Netflix stream-quality controversy: Difference between revisions
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= 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 -->= | = 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 and does not fully disclose the conditions under which these restrictions apply; all prerequisites for receiving a 4K stream are not listed in the terms of use<ref>https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref>, terms & conditions<ref>https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions</ref>, or help page<ref name=":0">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444</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>. If users were aware of these limitations, they might choose not to subscribe to the more expensive plan that Netflix defaults to; however, this information is not provided upfront. This lack of transparency is problematic for customers that may expect 4K content and not understand why they are not receiving it. | Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming and does not fully disclose 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>. If users were aware of these limitations, they might choose not to subscribe to the more expensive plan that Netflix defaults to; however, this information is not provided upfront. This lack of transparency is problematic for customers that may expect 4K content and not understand why they are not receiving it. | ||
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: "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." One of the factors not listed is the use of [https://developers.google.com/widevine/drm/overview Widevine], a Digital Rights Management (DRM) software which is embedded into most web browsers such as Chrome, Chromium, Electron (CEF), Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc. A DRM protects media hosted on Netflix from being screen-captured, with one of the methods using "SECURE_DECODE", which uses Widevine to decode each frame displayed. This method demands more bandwidth, with Netflix appeasing the disparity by decreasing the quality to 720p on web browsers. | 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: "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." One of the factors not listed is the use of [https://developers.google.com/widevine/drm/overview Widevine], a Digital Rights Management (DRM) software which is embedded into most web browsers such as Chrome, Chromium, Electron (CEF), Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc. A DRM protects media hosted on Netflix from being screen-captured, with one of the methods using "SECURE_DECODE", which uses Widevine to decode each frame displayed. This method demands more bandwidth, with Netflix appeasing the disparity by decreasing the quality to 720p on web browsers. | ||
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[[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]] | [[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 only time the user is shown the existence of such limitations is in a small font, on the bottom of the page where the user chooses a plan. The 4k HDR option is the default option and has an icon with very appealing colors that draw the user's eyes to this more expensive option, whilst the user must scroll to the bottom to be linked to a document that explains the limitations.<ref | The only time the user is shown the existence of such limitations is in a small font, on the bottom of the page where the user chooses a plan. The 4k HDR option is the default option and has an icon with very appealing colors that draw the user's eyes to this more expensive option, whilst the user must scroll to the bottom to be linked to a document that explains the limitations.<ref name=":3" /> The explanation provided on this terms of service that must be dug through, is completely inadequate<!-- this claim should not be made in the voice of the wiki | ||
-->. See below: | -->. See below: | ||
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Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available, including for blockbuster movies{{Citation needed}}. This isn't advertised anywhere{{Citation needed}}. | Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available, including for blockbuster movies{{Citation needed}}. 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</ref>, whereas it’s clearly available in UHD on other platforms<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-Anthony-Ramos/dp/B0BX1MWKHY</ref>, or Blu-ray<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-4K-UHD/dp/B0C5P5K55N</ref>.<!-- 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. --> | 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>.<!-- 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. --> | ||
== Terms of Service analysis == | == Terms of Service analysis == | ||
Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer on their 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, because of DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim the user's device faulty or the user's internet speed slow to justify this behavior with the line ''"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."'', even when a user's internet connection is more than sufficient for a 4K full bitrate stream. <ref>[[:File:Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality.png]]</ref><ref | Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer on their 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, because of DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim the user's device faulty or the user's internet speed slow to justify this behavior with the line ''"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."'', even when a user's internet connection is more than sufficient for a 4K full bitrate stream. <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) describes important information about video-quality limitations in Section 4.7, which states: | Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) describes important information about video-quality limitations in Section 4.7, which states: | ||
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* '''Netflix Premium Plan''': Subscription to the Premium Plan. | * '''Netflix Premium Plan''': Subscription to the Premium Plan. | ||
* '''Device Compatibility''': Devices must support 4K playback and be Netflix-certified. | * '''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</ref><ref>https:// | * '''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" /> | * '''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). | * '''Display Requirements''': A screen with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports (for external displays). | ||
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* '''Operating System''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions. | * '''Operating System''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions. | ||
* '''Browser/App Compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required. | * '''Browser/App Compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required. | ||
* '''Updated Firmware/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</ref> | * '''Updated Firmware/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. | * '''Title Availability''': Not all titles are available in 4K; the content must be marked as 4K or UHD. | ||
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* '''Internet Speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming. | * '''Internet Speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming. | ||
* '''Device Compatibility''': Ensuring all devices in the setup support 4K video playback. | * '''Device Compatibility''': Ensuring all devices in the setup support 4K video playback. | ||
* '''Browser/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</ref> | * '''Browser/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. | * '''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. | * '''Account Settings''': Instructions to set playback settings to High or Auto for 4K. | ||
* '''Title Verification''': Guidelines on identifying titles that support 4K or HDR. | * '''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</ref> | * '''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> | ||
=== 3. Requirements that Netflix does not disclose === | === 3. Requirements that Netflix does not disclose === | ||