Can anyone attest to the convenience of using solely a Wii U for a modern entertainment system?
I'm talking stuff like the Netflix UI, the off-TV play, and especially using the web-browser and TV remote functionality. Also, what is all this TVii stuff? Do all these features work well? Do you use them often?
I guess I just need a crash course on the features that don't often get mentioned in the "Guys, Great Games!" or "Nintendoomed!" topics, along with any firsthand accounts of your experiences with the secondary functions of the Wii U, aside from the first-party games, positive and/or negative.
As far as I know, the Wii U browser is actually really good, and is by far my preferred way to view Youtube videos, even over using a computer.
Netflix is good, used to crash like ass though, it's gotten better.
I don't use TV, so thus I don't use TVii.
I've heard you can set it up for streaming from a local network, but I'm lazy so that isn't set up, can't say how well it works.
Netflix is good, used to crash like ass though, it's gotten better.
I don't use TV, so thus I don't use TVii.
I've heard you can set it up for streaming from a local network, but I'm lazy so that isn't set up, can't say how well it works.
If it could play Blu Rays and DVDs, maybe, but otherwise I would look elsewhere.
Netflix for me (I use a US DSN) is terrible. Slow and unresponsive.
Plex through the browser works but it's not smooth and a little fiddly.
In the end my Apple TV trounces it as a media centre.
Plex through the browser works but it's not smooth and a little fiddly.
In the end my Apple TV trounces it as a media centre.
Never gotten Netflix to work right on Wii U. It will always try to reload freeze at 25% loading in the middle of whatever I'm watching. Everyone says to delete and reinstall the app but that doesn't help.
i don't think the wii u even plays dvds.
OP, please don't make me laugh more than i already am at nintendo. Seriously, wii u as an entertainment center? Its not even april fools yet. The wii U's media functionality is barebones. If you want something for your media center, get a ps3 or an xbox one.
Last edited by TheCloser; Yesterday at 02:08 AM.
Nope. The legit ways to see movies is through something like Netflix but you can't even get 5.1 out of it on Wii U, just all stereo.
If you have a home theater system it is worthless for non gaming functions since WiiU only outputs 5.1 via LPCM. Does not support Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1.
Imagine my shock when I first used WiiU Netflix and only got stereo sound. Jumped back to PS3 Netflix right away (now PS4 Netflix).
Imagine my shock when I first used WiiU Netflix and only got stereo sound. Jumped back to PS3 Netflix right away (now PS4 Netflix).
Perfect for browsing on the sofa/in the bed. You can use it as an upnp device too via the browsers but a native app would be nice. Lets see what we can do about that...
I've used TVii maybe twice, it's honestly not all that interesting or useful. All the other apps however work perfectly well, although as far as I know there's no way to turn the gamepad off while you're using them, so you need to keep it charging the whole time which can get annoying
Just bought mine yesterday. UI is overly basic, but it works. I don't have any complaints with Netflix, Youtube, or Hulu apps. Double-check to see if it has any others you want because I'm out of the loop.
Personally, I think PS3 is a better choice for a games/media center device (if games are a secondary feature for you).
If you just want to stream stuff, Wii U will serve you just fine, albeit there are cheaper options that will accomplish the same thing for less (Chromecast or Roku, for starters).
Personally, I think PS3 is a better choice for a games/media center device (if games are a secondary feature for you).
If you just want to stream stuff, Wii U will serve you just fine, albeit there are cheaper options that will accomplish the same thing for less (Chromecast or Roku, for starters).
I suppose my satisfaction with the Wii U performing these duties is mainly to do with my pleb status of not having DVD's/Blu Rays, nor a "home theater" 5.1 setup.
YMMV? No? I'm happy, oh well.
YMMV? No? I'm happy, oh well.
Watching netflix off screen is pretty neat if you don't already have a tablet to do so.
The only real advantage it has as an entertainment center is the fact that, unlike the other consoles, you can purchase/rent movies and shows through Amazon Instant. I prefer to use this service as opposed to PSN and Xbox Movies because Amazon is universal.
Other than that... yeah I don't recommend it as an entertainment center.
Other than that... yeah I don't recommend it as an entertainment center.
I use mine for Youtube, Amazon Prime Instant Video, and web browsing in the living room.
As a bonus, when using Prime IMDB displays on the Gamepad showing the actors that are currently on-screen.
As a bonus, when using Prime IMDB displays on the Gamepad showing the actors that are currently on-screen.
