How to manually lower Netflix's streaming bit rate

You can indeed change Netflix's buffer rate on the fly, while you're using the desktop (i.e. browser-based) player.

All you do is press Alt-Shift and then left-click in the player window. In the pop-up Diagnostics menu that appears, click Stream Manager.

Next, click the Manual Selection box, then try lowering the bit rate a few notches. ClickApply and you should have fewer pauses in the playback. If not, try lowering it a bit further still.

This method can also help if your ISP saddles you with a particularly restrictive bandwidth cap. If you typically go over your data limit each month, lower the bit rate. (You can make a more permanent change by venturing into your Netflix account settings and choosingManage Video Quality, though you don't get nearly as many choices here.)

Granted, not many people will need to monkey with these kinds of settings, but if you're not blessed with high-speed Internet or you need to keep a close eye on that data cap, it's nice to know these settings are so readily accessible.