Netflix Watch Instantly in Ubuntu using Virtualbox

Kris Brower reports success using Netflix's Watch Instantly feature in Ubuntu using Virtualbox.

I am an Ubuntu user, and I already had vmware server installed with both a windows xp and vista. Both of these options ‘worked’, but the playback was so choppy the movies were unwatchable. Fortunately I found some other virtualization software and Virtualbox(the first one that I tried), worked smoothly. It also provided better windowed integration into Ubuntu as well a full screen mode that worked better on my dual monitor set up. This should hold me over until there is some proper linux support.

Comments

[MetalMusicAddict]

Yep. Works flawlessly.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/699/screenshot1ep0.jpg

Use this guide: http://ubuntu-tutorials.com/2008/02/01/how-to-do-seamless-window-integration-with-ubuntu-virtualbox/

Have a beefy PC as well. Remember, you're running an entire OS virtually.

You will also need to have WMP11 and NetFlix's apps installed. (will prompt you fir this.)

[Tony Muka]

I have been using virtualbox on ubuntu 7.10 and it works great! Seamless window mode is very cool too, it lets me keep a smaller netflix IE window playing in one corner of my desktop while working or surfing in other ubuntu applications. Be careful of course while you are getting your virtualbox configuration figured out not to register more than 4 "devices", or you may be out of luck with the netflix licensing. I had to call tech support to gain access since I have previously registered on my old and new laptop, my wife's laptop, and now 2 attempts at a virtualbox installation. (first one i didnt leave enough disk space. if you try, note that the dynamic size option requires you to specify the MAX size, not the initial size!) The tech warned that they would not be able to issue me any more device registrations until my netflix anniversary!

[Joel]

I had the exact opposite experience I've installed Ubuntu countless times and run VM Player and Virtualbox. Virtualbox looks much better, the integration is amazing, but netflix has always been choppy, especially sound (lots of forums talk about this). VM on the other hand works flawlessly.