This too, I stream anime from an HTML5 supported website.Originally Posted by Prevolition
I use it every day for streaming movies/anime. Internet browser is fantastic.
Last edited by Nostremitus; Yesterday at 02:10 AM.
I use it every day for streaming movies/anime. Internet browser is fantastic.
Netflix works fine for me. Other people have reported crashes so YMMV.
Youtube has a dedicated app, but you're better off just using the actual web browser to watch videos.
The Web Browser is surprisingly solid. Youtube videos and Twitch streams are decent quality and you can browse while a video plays on your TV.
TVii is basically a guide that lets you search shows, movies, and sports. It's pretty clumsy so I never use it.
However, as several other people mentioned, the Wii U only outputs 5.1 via LCPM. So if you have a halfway decent audio setup you''ll be better off using something else as a Entertainment Center.
Youtube has a dedicated app, but you're better off just using the actual web browser to watch videos.
The Web Browser is surprisingly solid. Youtube videos and Twitch streams are decent quality and you can browse while a video plays on your TV.
TVii is basically a guide that lets you search shows, movies, and sports. It's pretty clumsy so I never use it.
However, as several other people mentioned, the Wii U only outputs 5.1 via LCPM. So if you have a halfway decent audio setup you''ll be better off using something else as a Entertainment Center.
Last edited by BroBuzz; Yesterday at 02:24 AM.
TVii has pretty much been abandoned. Looked at it once and never used it again.
Netflix is decent enough but the lack of any type of DLNA or any kind of media functionality makes it useless.
I used to rely solely on my jailbroken AppleTV for all of my media needs but I bought a Smart TV and that pretty much replaced everything.
You can use Plex media server and stream videos to the Wii U browser and while that is functional it's rather clunky.
Netflix is decent enough but the lack of any type of DLNA or any kind of media functionality makes it useless.
I used to rely solely on my jailbroken AppleTV for all of my media needs but I bought a Smart TV and that pretty much replaced everything.
You can use Plex media server and stream videos to the Wii U browser and while that is functional it's rather clunky.
No DVD's, no Blu-Rays, no chance!
Wii u owner here. The gamepad works decently for off screen Netflix. No surround sound on any media streaming apps because of Nintendo's refusal to license Dolby or DTS cosecs. YouTube works okay and I believe there is an app you can run on your PC that turns the Wii u web browser into a media center that can play videos streamed from the PC (Plex).
however I use my 360 or media center PC that are hooked up to the same TV in preference to it. The apps just aren't there. No HBO, crunchyroll, Verizon, etc. It just has Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and a Browser. Also Kinect control works somewhat better than the gamepad for video IMO.
TVii was absolutely, terribly slow at launch. They've improved the speed and added a few features but it still can't be a good universal remote as there is no DVR support even though they promised TiVo in early 2013. Also the channel packages are uncustomizable. WMC is way better than TVii. Only thing TVii has that is unique is the TV tag feature which is sort of like a message board that appears for selected live TV shows and lets you see other people's comments as you watch, draw stuff, review sports scores, etc.
however I use my 360 or media center PC that are hooked up to the same TV in preference to it. The apps just aren't there. No HBO, crunchyroll, Verizon, etc. It just has Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and a Browser. Also Kinect control works somewhat better than the gamepad for video IMO.
TVii was absolutely, terribly slow at launch. They've improved the speed and added a few features but it still can't be a good universal remote as there is no DVR support even though they promised TiVo in early 2013. Also the channel packages are uncustomizable. WMC is way better than TVii. Only thing TVii has that is unique is the TV tag feature which is sort of like a message board that appears for selected live TV shows and lets you see other people's comments as you watch, draw stuff, review sports scores, etc.
Wii U + PS3 works pretty well for entertainment purposes. Blurays, DVDs, and media files off a USB flash drive on the PS3, Netflix and YouTube on the Wii U.
I use TVii while watching football. It's fun to raz the other team's fans in the comments of the play-by-play.TVii has pretty much been abandoned. Looked at it once and never used it again.
Netflix is decent enough but the lack of any type of DLNA or any kind of media functionality makes it useless.
I used to rely solely on my jailbroken AppleTV for all of my media needs but I bought a Smart TV and that pretty much replaced everything.
You can use Plex media server and stream videos to the Wii U browser and while that is functional it's rather clunky.
Wii U has my favorite Hulu and Netflix apps. I love having the gamepad alongside to control the playback.
Since the Netflix update the Netflix App has been great. The touch screen makes everything really easy to navigate.
