Netflix stream-quality controversy: Difference between revisions
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= 4K plan doesn't provide a 4K resolution stream = | = 4K plan doesn't provide a 4K resolution stream = | ||
Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming and does not fully disclose the conditions under which these restrictions apply. 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. 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, as 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>. | Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming and does not fully disclose the conditions under which these restrictions apply. 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. 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, as 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>. | ||
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 you see there are any limitations is in incredibly small font, on the bottom of the page where you choose a plan. The 4K HDR option is the default option and has an icon with very appealing colors that draw your eyes to this more expensive option, while you must scroll to the bottom to even be linked to a document that explains the limitations.<ref | The only time you see there are any limitations is in incredibly small font, on the bottom of the page where you choose a plan. The 4K HDR option is the default option and has an icon with very appealing colors that draw your eyes to this more expensive option, while you must scroll to the bottom to even 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. See below: | ||
== 4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists == | == 4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists == | ||
Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available. This isn't advertised anywhere. It also typically includes blockbuster movies, where the visuals are the whole point. | Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available. This isn't advertised anywhere. It also typically includes blockbuster movies, where the visuals are the whole point. | ||
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>. | 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>. | ||
== Terms of Service analysis == | == Terms of Service analysis == | ||
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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 === | ||
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1. They only mention limitations at the bottom of the signup page. | 1. They only mention limitations at the bottom of the signup page. | ||
2. The link at the bottom of the signup page leads to a terms of use page that lacks detailed information on obtaining a 4K stream.<ref | 2. The link at the bottom of the signup page leads to a terms of use page that lacks detailed information on obtaining a 4K stream.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
3. The help page on how to receive a 4K stream is not linked on either the signup page or the terms of use.<ref name=":0" /> | 3. The help page on how to receive a 4K stream is not linked on either the signup page or the terms of use.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
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* Users might avoid the 4K plan if they realized Netflix does not provide full information on qualifications for 4K streaming. | * Users might avoid the 4K plan if they realized Netflix does not provide full information on qualifications for 4K streaming. | ||
* Netflix does not make this information easily accessible, often implying that the user's internet or hardware is at fault, even if they meet the requirements for 4K playback. | * Netflix does not make this information easily accessible, often implying that the user's internet or hardware is at fault, even if they meet the requirements for 4K playback. | ||
* Some users report issues with Netflix on PCs even when meeting all requirements.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18p7dk8/i_have_a_4k_display_but_netflix_wont_show_a_4k/</ref> | * Some users report issues with Netflix on PCs even when meeting all requirements.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18p7dk8/i_have_a_4k_display_but_netflix_wont_show_a_4k/ "Reddit - I have a 4K display, but Netflix won't show a 4K movie in 4K"] - reddit.com/r/netflix - 24 Dec 2023 </ref> | ||
== Key Issues == | == Key Issues == | ||
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=== 1. Lack of Transparency === | === 1. Lack of Transparency === | ||
* The ToS does not explicitly list supported hardware. | * The ToS does not explicitly list supported hardware.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
* The ToS suggests device capabilities are the issue, without mentioning Netflix's specific limitations. | * The ToS suggests device capabilities are the issue, without mentioning Netflix's specific limitations.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
* Netflix chooses to limit 4K streaming to certain devices without disclosing these limits. | * Netflix chooses to limit 4K streaming to certain devices without disclosing these limits. | ||
* No clear information about browser limitations to 720p because of DRM. | * No clear information about browser limitations to 720p because of DRM. | ||
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=== 3. Inadequate Disclosure === | === 3. Inadequate Disclosure === | ||
* Section 4.9 deflects responsibility to the device manufacturer, without providing information on prerequisites for 4K streaming. | * Section 4.9 deflects responsibility to the device manufacturer, without providing information on prerequisites for 4K streaming.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
* The explanation in the terms of service is inadequate. | * The explanation in the terms of service is inadequate. | ||
* No clear guidance on determining device compatibility before subscribing. | * No clear guidance on determining device compatibility before subscribing. | ||