Hacking NetFlix

MultiQs Hack Enables Multiple Netflix Queues

MultiQs is an interesting hack that enables you to setup multiple queues from one account for $5 per year. Netflix has said they're working on new ways to share Netflix accounts and have hired engineers to work on a UI for kids, but until then MultiQs might be something to try (they offer a free trial).

Janko Roettgers from NewTeeVee posted a video review of MultiQs:

Will Netflix Block PlayLater Streaming Recording Software?

Rachel Metz from the AP has written a review of PlayLater, software that lets you record streaming video from Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services.

There's also a possibility that websites like Netflix will find a way to block PlayLater. They'd probably want to, since it doesn't jibe with the way they do business. In general, streaming movies are sold for less than ones available for download, so both websites and studios stand to lose from PlayLater. Websites don't want you to skip their commercials, either.

It's unlikely that websites and studios would have legal recourse against PlayLater and its parent company MediaMall Technologies Inc., since it's been established that digital video recorders (like TiVos) are legal, but you never know. A spokeswoman for MediaMall said PlayLater is affiliated with some companies whose content it streams.

UnoTelly: DNS Redirection Service Enables Netflix Access Outside of USA

I get quite a few emails asking how to access Netflix from outside of the USA, and most of the workarounds involve a VPN service. UnoTelly is a $5 per month DNS redirection service that claims to enable customers outside of the USA to watch Netflix streaming, Hulu, listen to Pandora, and more.

How does UnoTelly compare to a VPN service? A rep told HackingNetflix, "VPN will forces all your internet connection to go-through the VPN server which could slow your Internet connection and streaming speed. Unlike VPN, UnoTelly only intercept relevant video streaming website and send them to our proxy servers. In this way, users are streaming directly from Netflix's server and don't have to go-through an intermediary."

Since I'm based in the US I can't test this service -- has anyone tried UnoTelly?

Possible Workaround to See More Episodes on Netflix Streaming Devices

Netflixhelps has posted a possible workaround to enable seeing more episodes of some series on some streaming devices:

Some devices don't display all of the episodes. To see all of the episodes on your device: Exit the Netflix application on your TV. On a PC or Mac, locate the desired episode of the show you want on Netflix.com and play on your computer for at least 5 seconds. End playback by clicking Back to Browsing. Restart Netflix on your TV and the episode you picked will now be available on your TV.

Logitech Drops Revue (Netflix-enabled Google TV) Price to $99

At $249 I've had a hard time recommending the Logitech's Revue Google TV device, but at $99 it's a serious competitor for the Roku Player or Apple TV. The Logitech Revue is a small computer running the Android operating system that installs between your cable box and the TV, and includes channels for Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, HBO Go, CNN, and more. The Revue will soon have the Honeycomb operating system that will enable you to run Android applications.

If you've wanted to browse the web on your TV, this is one of the cheapest ways to do it.

via Engadget.

Netflix Subtitles on Roku App Only Available on Roku 2 Models

Roku PR confirmed that the new Netflix app English-language subtitle feature will only be available on the new Roku 2 models. 

Roku 2 Product Lineup Revealed; Includes New Netflix Channel with Subtitles & 1080p

The Official Roku Blog finally announced the new and much smaller Roku 2 product line, and the new models include an updated Netlfix channel with subtitles and 1080p support. The $99 Roku XS has a beefier GPU and a new Bluetooth remote that enables gaming on the Roku, and includes a copy of Angry Birds.

Three models of the Roku 2 are available: the Roku 2 HD ($59 – 720p), Roku 2 XD ($79 – 1080p) and Roku 2 XS ($99 – Enhanced Remote, Ethernet, USB, 1080p).  Only the XS comes standard with the new enhanced remote control, but all the models now include Bluetooth, so you will soon be able to add the motion remote for use with these models for $29.

The new models should be available by the end of July and will be available from Roku, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry's and Radio Shack.

Roku also announced that they now offer 300 channels, including Facebook, Fox News, and they're working on an official YouTube app.

Netflix on Android: TI OMAP 4 Netflix Certified & Color Nook Hack Update

More Netflix on Android news: PC Magazine reports that TI's OMAP 4 has been certified by Neflix, which should speed up the rollout of the Netflix app on Android.

Netflix and Texas Instruments said Tuesday that Netflix has granted TI's OMAP 4 platform Netflix HD certification, meaning that OMAP 4-based phones will ship with the capability to stream high-definition Netflix movies.

Those phones should include the LG Thrill 4G, and LG Optimus 3D; the upcomingDroid 3 supposedly includes an OMAP 4 chip, although that has yet to be confirmed. (The original Motorola Droid included an OMAP 3 chip, meaning that Motorola and TI have already forged a relationship.)

Officially, TI would say only that "devices with the OMAP 4 processor-driven Netflix application pre-installed will be launched in the near future." The OMAP 4 platform supports up to Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" today.

In related news, XDA-Developers has some possible hacks to enable Netflix streaming on the Color Nook.

PlayLater Records Streaming Video from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Etc.

MediaMall's PlayLater is a beta application that will enable you to record streaming video from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu and other video websites. I was unable to get the beta working on my Windows computer, but CrunchGear was able to test it:

Upon launching the PlayLater, the user is presented with a beautiful UI and a grid of services: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, TV.com, and 26 others. From there you select the service, then the program and finally the episode or clip you want to record. You have the option of either recording now or adding it to the queue.

PlayLater then starts recording, as in it seems to que up the stream and record the video as if it was being played live on your computer screen. For instance, when recording a Hulu program, the site’s onscreen playback controls are included for a few seconds in the produced video file. (see above) The commercials are there as well but since the recorded file is just a plain video container, you’re free to scrub past them. These files are playable on the PC only through Windows Media Player. VLC and others do not work. 

You can download the beta here, and it's free for now but will cost $4.99 per month when it's released.

MediaMall claims it's legal and the files are encrypted, but I wonder how long before they get an interesting letter from the studios.

Do you want to be able to record Netflix (and other video) streams?

Netflix Streaming Unofficially Supported on HTC EVO 3D

If you bought the hot new HTC EVO 3D and want to stream Netflix on it, you should check out the Pocketables Forum. 

via Engadget.