Netflix

Netflix in Wine app

A (Windows-based) Netflix app (32-bit version) has been modified and bundled to work in the Wine environment. It is available as a package from a private (non-approved) repository here.

To run the app will require a 32-bit operating system, which on a 64-bit system usually requires installing ia32-libs at the minimum (and possibly ia32-libs-multiarch):

sudo apt-get install ia32-libs ia32-libs-multiarch

Then install the Netflix-desktop:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:ehoover/compholio
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install netflix-desktop

The package installs the Microsoft core fonts (ttf-mscorefonts-installer). During this part of the installation a prompt to accept the Microsoft EULA will appear. Use the "TAB" key to maneuver to the "Ok" button and then press "Enter" to accept. The installation should then continue to completion.

The package creates a menu item for the Netflix Desktop, or the app can be started from a terminal with the command:

netflix-desktop

The Netflix app starts in full screen mode. You can exit out of the app completely by pressing ALT+F4 or by using the pop-up "X." You can also press F11 to exit out of full screen mode.

I created and dedicated a new partition for the Netflix installation only. I installed a new 32-bit version of (K)Ubuntu into this partition and then installed the Netflix / modified Wine bundle in this new partition's OS. In total, about 3.75 Gb of space was used for this minimum combination. I made the entire partition 10 Gb (in order to allow for caching and other temp data that might be required). This barebones setup plays Netflix quite nicely. Netflix can then be made to start automatically at bootup of this partition's OS by adding the netflix-desktop to the Kubuntu autostart menu:

Settings -> System Settings -> Startup and Shutdown -> Autostart ->

-> Add Program -> Multimedia -> Netflix Desktop

I also turn off the screensaver and prevent screen-dimming:

Menu -> Settings -> System Settings -> Display and Monitor -> Screen Saver

->Start automatically after... (unticked) -> Apply

Menu -> Settings -> System Settings -> Power Management -> Energy Saving Settings

-> Dim Display (unticked) -> Screen Energy Saving (unticked) -> Apply

Netflix Android App

A Netflix app for the Android market is available here. It must be installed in an Android environment but is not fully functional in the current Android emulators.