Netflix Movie Player on Windows 7 RC Build 7100
Last week I upgraded three of my systems to the newest Windows 7 RC (build 7100). After doing so, I realized that the Netflix Movie Player would no longer install because it isn’t compatible with Windows Media Player 12.
It appeared my options were to either hack a rollback to WMP11 or switch over to the Netflix Silverlight player. I had purposely been avoiding the latter because of all the [negative] [feedback]. Additionally, once you opt-in to use that player, you can’t revert your account back. So you’re stuck with it, whether you like it not.
Despite this, I decided to take the risk and go for the Silverlight option. One, because it was the easiest method – and two, rolling back to WMP11 seemed like a backwards solution.
So after installing Silverlight and using the opt-in page at Netflix, I was pleasantly surprised to find no problems whatsoever in any of the three Windows 7 RC machines I’ve tested on. In fact, it seems to be even more responsive than the old player and I definitely like the rewind logic better. Video quality appears about the same. I did notice a few studders on the htpc in my bedroom, but I suspect that has more to do with the older P4 hardware or going through a switch that is on a 100′ network drop from my router downstairs.
So if you’re having problems with Netflix on Windows 7 RC and feel confident braving the Silverlight player, I can vouch from my own experience that it works quite well. All you need to do is install Silverlight and opt-in at netflix (after logging in to your account):
http://www.netflix.com/silverlightoptin
Here are the network and system specs of my particular testing environment:
| Box 1: Custom Build |
Box 2: Custom Build |
Box 3: Dell Dimension 8400 |
|
| OS: | Windows 7 RC x64 |
Windows 7 RC x64 |
Windows 7 RC x86 |
| CPU: | Intel Core2Duo e8500 |
Intel Core2Duo e6600 |
Intel P4 3.0 Ghz |
| RAM: | 6GB | 4GB | 2.5GB |
| GPU: | ATI Radeon x1950 Pro |
Onboard NVIDIA GeForce 9400 |
ATI Radeon x1950 Pro |
| MOBO: | GA-EP45-UD3R | GA-E7AUM-DS2H | Stock |
| NIC: | Onboard Gigabit | Onboard Gigabit | Onboard Gigabit |
| DISPLAY: | 22″ Chimei & Asus Widescreens |
46″ Samsung LN46A650 |
32″ Samsung LN32A330 |
| NETWORK: | Router => PC | Router => PC | Router => 100′ Drop => Switch => PC |
March 17th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Ended up here trying to find some thing completely else, but ended up to be an interesting read anyway, so I guess sometimes it’s ok that you can’t use a search engine properly.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I did it! I upgraded my RAM and I couldn’t be happier! The process took about 30 minutes and after watching your video I made sure I labeled the screws and where they went. It was a breeze although my wife called me a geek for 3 days straight. Any other useful Acer tips?
June 24th, 2009 at 6:28 am
@Josh – My apologies for the delay in responding. Yes, I put Win7 RC on my AAO. It runs really well for day to day tasks and the Touch Screen drivers had no problems installing.
However, I noticed some choppy performance streaming Netflix & Hulu Desktop (Hulu through my browser performs a little better). Windows 7 media center was also a little slow in terms of navigation response. So I upgraded the ram to 1.5 GB to see if that would help. Video streaming performance definitely improved as did the Win7 media center…but there is still the occasional stepping. The RAM upgrade itself was a breeze (far easier than the touch screen mod). I used a 1GB module of G.SKILL PC2-5300 for the memory upgrade (Model F2-5300PHU1-1GBSA) – which worked great. I wish there was an additional slot so I could get up to 2GB (which this chipset supports)….but, alas…you can only switch out the existing 512MB stick (if you have the 1GB AAO model).
June 10th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Did you load windows 7 RC on your acer? I have and was wondering if you have any tips for better performance. Also, did you upgrade your ram on your acer? If so, any tips?