Feature Request - Netflix WatchNow Support

[jammastercd]

I've been reading a lot about development for support of the Netflix WatchNow capability on Windows MCE.  In fact, I think there are currently three different development efforts for this type of feature.  This would be a great addition to LinuxMCE also.

[JimmyGosling]

I agree this would be something I would like to see in the future as well. After the core packages have settled though.

[PeteK]

The problem is DRM.  Unfortunately, a native Linux implementation of WatchNow is very unlikely.

[tafypz]

As mentioned by the previous poster this is a DRM issue.
Also the watch it now feature of netflix is tied to MSIE.
It will not even run on a windows machine using Firefox...

[JimmyGosling]

Ah yes, I remember having that issue in FF.  That is very unfortunate.  One more reason to hate DRM I guess.

[jtgamble]

I seem to recall somebody getting WatchNow to work with firefox by using a plugin that told the accessed page you were using IE instead...you can also use IETabs for firefox. As of now, the only way to get WatchNow working on a linux machine is to run a VM with Windows in it. Unfortunately, its not the most elegant solution. I'm actually trying to do this with my PS3 at the moment, which is a huge pain, but should be awesome once I get it working

There is also the possibility that WatchNow will work once somebody finishes a Silverlight port for linux, which was announced almost a year ago by Mono, but doesn't seem to have gone anywhere  . Here's hoping something gets done soon.

[nomad513]

Well if the Netflix WatchNow is not possible directly through LinuxMCE, would it be possible to make it work using the new set-top box by Roku and have it connected to the core.

http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

[tschak909]

All you have to do for that, is have your IR transciever (I use a UIRT, most recommended!), learn the Roku remote, while creating a device template for the Roku device to be a generic player device. Would be about 20 minutes of work for someone who had the box and proper IR control.

-Thom

[perspectoff]

I seem to recall somebody getting WatchNow to work with firefox by using a plugin that told the accessed page you were using IE instead...you can also use IETabs for firefox. As of now, the only way to get WatchNow working on a linux machine is to run a VM with Windows in it. Unfortunately, its not the most elegant solution. I'm actually trying to do this with my PS3 at the moment, which is a huge pain, but should be awesome once I get it working

There is also the possibility that WatchNow will work once somebody finishes a Silverlight port for linux, which was announced almost a year ago by Mono, but doesn't seem to have gone anywhere  . Here's hoping something gets done soon.

Novell announced download of Moonlight available May 2008:

http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/

[seth]

 
I use the Roku NetFlix player in my LMCE system at home. (Soon to be 2 of them) I have it connected to a pvr150 card, and it has a "Live TV" device entry I call "Netflix Player" inside LMCE. Thom is correct, if you have a USB-UIRT (and everyone should) you simply learn the codes, and bang, in less than 10 minutes, you are watching your Roku box on all your MD's!!

I have a template for it that I will upload to "the collective" and if you get the updates, your template will already be there.

It is then the simple matter of going to netflix.com and setting up your instant queue.

Under the control of LMCE and the USB-UIRT, it's just like having on-demand movies. And you don't have to wait 3 days or go stand in line with your Ghostbuster's 1 and 2 DVD's

Just buy one, you can have 4 on an account, and if you are on the $8.99/month plan or better, you are only limited by the time you have.......

Regards,  (-Now go buy one-)

Seth

P.S. Get the cable set they offer for an additional $19.99, you can't even get a HDMI cable for that, and it's part of the deal, you can never have enough cables..........

laters.

[jondecker76]

nice tip - I'm going to order me one!

[seth]

 
I have added a howto and some basic information on the Roku Netflix Player to the wiki

http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Roku_Netflix_Player

This includes howto get it set up in LMCE as well as the required pronto codes, in case you do not have the learning ability of the USB-UIRT (but you should....)

I think you will find it will give you full functionality, I use mine just about every evening, catching up on all those classics, and slowly freeing up precious hard disk space, by removing movies, that I can now get on demand.

Regards,

Seth

[PeteK]

Seth--

Great work putting this together.  I've committed the template to the sqlCVS server, so once it's approved, everyone should have access to it.

http://mantis.linuxmce.org/view.php?id=4268

Thanks a lot for the help.
-Pete

[tailspower2001]

Crossover Linux has an free trial so why not try that 1st; although I don't Netflix I can't see any resaone  why it sound be Windows only; wean BitTorrnet and Unbox is supported buy PS3, X-BOX 360, TVIO, and it looks like Apple TV is coming.

[Enigmus]

Roku is going open source.  This may allow LinuxMCE get a hold of the code it intigrate Netflix video on demand applications.

Check it out here:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=2932