Great for youtube. I use a roku3 for everything else.
Yeah, what's up with that?? I've got like 20 different devices in my house that can play YouTube, yet none are as good as the Wii U. It's bizarre.Originally Posted by H3XAntiStyle
As far as I know, the Wii U browser is actually really good, and is by far my preferred way to view Youtube videos, even over using a computer.
Yeah best entertainment center IMO thanks to the tablet controller. Also works with Twitch unlike other Streaming boxes.
I haven't used the wii u for entertainment center type stuff, but I can see its uses. My problem with wii u is directly a result of having been spoiled by ps4, which is the really slow UI. Things just feel like they take forever to load on wii u, but that's because it takes like no time at all on ps4. I dunno.
One nice thing about the Wii U Pad is using the browser as a portable Twitch player. Easily the best way on consoles to watch Dota matches! Can leave the TV on to view other things.
I agree. Its the major flaw inthe WiiU as primary media player.Originally Posted by RobFox64tm
If it could play Blu Rays and DVDs, maybe, but otherwise I would look elsewhere.
That said Netflix, Hulu plus, Youtube and the Web Browser are all solid apps. I dont use TVii so i cant say how good that is. I think if I could play my .avi and /mpeg4 from my NAS I would be pretty happy though.
I once used TVii to see what was on because my cable no longer has a guide channel and I don't have a box.
Netflix is cool. I think I like the Wii U app and the PS3 one equally, both above the 360 one or my TV's app.
Netflix is cool. I think I like the Wii U app and the PS3 one equally, both above the 360 one or my TV's app.
TVii doesn't work in Australia and I can't play movies off a plugged in thumb drive. Works fine for games but other than that...
Edit: also no DVDs or blu rays either
Edit: also no DVDs or blu rays either
TVii is actually pretty interesting and surprisingly...works! I've been able to type in the name of a show and it'll go through and spit out either whether it's currently airing, when and what channels it airs on and which episode is going to be playing over the next couple days. The problem: Using TVii means turning on the WiiU, launching the TVii app and then searching for the show. This takes time and since I've already familiarised myself with the channels it comes on, it's easier to flip to the channel and use the native guide.
As far as Youtube functionality goes, pretty good. My family used to use the PS3 app but switched over to the WiiU because the touchpad is more convenient for typing. I can't say much about Netflix though cause my family doesn't subscribe.
Edit: Should mention that I'm in Canada and used Rogers as my cable provider.
As far as Youtube functionality goes, pretty good. My family used to use the PS3 app but switched over to the WiiU because the touchpad is more convenient for typing. I can't say much about Netflix though cause my family doesn't subscribe.
Edit: Should mention that I'm in Canada and used Rogers as my cable provider.
Amazon (Prime) on it is good. Better than other systems I've tried, but not yet up to my Smart TV as far as speed*. Still, the interface and touch screen bet all methods I've tried.
Is there a way to turn of the screen when all I want to watch is the TV?
*My complaint here is that the WiFi won't reach across the house and wired via USB isn't Gigabit as far as I can tell.
Is there a way to turn of the screen when all I want to watch is the TV?
*My complaint here is that the WiFi won't reach across the house and wired via USB isn't Gigabit as far as I can tell.
Web browser is great, use it for youtube videos and twitch live streams. TV remote control is good, though there is no mute button, previous channel button, or menu button to access my Comcast DVR. TVii isn't all that useful, not sure about Netflix. Blu Rays and DVD's won't work with the Wii U, but I use Xfinity On Demand and my DVR for movies.
For me the Wii U is a decent entertainment center, but I imagine it isn't nearly enough for other people.
For me the Wii U is a decent entertainment center, but I imagine it isn't nearly enough for other people.
Streaming apps are all pretty good and the browser is fantastic for watching streams. Can put the stream on the TV while reading the comments on the GamePad.
The browser not letting you download stuff like MP3 files is kinda lame. I like to download podcasts on my PS3 but can't do the same on Wii U. I don't think it likes Flash much either.
i use the WiiU as my main media device. I have a 360/PS3+4, with some DLNA apps on my computer. But i found WiiU to be the best so far. it is the quickest in launching and browsing Netflix, mainly because of the channel interface, touchscreen and TV controls. Everythign is directly at your fingertips and you dont have to go scrolling through menus to find stuff.
I also use the web version of PLEX to stream media off my computer. though the Plex UI isnt realy the best for WiiU, but it has decent catergorizing and info. i heard ViidU? is good too.
