Page 8 | NOW CLOSED Netflix product testers review thread

LackaDAISYcal · 06/04/2012 20:24

Oops, posted too soon

Q1 cont'd

We wanted to watch on our tv so loaded up through the Wii. It wasn't too obvious, but once I'd read the Instructions on the Netflix website and downloaded the free software from the Wii shop it was fine, and quite 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?

If it came up in conversation and they were looking for information, I would pretty much tell them what I've said here. I wouldn't recommend it or dissuade them from trying it as such though, as I realise that others might like it more than me. I would recommend that they try the month's free trial though and see how they get on with it. It hasn't come up in conversation yet though.

In general, the streaming of the films etc was good, though recently we have experienced problems with the screen freezing, things not loading, and it not scrolling through the titles and have had to reboot the Wii and start again. The plus side of this is that it starts from where it left off so it wasn't too much of an issue, though it's been a bit annoying this week as we have been using it more In the school holidays.

All In all quite an interesting service, and I'm sure one that we might return to if and when better titles are added and there is a bigger selection to choose from.

NoSleepTonight · 08/04/2012 11:48

DS1 has just discovered Horrid Henry the Movie so that's him settled for a while, we never made it to the cinema to see it so he's made up. Eggs & a movie :)

McQueasy · 08/04/2012 12:29

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?
Signing up for netflix was easy, it took me less than 5 mins and being able to use paypal made it even easier.

Whilst being able to connect with facebook might be appealing I decided against it. It would be good to be able to suppress the 'connect with facebook message' rather than seeing it every time you signed in.
I downloaded the i phone app and was watching films on my phone within 5 mins. Signing in via the x box was slightly trickier. To do this requires an x box gold membership subscription which is £39.99 per year, so we gave this a miss. Signing in via the wii was simple.

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?

The choice of kids TV series was really good. My children particularly enjoyed wonder pets. Some of the films were slightly older than anything they had heard of but the kids did enjoy them.

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?
The TV show content was brilliant. Loved the number and variety of boxsets that were available. The films were older releases but the variety and choice was great value for money.

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 really simple and the recommendations made by netflix were really appropriate. The more films you rate personally the better the recommendations.

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

Netflix is fantastic value for money. The access to boxsets is fantastic and the film choice is great for keeping friday night as family film night. We were worried that we would not be able to stream as our broadband has a really slow connection speed, but there was no problem at all. The picture quality was good and the films played without buffering or interruption. I would definitely recommend.

InAnyOtherSoil · 08/04/2012 18:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

badpoet · 09/04/2012 13:08

I am not an official tetster, had signed up for free trial already. We have kept 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?
Extremely easy. I signed up on the computer, via Facebook and then immediately removed the link with FB which was very straightforward to do. I've since set it up on: laptop, Android phone, iPhone, iPad and TV via Wii (you do have to download from the store but I had already done that for iPlayer - which buffers nonstop btw, unlike Netflix), all extremely simple - it just works.

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 love it, they mostly watch via the Wii and they find it very easy to navigate (9 and 5) - easier than anything else we've had (digital channels via TV, Humax and Sky +), they are not very TV savvy! They are currently working their way through Inspector Gadget so that is probably favourite just now. We only have Freeview and they haven't watched much TV since we got rid of Sky - bit too old for CBeebies and not really interested in CBBC - so they don't really know what to ask for. I would love to see more old cartoons like Dangermouse, Flintstones and Dog Tanian on there.

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?
Again, we don't watch much TV and haven't watched many recent series (and rarely watch films), so there's plenty for us, absolutely loads. I suppose the issue will arise when we've completed watching everything available on a series and can't watch the most current episodes - I don't mind waiting but I am not sure how long is typical. But I wouldn't expect to get the most recent stuff, for that you need to pay a premium for digital channels.

It was good recently when we had a babysitter, she watches a lot of films and has Sky at home - I was aware that our TV selection was a bit lacking before but she found loads to watch on Netflix.

