Editing Netflix stream-quality controversy

=4K plan doesn't provide a 4K resolution stream<!-- A number of statements here currently made in the voice of the wiki should really be sourced, maybe referencing Louis' video? Using phrases like 'consumer rights activists believe this amounts to...' that kind of thing, while citing to Louis' video or any other reasonable sources -->=

Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming without fully disclosing the conditions under which these restrictions apply; all prerequisites for receiving a 4K stream are not listed in the terms of use,<ref name=":3">[https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse "Netflix Terms of Use"] - help.netflix.com - 24 Jan 2024 - [https://web.archive.org/web/20240125032601/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse Archive.org Version]</ref> terms & conditions,<ref>[https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions "Netflix Shop - Terms & Conditions"] - netflix.shop - 1 June 2023 - [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128223343/https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions Archive.org Version]</ref> or help page.<ref name=":0">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444 "How to get the best video quality"] - help.netflix.com</ref> When new users sign up, Netflix defaults them to the 4K premium plan, without clearly informing them of the intentional limitations on accessing 4K content.<ref>[[:File:Netflix signup page- choose plan bottom of page.png]]</ref> 

Netflix, in their [https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse Terms of Service] (TOS), lists reasons why the quality of its content may vary from different devices, as stated in clause 4.7:<blockquote>The quality of the display of the Netflix content may vary from device to device, and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as your location, the bandwidth available through and/or speed of your Internet connection.</blockquote>One of the factors not listed is the use of [https://developers.google.com/widevine/drm/overview Widevine], a [[DRM|Digital Rights Management]] (DRM) software which is embedded into most web browsers such as Chrome, Chromium, Electron (CEF), Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc. DRM technology prevents screen capture of media hosted on Netflix. One method, such as 'SECURE_DECODE,' utilizes Widevine to decode each displayed frame. However, this process consumes more bandwidth. To compensate, Netflix lowers the streaming resolution to 720p in web browsers.

Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan on their [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926 Plans and Pricing] for a subscription. Consumers who watch Netflix on web browsers will be paying for 1080p resolution while only receiving 720p resolution maximum due to DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim the user's device faulty or the user's internet speed slow to justify this behaviour.[[File:Netflix signup page- choose plan bottom of page.png|alt=Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.|thumb|Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.]]
[[File:Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality.png|alt=Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality|thumb|Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality]]

The existence of these limitations is only disclosed in small font at the bottom of the page where users select a plan. The 4K HDR option, which is set as the default, features an eye-catching icon with vibrant colors designed to draw attention to this more expensive choice. Meanwhile, users must scroll to the bottom of the page to find a link to a document explaining the limitations.<ref name=":3" />

==4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists==
Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available, including for blockbuster movies{{Citation needed}}<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18k554z/how_much_licensed_content_does_netflix_display_in/</ref>. This isn't advertised anywhere{{Citation needed}}.

For example: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is HD only on Netflix,<ref>[https://www.netflix.com/title/81602889 "Netflix - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - netflix.com</ref> whereas it’s clearly available in UHD on other platforms,<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-Anthony-Ramos/dp/B0BX1MWKHY "Amazon Prime - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - amazon.com</ref> or Blu-ray.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-4K-UHD/dp/B0C5P5K55N <nowiki>"Amazon - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts [4K UHD]"</nowiki>] - amazon.com</ref>
[[File:Netflix not providing 4k even if it exist2.png|thumb]]
Another movie is Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. A somewhat scribbled flowchart i made exists here on the page. Where i show i have Netflix 4K premium and can't get even 720p despite having a very good PC and internet connection, and that i know the movie exists in 2K.

Source linking from different statements from my picture, and links from within the wikipedia pages (and more):

Links to the wikipedia pages shown in my picture:[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_World:_Fallen_Kingdom][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arri_Alexa#Alexa_65]

==== Camera used ====
The movie was shot with Arri Alexa 65, capable of 6.5K and 3.4K raw output [https://www.slashfilm.com/557725/j-a-bayona-interview/][https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4881806/technical/][https://www.arrirental.com/en/cameras/digital-65-mm-cameras/alexa-65]

(Thinking they would shoot a movie in 6.5k resolution with a camera worth 150-200k USD and downsize it to 960x540 during post processing in 2018 is beyond me.)

==== Reviews ====
Forbes review: "Fallen Kingdom is a gorgeous, mostly enjoyable blockbuster that looked great in IMAX."[https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/06/06/review-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-finally-escapes-the-island/]

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review [https://www.avforums.com/reviews/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-4k-blu-ray-review.15524/]

Another Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review:[https://www.highdefwatch.com/post/4k-delivers-great-picture-and-sound-in-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom]

More sources that show/sell high resolution versions of the movie [https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdom-4K-Blu-ray/206399/][https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/60793/jurassicworldfallenkingdom4kultrahdbluray.html]

A "making of the film" video on youtube, on a channel owned by Universal Pictures themselves, and they state in the description of the video "Own it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Now"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4zXawfBi1o&ab_channel=UniversalPicturesAll-Access]

You can rent the video on youtube in 1080p.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETePG9F6Zk&ab_channel=YouTubeMovies]
[[File:Jurassic world Fallen Kingdom High-res preview at youtube.png|thumb]]
(I added another picture where i show that the feed IS in fact 1080p)<!-- We should really find a source which makes this claim, or some way to 'permenantly' make this point. given how frequently streaming licenses are chopped and changed, the example listed here could be outdated within a week.

I made an effort to show proof, i tried to be as objective as possible and come with proof from different sources as well as my own. 

