Netflix “Watch Now” in Ubuntu

March 5th, 2008

Netflix now has unlimited online viewing with one catch: you must use Internet Explorer. This leaves the mac and linux users searching for virtualization software. 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.

posted by kbrower at 10:35 pm & filed under netflix, ubuntu |


4 Comments to “Netflix “Watch Now” in Ubuntu”

  1. March 8th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
    Ozymandius said:

    How did you get the bandwidth in VirtualBox to pump through fast enough? I’m having issues were I only get a “basic” or “good” connection when my computer bandwidth is around 3.0 mbps down.

  2. March 8th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
    kbrower said:

    I had no trouble getting “high” quality. I am running Virtualbox 1.5.4 in gutsy and have a FIOS internet connection.

  3. December 24th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
    qmemphis said:

    Is not running a virtual machine defeating the point? You still have to depend on winblows…

  4. December 25th, 2008 at 12:44 am
    kbrower said:

    @qmemphis I guess we will just have to wait for Silverlight 2.0 to come out for linux. Still not optimal but better than virtualizing the whole os.

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