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?
Very easy. I usually use search. I like the way it automatically links to the next episode, and suggests 'more like...'. I follow Netflix UK on Twitter which is a good way of finding out what's been added recently.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely. Good value (although I wouldn't pay more!), plenty of choice, good interface, multi platform - I can't fault it. I was looking into BT Vision and their TV on demand but you can't watch those on a computer - I love the way there are so many ways to watch Netflix and also that you can watch more than one programme on different devices at the same time.

LackaDAISYcal · 09/04/2012 14:58

Another thought....

I'm not sure if it's the way our TV is set, or the Wii, but on the older programmes, the picture was a square in the middle of the screen with black either side.

Probably to do with the way it was originally filmed, but no amount of twiddling with our settings would change it.

The children have been using it a lot over thw holidays, "let's watch Netflix" being heard when they have been bored, so they qre obviously enjoying it, and will be gutted when it's gone.

There are things on there I would like to watch, but struggling to find the time to watch my usual programmes anyway.

Perhaps we would keep it if we only had freeview, but our Virgin package keeps us entertained. Perhaps we'll revisit it during the holidays etc for some extra entertainment.

gazzalw · 09/04/2012 16:43

Right as promised some days' post ago, I said I would devote some quality viewing time to Netflix and have done so this Easter weekend.

Well I really loved all the comedy content and had some very chilled hours watching Tim Vine and repeats of OutNumbered (with DD who is just like Karen in all things) and some Fry and Laurie. So for me, with a bit of time on my hands, it was a winner.

It is the future of TV and to not embrace it is to miss a trick as to what's coming entertainment/viewing-wise. this is like a TV/library at one's fingertips and who could have imagined this possible even ten years ago!

And really loved that it offers you suggestions based on what you've already chosen to watch. So it can take you off into known and loved territory but also into totally new, but equally enjoyable and revelatory viewing territory too. It's like Amazon in that respect and all the better for it!

I personally think you need to give it a month or so of dedicated viewing and then you would be hooked until the next big thing. We have our free trial till the 23rd of April so will be endeavouring to make the most of it until then and then will review membership. But it's certainly looking like a winner for me

LeonieDeSaintVire · 10/04/2012 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

neddle · 11/04/2012 17:04

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 to sign up, but I didn't realise my ds was logged into FB so I struggled to login to Netflix subsequently.

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?
Didn't show them.

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?
Wasn't enough current things for us to want to watch. Whole sets of films missing (eg Final Destination - none of the 5 films available). Seried we watch not current enough like Dexter. No Friends, Big Bang Theory.

Q4 How easy or difficult did you find it to navigate around and find the shows/films you or your DC wanted to watch?
Could have been better and I didn't like haven't to rate things.

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 love the idea, specifically being able to continue watching something on a different device from the same place. That's one of the things I like about the Kindle app on iphone/ipad.
I like that it's a monthly fee for all you want to watch.
I dislike the lack of content on there atm.

On these aspects, I'd say to someone to give it a trial and see if there was stuff they wanted to watch on there rather than raving about how good/bad it is.

I would be totally willing to sign up again for the service and ditch Lovefilm, but only when the amount of content was acceptable.

BertieBotts · 13/04/2012 18:06

We've recently signed up for a 30 day trial on this, and don't think we'll be renewing it. I don't think we'd use it enough to justify the monthly cost.

We have been using it through the Playstation 3 app and it works well through there, with just a few niggles. I don't like that DS can switch immediately from "Just for kids" to the adult's section by pressing the select button. He is 3.5 and found the app easy to use.

Don't like the forced facebook linkage - I realise you can opt out, but if that involves logging out of facebook first, it sounds like a faff. DP set it up so I didn't see if there was an option to disable facebook posting when setting up, and he claims he didn't notice.

I wish that the kids' and adults' sections were properly segregated - we keep getting loads of kids' programmes in our "suggested" section, because DS uses it more than we do. I do like the idea of having two separate sections, though.

I agree that there is not enough current content, I'd like to be able to watch recently released DVDs or series.