It is also great for browsing the internet on your TV and watching web videos(mainly youtube)
I dont use Tvii much at all. But it has been nice for browsing free OTA TV guide listings.
I also use the web version of PLEX to stream media off my computer. though the Plex UI isnt realy the best for WiiU, but it has decent catergorizing and info. i heard ViidU? is good too.
It is also great for browsing the internet on your TV and watching web videos(mainly youtube)
I dont use Tvii much at all. But it has been nice for browsing free OTA TV guide listings.
maybe you should do some homework first. besides not being able to play CD/DVDS/Blur rays. It out perfoms all the rest. But who uses that stuff anymore anyways? Though I haven't used XboxOne, I still dont think I would find it more useful for my purposes. If I do need to watch something on physical media, I am sure everyone has multiple other devices for such things.Originally Posted by TheCloser
OP, please don't make me laugh more than i already am at nintendo. Seriously, wii u as an entertainment center? Its not even april fools yet. The wii U's media functionality is barebones. If you want something for your media center, get a ps3 or an xbox one.
Last edited by majik13; Yesterday at 02:42 AM.
The Wii U browser works really well. It has some nice features, like being able to set the User Agent. It allows you to have six tabs open at once. Its generally quite fast, and its nice to be able to load a video on the TV, while still browsing on the gamepad.
I use the remote all the time. Especially for changing input and setting the volume. You can also quickly navigate your cable boxes menu to find a certain show. The system doesnt need to be on for you to use the remote.
Nintendo TV is alright. It needs to boot faster. There has been instances where my cable box wouldn't display the channel names, but I was able to load Nintendo TV, and clicked "grid", and it displayed all the shows and times. I just hope they keep evolving it, because it could turn out to be something you'd want to use a lot.
Netflix works good. The youtube app was just updated, and now it works really well.
I use the remote all the time. Especially for changing input and setting the volume. You can also quickly navigate your cable boxes menu to find a certain show. The system doesnt need to be on for you to use the remote.
Nintendo TV is alright. It needs to boot faster. There has been instances where my cable box wouldn't display the channel names, but I was able to load Nintendo TV, and clicked "grid", and it displayed all the shows and times. I just hope they keep evolving it, because it could turn out to be something you'd want to use a lot.
Netflix works good. The youtube app was just updated, and now it works really well.
Last edited by Outtrigger888; Yesterday at 02:27 AM.
Wii U is my preferred device for Netflix and Lovefilm because the Gamepad is fun to watch in bed. Tvii still doesn't work in Europe. Browser is super-fast and user-friendly.
The only downer is that Wii U, to my knowledge, still doesn't have full range RGB, so streamed services to the TV aren't as rich or colourful as they are on my PS3 or 360.
Miiverse is a wonderful timesink in itself, although the mass expansion of boards and declining interest in the hardware has fractured the once-thriving community spirit somewhat since the early days. However It's still very populated and still very fun.
The Gamepad performs more than ably in all situations, being virtually lag-free and artifact free even at 60fps.
Ultimately though, it is all about the games, but between Wii U, Wii and VC, there's plenty to choose from.
The only downer is that Wii U, to my knowledge, still doesn't have full range RGB, so streamed services to the TV aren't as rich or colourful as they are on my PS3 or 360.
Miiverse is a wonderful timesink in itself, although the mass expansion of boards and declining interest in the hardware has fractured the once-thriving community spirit somewhat since the early days. However It's still very populated and still very fun.
The Gamepad performs more than ably in all situations, being virtually lag-free and artifact free even at 60fps.
Ultimately though, it is all about the games, but between Wii U, Wii and VC, there's plenty to choose from.
Last edited by Neff; Yesterday at 02:47 AM.
I had a "Youtube Disney dance party" with my kids using the Wii U. I used the Wii U gamepad to make myself be like a VJ, looking up the next video I wanted to play while they rocked out to whatever was on the big screen.
It was amazing.
Note: may not be a selling point if you don't have little kids that love Disney songs.
It was amazing.
Note: may not be a selling point if you don't have little kids that love Disney songs.
I love the Wii U's internet browser. I use it to watch Twitch streams on my TV all the time.
The netflix app is great too. When I feel like watching a movie in bed i can instantly switch from the TV to the gamepad. So convenient.
The Wii U also acts as a TV remote, so I don't have to fiddle around and look for mine anymore.
