Posts: 4,682
Threads: 1,378
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
0
So I just joined the 21st century and got Netflix. I have no problem watching it on my Mac, MacBook Pro and iPhone.
But how do I watch it on my non-smart Samgsung (46 inch LCD, around 4 years old) tv in the family room? For inputs, I see DVI and USB. I do have an older 2010 Mac mini at the ready. Could I use that?
Would love to hear your suggestions and what I need to do it.
If I can get it working, I feel I can cut our cable choices to the bare minimum and save a bit of money...
Posts: 24,633
Threads: 1,093
Joined: May 2025
The cheapest, easiest, way is probably a ROKU, which would also give you access to any other streaming apps (such as Amazon Prime, or Hulu, and a bazillion others... some good, some crap).
About $30-$35, BUT, you'll need a free HDMI port.
You COULD also use the TV as a monitor for the Mini, but I, for one, found that cumbersome, and went to the ROKU.
I cut the cord years ago, using the "Big Three" streaming services (Amazon, Hulu, and Netlfix) and other free "Channels" on the ROKU.
Posts: 40,656
Threads: 1,025
Joined: May 2025
Yeah, go with the Roku unless the tv you have has "smart" features you're overlooking.
Posts: 48,066
Threads: 9,823
Joined: Dec 2021
Reputation:
0
check if your DVD/BluRayplayer, TiVo Box, PlayStation, Xbox, CableBox already has "Apps" and if there is Netflix.
If no, then buy a Roku, Amazon stick, Chromecast. No experience with Amazon stick or Chromecast, but Roku works fine.
Of course a new or used Apple TV would also work fine.
Do not bother with Mac, it will affect the experience.
Posts: 4,666
Threads: 130
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
Apple TV3, Apple TV4 or Apple TV5 (4K) along with the other choices mentioned above. I'm surprised your Samsung TV is not a Smart TV. I thought they stopped making non-Smart TV's 5 years ago.
Posts: 2,534
Threads: 144
Joined: May 2025
Our blueray and ancient wii both have Netflix apps installed,
Posts: 25,197
Threads: 9,431
Joined: May 2025
Hook up one of your Macs that either has HDMI or Mini Display port to an HDMI adapter. I hook up my Mac Mini 2001 and MBP 2011 to my TV all the time.
Posts: 16,917
Threads: 1,500
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
Roku or Amazon Firestick are brain dead simple.
Posts: 9,822
Threads: 277
Joined: Aug 2024
Reputation:
0
My first choice would be Amazon Firestick then Roku. I would skip Apple TV under gen 3. You can’t download apps without jailbreaking gen 3, gen 4/5 can download apps. Other stuff has it native and easy to work with. Switching to Movies Anywhere app and it’s not available to download on Gen 3 Apple TV. It is on the 4/5.
Posts: 15,842
Threads: 95
Joined: May 2025
TLB wrote:
Our blueray and ancient wii both have Netflix apps installed,
My BluRay player also has Netflix, but the app is to old to use with it anymore. I now use the AppleTV 4 I got when I signed up for DirecTV Now.
