So I have a brand new bright and shiny HTPC running Slackware64 and xbmc along with all my other goodies from SBo. I'm SUPER happy with how well this has gone, I have successfully navigated the resolution and font display issues, I have successfully navigated HDMI audio issues, and I am just thrilled. The next issue I have to work out is what services will work for streaming new content. I'm currently watching Family Guy for free on Hulu while I type this. I like what I have seen of Netflix at other people's houses, and I like the disc-in-the-mail option since this machine is Blu-ray ready, but the streaming is what I'm really after for some of the TV series they have. I have read lots of bad things online, but I figure I will get the most definitive answer from this forum so to make a long story short (TOO LATE!):

Does Netflix work on Slackware?

EDIT: I guess I should mention that I don't currently have an account and won't be getting one unless it will work on Slackware.

Netflix streaming doesn't work with Linux. Period.

I have a dual boot with Windows specifically for Netflix streaming; it is the only way.

For shows not available through Netflix, I use amazon.com. HBO shows like Boardwalk Empire and GoT are about $30/season, and the player works fine in Linux.

Dual Boot or Virtualbox.

A few months ago I registered with them for a monthly free trial just to test it out but as mentioned above - no luck. Googling for it brings the same solutions: dual boot or VM.

Bear in mind that Android has a native Netflix application so for a few weeks I tested it on my Samsung Galaxy Tab but must say that the experience was far from ideal on my tablet. Constant, and I mean constant, problems with audio/video sync. Obviously I cancelled it after a month.

Well maybe I should start a new thread, but are there good streaming alternatives to netflix? I've seen some stuff about usenet which I have no firsthand knowledge of. My HTPC can definitely handle a VM so that's an option, and of course there's always old fashioned piracy, but a nice well supported streaming service would be much better than piracy! I will give Hulu and Amazon a test drive, but I don't know that I want to pay $30 to watch a whole season of anything!

Chrome OS is Linux and it has a Netflix app.

AFAIR, the same situation is with LoveFilm. I haven't tried any other services. Although recently I haven't really had time to watch anything, I'd be interested to know if there are any services supporting linux. Actually the only TV/film I have watched over the last 3 months was "Black Mirror" on Channel 4 (UK). For people based in the UK, it's available on 4oD. Quite interesting. Don't read about it, just watch it. (That's bad. I've gone off topic off topic. Apologies)

It doesn't work. Since I have a several netflix friendly devices I went ahead and signed up with the free month trial. I went ahead and installed an XP vm and it works fine, but the Chrome add in only works with windows, mac, and chromeOS which I installed in a vm thinking it might run quicker since it's for lowpowered hardware, but apparently windows xp does better on lowpowered hardware.


I will be looking into this so long as I can try things for free and I will try to report back here!