English is not my primary language and the sentence "(Thinking they would shoot a movie in 6.5k resolution with a camera worth 150-200k USD and downsize it to 960x540 during post processing in 2018 is beyond me.)" could be reformulated some way but don't know how. I want it to be seen as irrefutable logical proof that it in fact was released as original with a better resolution than 540p. --> 

==Terms of Service analysis==

Currently, Netflix advertises 1080p video resolution on all plans listed in their [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926 Plans and Pricing] section. However, consumers watching Netflix on web browsers pay for 1080p resolution but are limited to a maximum of 720p due to DRM restrictions.<ref>[[:File:Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality.png]]</ref><ref name=":3" /><!-- In my previous edit, i put a citation needed here, and this has been addressed by quoting from the TOS, however I should have been more clear about what the citation was needed for. The issue is that the statement that this allows Netflix "to claim the user's device faulty or the user's internet speed slow to justify this behavior" is effectively a legal opinion/interpretation regarding what the TOS allows for, and it is this *opinion/interpretation* which needs to come from a source, rather than being stated in the Wiki's voice. The Wiki, in factual articles, should quote the opinions of others, rather than having opinions of its own. -->

Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) outlines important details regarding video-quality limitations in Section 4.7, which states:

<blockquote>4.7. The quality of the display of the Netflix content may vary from device to device, and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as your location, the bandwidth available through and/or speed of your Internet connection. HD, Ultra HD and HDR availability is subject to your Internet service and device capabilities. Not all content is available in all formats, such as HD, Ultra HD or HDR and not all plans allow you to receive content in all formats. The minimum connection speed for HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 720p or higher) is 3.0 Mbps per stream; however, we recommend a faster connection for improved video quality. A connection speed of at least 5.0 Mbps per stream is recommended to receive Full HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 1080p or higher). A connection speed of at least 15.0 Mbps per stream is recommended to receive Ultra HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 4K or higher). You are responsible for all Internet access charges. Please check with your Internet provider for information on possible Internet data usage charges. Netflix makes no representations or warranties about the quality of your watching experience on your display. The time it takes to begin watching Netflix content will vary based on a number of factors, including your location, available bandwidth at the time, the Netflix content you have selected and the configuration of your Netflix ready device.</blockquote>

==Streaming requirements and lack of disclosure==

===Complete list of requirements===

*'''Netflix Premium plan''': Subscription to the Premium Plan.
*'''Device compatibility''': Devices must support 4K playback and be Netflix-certified.
*'''Processor''': An Intel 7th generation Core CPU or newer with Intel SGX enabled, or an AMD Ryzen CPU.<ref name=":1">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 "How to use Netflix on your Windows computer or tablet"] - help.netflix.com</ref><ref>[https://reddit.com/r/Piracy/comments/189odn6/netflix_requirements_to_watch_4k_that_you_paid_for/ "Reddit - Netflix requirements to watch 4k that you paid for"] - reddit.com/r/Piracy - 3 Dec 2023</ref>
*'''GPU''': Nvidia GeForce GPU 1050 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 400 series or newer GPU.<ref name=":1" />
*'''Display requirements''': A screen with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports (for external displays).
*'''DRM support''': Hardware-based DRM like Widevine L1, PlayReady v3.0 SL3000, or FairPlay is required.
*'''HEVC codec support''': Devices must support hardware decoding of the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K playback.
*'''Internet speed''': A stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps.
*'''Operating system''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions.
*'''Browser and app compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required.
*'''Updated firmware and software''': Devices must run the latest firmware or software, NVIDIA Driver version 387.96 or newer.<ref>[https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4583/~/4k-uhd-netflix-content-on-nvidia-gpus "4K UHD Netflix content on NVIDIA GPUs"] - nvidia.custhelp.com - 29 Sep 2021</ref>
*'''Title availability''': Not all titles are available in 4K; the content must be marked as 4K or UHD.

===Requirements that Netflix does disclose===

*'''Subscription plan''': The need for the Premium Plan for 4K content.
*'''Internet speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming.
*'''Device compatibility''': Ensuring all devices in the setup support 4K video playback.
*'''Browser and app compatibility''': Mention that Microsoft Edge (version 118 or later) or the official Netflix app is required to stream 4K content on Windows-based platforms. Likewise, mention that Safari (version 12 or later) is required for 4K playback on Macs (there’s no Netflix app for macOS).<ref name=":2">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081 "Netflix supported browsers and system requirements"] - help.netflix.com</ref>
*'''Display requirements''': Mention of HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports and display resolution for external devices.
*'''Account settings''': Instructions to set playback settings to High or Auto for 4K.
*'''Title verification''': Guidelines on identifying titles that support 4K or HDR.
*'''Mobile-device limitations''': It mentions HDR might not stream on mobile devices in low power mode. It also addresses limitations like Widevine DRM levels.<ref>[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939 "How to use Netflix on your Android phone or tablet"] - help.netflix.com</ref>

===Requirements that Netflix does not disclose===

*'''DRM requirements''': No explicit mention of the need for Widevine L1, PlayReady v3.0 SL3000, or FairPlay DRM.
*'''Codec support''': The necessity of HEVC (H.265) support is not detailed.
*'''Processor and GPU capabilities''': The requirement for devices with processors and GPUs capable of hardware decoding HEVC efficiently is not mentioned.
*'''Firmware updates''': While it suggests keeping devices updated, there is no detail on the necessity for specific firmware versions for 4K, only for Nvidia drivers.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Netflix]]