Windows Media Center Netflix plugin updated for Watch Instantly in HD

We already knew Windows Media Center users could stream Netflix Watch Instantly in HD now, but after an update it is able to note which titles support HD streaming to the PC. The next time you pull it up, expect to download the app like it was the first time and sign in all over again, otherwise things are pretty much the same. We poked around a bit and didn't see any other UI tweaks beyond that "HD" tag below the supported movies and TV shows, but it's still one of the slickest Netflix frontends around -- at least until Roku gets its update. Want to see if you're actually getting the 720p feeds? Hold down ALT + SHIFT and left click to bring up the stream manager, speeds of 2600kbps or 3800 kbps mean you're there.

[Thanks, George]

[FORDY Posted May 19th 2010 2:38PM]

Sweet.

But is there a LoveFilm equivalent for us Briton's?

[andysexton Posted May 19th 2010 4:27PM]

Heh, Alt+Shift+Left click is virtually impossible with the Logitech DiNovo Mini.

[blckman Posted May 19th 2010 5:40PM]

I have a question to you all. I'm not able to stream the HD content. I have DSL. Shouldn't I be able to get it over a DSL line? What speed does the HD stream require as far as the connection is concerned? Thanks.

[BryCivicSi Posted May 19th 2010 7:25PM]

@blckman

There is more than one DSL speed connection. Depends on your speed. Or just go to Netflix and try it out. Not sure of the speed? Google speed test and come back.
Your speed needs to be higher than the 2800kbps or 3500kbps Netflix requires.

[blckman Posted May 20th 2010 11:34AM]

@BryCivicSi
Thanks BryCivicSi for the response. I appreciate the help.

[James5mith Posted May 20th 2010 10:44AM]

Man, last night I updated and tried viewing a few things in HD, I was getting worse than SD quality streams. Seems either Netflix was slow, or Comcast was. I'm always in the mood to blame Comcast, but for once I don't think it was their fault.

[blckman Posted May 20th 2010 11:30AM]

@James5mith
I hear you on that one James. Okay to all the people that have PC's and trying to stream HD on Netflix. My assumption was correct. I get home yesterday afternnon after work and call Netflix. What the article and Netflix fails to mention is "your internet speed." The customer service representative told me was that you need at least a 3-5mbps download speed. I just had the basic 1.5kbps via DSL from SBC/Att. I went ahead and upgraded to the DSL Elite package that will get you up to 6mbps at $40.00 per month. I will not notice the change until Friday evening by 8:00p.m. Can't wait to try out both streams from the desktop and in Windows Media 7. Hopefully, this helps everyone and this clears up why some people are not getting the picture quality that Netflix is advertising. Peace...

[BryCivicSi Posted May 20th 2010 8:50PM]

@blckman

Good luck. I had 6mbps cable once. Streaming sucked and I was only watching SD Netflix. Hope your experiences are better.
That seems really high for ATT DSL rates. I could be wrong I guess. I thought they had great pricing for their basic plans. I pay $60 for Comcast and get 20kbps so that doesn't seem like a great deal.

[dave1812 Posted May 23rd 2010 6:03PM]

I'm getting HD content from Netflix on a variety of devices (PS3, netflix enabled Blu ray players, and several computers). I have Comcast, which runs at least 12Mbs. If you have a slow connection, forget about getting HD content. Upgrade your internet if you want to enjoy HD.

[OmegaNemesis28 Posted Jul 2nd 2010 10:45PM]

@dave1812 @blckman @James5mith

I have a 50~ megabit cable line. I could not get Media Center to stream HD content for me, even though I am well able to. For some reason, it wouldn't go above 1500 according to the Alt+Shift+Click.

What you do is FORCE it to 3800 or 2600 if you can't handle the 3800. To do that, use Alt+Shift+Click, go to the Stream Manager. Check the manual box off, then hit the respective dot. This will NOT make the stream go HD immedietly. What you need to do is either stop it and start it again, or fast forward to as far as the buffer had made it before you set the option (aka as far as the white line would go). Then you'll have the HD. Worked great with Futureweapons Season 3.

I love this so much better then the craptastic Netflix web UI.

[OmegaNemesis28 Posted Jul 2nd 2010 10:47PM]

@dave1812 for whatever reason, the Media Center doesn't automatically adjust. At least for me. So I wouldn't doubt other people have the same problem. I can do the 3800 bit stream just fine without any slow down, but Media Center would change it from SD.