Netflix is a web-based company specializing in DVD rentals through the mail and instant viewing over a high-speed Internet connection. Subscribers pay a monthly fee to rent and watch an unlimited number of movies, although there is a set limit on the number of DVDs that can be checked out at one time. The company offers thousands of movies titles that can be viewed on demand with a computer or web-enabled TV. An Internet connection and web-surfing hardware are needed to connect to Netflix.
Step One
Connect a computer or home theater system to the Internet using either a Wi-Fi connection or an Ethernet cable. A list of Netflix-ready home audio/video equipment is available in the reference section. Any PC or laptop with an Internet connection can be linked to Netflix.
Step Two
Open the web browser on the device, such as a computer, home theater receiver, Xbox or PS3, and enter the web address URL for Netflix, which is http://www.netflix.com/
Step Three
Type in the subscriber's email and password in the blank spaces on the right-hand side of the screen and click "Continue."
Step Four
Click the "Watch Instantly" tab in the upper left-hand corner of the screen to view a list of movies available for streaming over the Internet, organized by category, such as action, horror, drama, comedy and science fiction. Click on the blue bar labeled "Play" underneath any title to begin watching the film. There may be a delay of a few seconds while the title loads, then begins playing automatically.
Step Five
Use the controls below the viewing area to pause, play, stop, fast-forward or rewind while you watch the movie.