Things You'll Need:
- Netflix subscription
- TV
- Roku
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Step 1
Before you can start watching Robert Redford run for office in The Candidate, or Dustin Hoffman masquerade as a female soap diva in Tootsie you will need a Netflix subscription. Just be aware that in order to get unlimited instant viewing privileges on Netflix you'll have to sign up for the Netflix program that allows you at least three movies out at one time.
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Step 2
Before you can start enjoying the antics of Steve Martin juggling the brains of two different women or two guys battling to become the King of Donkey Kong you'll have to order the Roku device. It only costs $99 and is yours for life. Just be aware that it may take over a week for the device to arrive so be patient.
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Step 3
Once the Roku finally arrives it is simplicity itself to hook up. You can connect the Roku to your television set using composite cables for the worst possible image, S-video cables for slightly better imaging, component videos for VHS-to-DVD quality or HDMI cables (not included) for fantastic DVD quality. Even if you use the lowest quality connection, however, the image of Rita Hayworth doing that striptease in Gilda or those seven brides dancing with those seven brothers is still worth the effort.
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Step 4
I didn't include the fact that you'll need a broadband internet connection because I assumed that would be a gimme. Maybe not. At any rate you'll need either an ethernet connection to the Roku or a wireless router. The great thing about the wireless approach is that it allows you to watch Donnie Brasco or The Dick Van Dyke Show on any TV in your house.
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Step 5
Once you make the connection between the Roku, internet, and TV simply turn on your TV, press the appropriate buttons on your remote to get you to the right video channel and follow the directions. These directions will include instructions on going to www.netflix.com/activate and will provide you with an activation code for you to enter.
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Step 6
Next go to your Netflix account and start browsing through the instant viewing selections. One word of warning: simply clicking on "Add" only adds a selection to your queue. You must click on "Add To Instant" to get the movie or TV show to show up on Roku queue on your TV.
