7 TRICKS TO BECOME A NETFLIX STREAMING MASTER

1. Rate it: The first step to improving your Netflix experience is to download the Netflix Enhance Suite, which will sync your account with ratings from Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes, and profiles from IMDB. A slew of trailers will be avaiable too, and the best part is that it's all free!

2. Go International: Due to restrictions that tag along with licensing deals in different markets, the country you're viewing Netflix in may be limiting the amount of releases available to you. Services like Hola, which is free, and the subscription based Media Hinttrick Netflix into thinking you're watching from a different country, granting you access to a plethora of titles previously unavailable thanks to your current country of residence.

3. Stream at Random: The next trick works like a randomizer, giving you the option of complete surprise and lack of control over what you're going to watch. Flix Roulettemakes this all possible, and it even gives you options to help narrow the field of randomization.

4. Nix Buffering: If you prefer to get your Netflix time in on your computer, here's a nifty trick that will help cut down on that pesky buffering time. When playing a show or movie, hold down Shift+Opt (Shift+Alt for Windows) then left click to open up the hidden Streaming Manager to adjust the buffering settings. Google Chrome users can hold downCtrl+Shift+Alt/Opt+S to access the streaming manager.

5. Shortcuts: By knowing all the necessary computer shortcuts, you can optimize your netflix experience. F enters fullscreen mode while Esc takes you out of it, the spacebar is your start/stop button, M will function as your mute/unmute switch, Shift + right arrow rewinds, while Shift + left arrow fast forwards, and PgDn pauses while PgUp plays.

6. What's On: Netflix's library is notoriously difficult to search, so you can consult What's On Netflix to improve your browsing options. The service provides a list of titles that are otherwise hard to find on a normal search, and will expand your binging options for days to come.

7. Reddit: Lastly, you can check out Reddit for more streaming suggestions. The subredditr/netflixbestof will provide you with hours of binge-worthy treasures, complete with an active community devoted to improving your viewing habits.

Netflix HD

Wouldn't you be embarrassed if you were paying for HD streaming, but weren't even using it? This is the case for many Netflixers, who neglect to check out their streaming settings -- just go to Netflix.com/HdToggle to make sure you're always set up for HD viewing. 

WARNING: if you like to catch up on Breaking Bad outside of Wi-Fi zones, this will seriously destroy your data plan

Some useful computer shortcuts when you watch Netflix

These five keyboard shortcuts will make your binging more efficient, leaving you with even more time to scar yourself for life by watching OITNB:

- F will give you full screen; Esc will take you out of it
- PgDn pauses, PgUp will play 
- The spacebar will also pause and play
- Shift + Right Arrow will fast forward; Shift + Left Arrow will rewind
- M should toggle your mute button, depending on your computer

Buffering Netflix

Buffering time is the scourge of bingers everywhere. How can one be expected to navigate Mad Men’s dark themes and dramatic build-ups, if the climax is snarled by the horrors of excessive loading? 

There are some workarounds here, but they only work for watching on a computer: while playing a title, hold down Shift+Opt (Shift+Alt for Windows) and left click, to open up a “hidden” menu (called the Stream Manager) with buffering fixes and other streaming options.

 If you are using Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Alt/Opt+S to access this menu.