging. Also I can promise a certain show will be available to watch when they want to watch it.

Just signed up yesterday, so it's all still very new to us, but here goes:

Q1: it was easy to set up - I started with the iPad, then added the Wii and my iPhone. I followed the links from the netflix website that showed me how to set up the Wii - and downloaded the apps for the ipad & phone. Like most, I was annoyed by the facebook link, but opted out and used my email instead. Signing up with paypal was easy (didn't have to move my butt off the sofa to get my credit card!) but according to the email confirmation from paypal, I seem to have been charged £1 for the privilege?

Q2: the kids (DS1 is 8, DS2 is 6) were initially excited to hear we now have it - I think because they have seen the tv ads. When they looked through what was on offer though, a lot was dismissed as for "babies", and they hadn't heard of a lot of the films. In the end they settled on watching Alpha & Omega, and DS1 is keen to watch Holes after school today. The selection on offer is very similar to that in our local library.

Q3: my DH and had a look through and although there are quite a few TV series we like (peep show, weeds, the thick of it, inbetweeners), the film selection is a bit poor. Although it does have Philadelphia, my go-to film for a blubfest, so it's not all bad

Q4: navigating around was a piece of cake.

Q5: would I recommend netflix? Not sure yet. We had hoped it would be like lovefilm, but it's a very different beast. Good for kids, maybe - we'll see how we get on over the next few weeks before coming to any conclusions!

The setup process is not that different from other companies offering similar services. The only difference is that Netflix allows me to link my account to my Facebook one, which I felt was convenient when I was trying to set it up on my Nintendo Wii console. I could not remember the password I chose for Netflix at signup. Well, I just logged into my Facebook account from the Netflix software I installed on my Wii (which btw was a bit of a pain because I could not find the instructions anywhere on Netflix's Help pages and had to Google up forums to find the answer to that!) and was logged into Netflix straight away. Thank goodness I didn't have to go online to Netflix's website to do the whole Lost Password / email me one malarkey...

Security wise, I admit using Facebook to log in isn't great, but then if I was that concerned I should not be using Facebook anyway.

The kids loved the on demand kids videos. Its nice that there is a separate kids video section. Their favourite show is thr Super Mario Brothers show. They also watched Ruby and Max. They said they would like to see Lazytown on.

Me and DH haven't had a chance to watch any of the stuff on Netflix though. DH did try to log in from his laptop (through our home wi fi connection, which also supplies the Nintendo Wii with the Netflix connection). Weirdly the streaming quality on his laptop is piss poor. The images were extremely choppy and delayed. He never has that problem whenever he watches BBC Iplayer, Sky News or Blinkbox (an online on-demand streaming service we used prior to trying Netflix). So we just don't know why this has happened to Netflix. It seems we can only watch it on the Wii, and not on our computers. We will try again but if this continues to happen then the chances are we will never subscribe as we do most of our telly/movie watching online at night online.

Will post again later if I have more to add.

Sorry for typos.. Phone.