I know it's naughty, but it's so tempting just to download things (ie, illegally) because they are there and you don't have to wait. I'd be willing to pay, but I'd want things as soon as they are available. Also, I get free DVD rental through work, so it probably wouldn't be cost-effective for us.

mrspnut · 13/04/2012 19:10

This is the last day of our free trial and I have cancelled it.

It has been really useful and the kids have really enjoyed having the service but there isn't enough new or varied content for OH and I to choose this over Lovefilm.

Our only problem with Lovefilm is that you can't stream it through the Wii so a combination of the two would be our ideal.
Until Netflix has more up to date content both in terms of films and TV series then it isn't worth the money. We'd also like to see more American TV shows - we've wanted to see the first series of A Town called Eureka but can't find it outside of buying the boxset. If there had been this option on Netflix we would have kept the subscription for sure.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 13/04/2012 22:02

I'm not an official tester but we've had Netflix for a month or so 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 use Netflix with our PS3 and it was very easy to sign up and login. Although I couple of times it's forgotten the details and we've had to add them in again, but that could just be due to a PS3 update or something.

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?

DD is 2.8 and likes SpongeBob and Bob The Builder (the feature length episodes are great!). The Just for Kids section is really useful and there seems to be a good variety for her age. Ideal when I just want to put something on for one episode without thinking what might be on before/after. It's missing the more recent children's/family films.

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 use NetFlix in conjunction with LoveFilm so we don't mind that NetFlix doesn't have loads of the more up-to-date titles. But obviously if it did, then we'd probably just have NetFlix. DD likes Gnomeo & Juliet (on LoveFilm but not NetFlix). We love the TV series on NetFlix though. DH would like more anime as the section doesn't really have enough on it to really be in it's own 'section'!

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

We like that it is already set up to browse by genre. DH would like to be able to jump to the genre he wants to look (which you can't do on the PS3 app). DH would also like to a grid of thumbnails for the genre rather than a strip, so you can see more of them.

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

We have recommended NetFlix to friends as it does offer quite good value for the cost, but all these people have children. I don't think I'd recommend it as a LoveFilm alternative for the whole family.

LackaDAISYcal · 14/04/2012 21:16

So when does the draw take place?

EmLH · 15/04/2012 20:17

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 and quick, but pressure to link to Facebook annoyed me.

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?

Not a very good catalogue. Likes Dora and Max & Ruby but can watch them on Sky anytime. We watched Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Kids as it looked quite sweet from the cover. It wasn't! It contained a spider that was so weird looking that it freaked me out so who knows what 2yoDD thought. It had a head like something out of phantom of the opera! She would like fireman sam and peppa, but again, can get these on Sky.

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 watched the first series of Dexter, which was good. Not much choice though and most content is old stuff that you've probably seen before or wouldn't bother paying for. Needs more current choices, new release films etc.

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

The scroll on the website seems slow, which is slightly annoying. I would also like the pages to be set up differently and dislike the left to right lists.

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

Probably not. Not enough on there to justify £5.99 a month. If it was someone who liked watching oldish average movies and who didn't have sky, I might. Would be more likely to recommend they wait until the choice improves though.

ScorpionQueen · 15/04/2012 20:23

If you don't have unlimited broadband but use something like Netflix or Lovefilm do you end up paying a lot extra (worries).

BertieBotts · 15/04/2012 22:18

I'd like to add that I've heard netflix mentioned over the past few years by American/Canadian friends online, and there seems to be a lot more choice and current things available there - unless I'm mistaken? I was very surprised and disappointed to find the choice so lacking, anyway.

onadifferentplanet · 16/04/2012 12:03

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 easy according to my teenage son who did it for me. No problem bypassing the FB bit.

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?
Mine were a bit old for it but found plenty for my grand daughter to watch when she visited. They did say they would like some Pokemon on there.

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 have watched a few films that I havn't found beforre on love Film. Would have liked to see some Hustle and Midsommer Murders on there 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?
Mainly left this to the DS' but they didnt seem to have a problem watching on both the Xbox and the PC' if you knew the sort of thing you were looking for the search featuure was easy to use.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Netflix to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
We liked the fact that you could watch what you wanted instantly and not be waiting to see what came in the post.The selection available was better than that offered by Lovefilm instant. We have cancelled that and carried on with Netflix and I would recommend it to others.