I actually like the Wii U's TVii integration as well. I've used it to follow sports games and it works well. You can draw pictures on the play by play snapshots of the game and share it with people. I've had some good laughs from other people's drawings. Its really nifty.
Overall the Wii U is a great entertainment center for me.
The netflix app is great too. When I feel like watching a movie in bed i can instantly switch from the TV to the gamepad. So convenient.
The Wii U also acts as a TV remote, so I don't have to fiddle around and look for mine anymore.
I actually like the Wii U's TVii integration as well. I've used it to follow sports games and it works well. You can draw pictures on the play by play snapshots of the game and share it with people. I've had some good laughs from other people's drawings. Its really nifty.
Overall the Wii U is a great entertainment center for me.
Last edited by Chezzymann; Yesterday at 02:32 AM.
Hey, thanks for the input, asshole! I had no idea those systems existed!!!Originally Posted by TheCloser
OP, please don't make me laugh more than i already am at nintendo. Seriously, wii u as an entertainment center? Its not even april fools yet. The wii U's media functionality is barebones. If you want something for your media center, get a ps3 or an xbox one.
I can care less about TVii myself, but I just got Netflix (again) and have been using it on the Wii-U and it's great. You can even stream it to the gamepad if you want. The only obnoxious thing is having to leave the gamepad on while streaming... but whatever. Hopefully they'll do something about that.
The web browser is ace as well. Youtube app is okay. Much better with the latest update.
The web browser is ace as well. Youtube app is okay. Much better with the latest update.
As long as your TV box has a remote with a manufacturer known by the WiiU (which is a lot of them) and your TV package is as well (again, the WiiU knows a lot), I find TVii highly convenient if you can't remember the channel number of a network you really like: just pull up the TVii remote when you're on your TV input (if it isn't already), point the GamePad towards the TV, and press the button with the channel's logo on it (you can add favorite channels to a certain list for the remote when you think of them by searching for the channel name in TVii). The controller automatically enters in the channel's number as if it were a robot using your TV remote.
The web browser is amazing, too. When a World of Tanks eSports event is being broadcasted, I use the system to display the stream on my TV and then lay down on my couch and watch it as if it were a "real" sporting event.
I wonder if it's possible to stream PS4 or XBox One games in full screen (without face cams or chat windows or the like)? If so, some fun could be had by pulling up one of those streams, turning the Gamepad display off, messing with the buttons on a Pro controller (avoiding buttons that might mess with the stream) and then waiting for someone to walk into the room.
The web browser is amazing, too. When a World of Tanks eSports event is being broadcasted, I use the system to display the stream on my TV and then lay down on my couch and watch it as if it were a "real" sporting event.
I wonder if it's possible to stream PS4 or XBox One games in full screen (without face cams or chat windows or the like)? If so, some fun could be had by pulling up one of those streams, turning the Gamepad display off, messing with the buttons on a Pro controller (avoiding buttons that might mess with the stream) and then waiting for someone to walk into the room.
Last edited by RMS Gigantic; Yesterday at 02:36 AM.
The Netflix Wii U app is very feature bare compared to the app on most other platforms. TVii is just a glorified TV guide, I don't use it much since I only have local TV, amazon and hulu seem fine. But seeing as it can't play blu-rays or DVDs, you're better off with a PS4 (Or actually, a PS3 is probably the better media center at the moment.)
No. Just no.
It's a missed opportunity I think. It has a few decent apps but man, if they added more and added DVD/Blu-Ray support this thing could probably be the best media hub you could get. A tablet that basically plays all of your content on your TV would be fantastic. It would also be the only device that I'm aware of that would be able to stream any DVD or Blu-Ray to a tablet instantly. I hope Nintendo reconsider it. It would be a pretty neat advantage.
I'm pretty sure there's an internet site or program you can use that can stream content from your PC to the Wii U as well.
I'm pretty sure there's an internet site or program you can use that can stream content from your PC to the Wii U as well.
TVii is good for live sports, but that's about it. But glorified TV Guide? Its a social media tool that gives a live play-by-play of games with polls and doodleable shots.Originally Posted by Inferno313
The Netflix Wii U app is very feature bare compared to the app on most other platforms. TVii is just a glorified TV guide, I don't use it much since I only have local TV, amazon and hulu seem fine. But seeing as it can't play blu-rays or DVDs, you're better off with a PS4 (Or actually, a PS3 is probably the better media center at the moment.)
Last edited by Nostremitus; Yesterday at 02:48 AM.
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