TheCunningStunt · 16/04/2012 12:11

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 process really easy just as it is. I had no issues 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 wasnt too impressed with the content to be honest. Neither were the kids. They can watch all their favourites on tv. It was all a bit to old.

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 liked that there were some older series we could watch. I do think that too much of it is too old, ad it could do with getting more up to date programs on.

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

I found navigating to be pretty straight forward. Nothing complex about it. It was easy to search for things.

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 might reccommend it, but I would say its maybe good as a quick fix. Say for during the holidays. It's not something I would keep forever, but id tell people it's good for using when you need it.

gazzalw · 16/04/2012 14:25

One thing that doing this Netflix review has made me realise is that we hardly seem to watch TV/films these days....not sure whether that is a good thing or not ;-)

NoMoreCakeOclock · 16/04/2012 16:42

Q1 I have been putting off signing up because free trails which require card details always make me uncomfortable, as I feel like the company hopes people will just forget and they can keep taking the money. However this was really simple to sign up to and I wish I had done it sooner!
Q2 My dd is very excited to watch all of the films and especially those brought out before her time which would otherwise have passed her by. It's great to be able to share some older films with her. My ds is happy with the Thomas selection. He is having a Thomas moment. DD is currently sat engrossed in Madeleine while I prepare dinner.
Q3 I love the selection, I always seem to miss out on a few must see movies per year and then they are hard to track down/ you forget you wanted to see them. I already have The Usual Suspects ready to watch tonight!
Q4 It is pretty easy but having used apple tv before I would say that was slightly easier. More categories so that it was easier to narrow down your choice. I wouldn't say it was difficult to navigate though.
Q5 Yes! I would definitely recommend to my friends, I have already sent an email to my best friend telling her to sign up.

Overall I am really impressed with netflix and especially the ability to watch what you want when you want without worrying about recording andmemory space etc. I think the price is really reasonable and much cheaper than a cinema visit.

NoSleepTonight · 17/04/2012 09:23

Well we have completed our months free trial and we'll be staying with Netflix for the time being at least. There's so much choice for the children and a fair amount of box sets for DH and I to work our way through.

I'm hoping that by the time we have watched everything we're interested in Netflix will have added some more content. But until then £6 seems like a bargain, I can't go to the cinema alone for that, yet alone take the whole brood!

Sarayu · 19/04/2012 14:04

We've cancelled for now. Nothing to do with lack of quality but a lack of funding. I'm impressed how easy it is to cancel and shall renew on payday.

areyoutheregoditsmemargaret · 20/04/2012 14:07

I was really disappointed by the lack of choice, both for children and for adults

There was literally nothing we wanted to watch. so we didn't watch a single thing during the trial period for that reason. Not nearly enough recent TV shows, especially from the US.

I had no problems with ease of use etc but for now I would definitely stick with LoveFilm, or just buy box sets
.

gazzalw · 20/04/2012 15:00

Right just to say we are coming up to our decision time about Netflix. I think if I was a singleton again I would definitely sign up to this on a repeat subscription. I really enjoyed my Netflix review when the rest of the family was away over Easter - so I had plenty of free time for a TV-fest. I don't normally have that much free, me-time, so haven't watched anything since and neither has anyone else in the family. So I guess we will be deciding nay rather than yay on this occasion. Of course, DS will object on principle but even he, after the initial novelty had worn off, hasn't really taken advantage of it....

Maybe when the children are older and the content appeals equally to all family members - as I said, this review has really opened my eyes as to how little TV we seem to watch these days!

MNHQ

KatieBMumsnet · 20/04/2012 15:22

Thanks folks for all your feedback, we've done the prize draw and the 'official' tester winner is.....

firawla - you've won the Samsung TV and PS3!

and the 'unofficial' tester winner is....

r3dh3d - you've won £100 John Lewis voucher!

Congratulations to you both, I'll PM you for your details.