Netflix stream-quality controversy: Difference between revisions

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= Netflix =
=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 places limits on your ability to receive a 4k stream and does not disclose all conditions under which these limits apply. Netflix defaults users to the 4K premium plan when signing up new users, while obfuscating the fact that they place willful, purposeful limitations on your ability to receive a 4K stream. '''If users were fully informed of these limitations, they might elect to not subscribe to the more expensive plan that netflix defaults new customers to; but this information is not provided to the customer.''' This would not be an issue if Netflix provided this information upfront, but they do not. This is even worse than the [[EULA roofie]]<ref>[[EULA roofie]]</ref> , as all prerequisites to receive a 4k stream are not even listed in the terms of use<ref>https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref>, terms & conditions<ref>https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions
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.  
 
</ref>, or help page<ref name=":0">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444</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.


Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer 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 your device faulty or your internet speed slow to justify this behavior.[[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.]]
Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer 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]]
[[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>https://web.archive.org/web/20250111144808/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref> The explanation provided on this terms of service that must be dug through, is completely inadequate. See below:
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:


== Terms of Service Analysis ==
==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}}. This isn't advertised anywhere{{Citation needed}}.


Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) obscures important information about video quality limitations in Section 4.7, which vaguely states:
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. -->


<blockquote>"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."</blockquote>
==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 due to DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim your device faulty or your internet speed slow to justify this behavior.
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) obscures important information about video quality limitations in Section 4.7, which vaguely states:
Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) describes important information about 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>
<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>


== Netflix 4K Streaming Prerequisites & Lack of Disclosure ==
==Streaming requirements and lack of disclosure==


=== 1. Complete List of Prerequisites for Netflix 4K Streaming {NEEDS CITATIONS, THIS IS BASED ON UNCONFIRMED USER REPORTS} ===
===Complete list of requirements===


* '''Netflix Premium Plan''': Subscription to the Premium Plan. ''made obvious by Netflix''
*'''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''': Intel processor with Intel SGX enabled, AMD processors are not supported, ''allegedly''.<ref>https://i.redd.it/qd5b42b6814c1.png</ref>
*'''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>
* '''Display Requirements''': A screen with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports (for external displays). ''HDCP compliant HDMI ports is only made obvious on a help page not linked to on the signup page or the terms of use linked to on the signup page.''
*'''GPU''': Nvidia GeForce GPU 1050 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 400 series or newer GPU.<ref name=":1" />
* '''DRM Support''': Hardware-based DRM like Widevine L1, PlayReady 3.0, or FairPlay is required.
*'''Display requirements''': A screen with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports (for external displays).
* '''HEVC Codec Support''': Devices must support hardware decoding of the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K playback.
*'''DRM support''': Hardware-based DRM like Widevine L1, PlayReady v3.0 SL3000, or FairPlay is required.
* '''Internet Speed''': A stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps.
*'''HEVC codec support''': Devices must support hardware decoding of the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K playback.
* '''Operating System''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions.
*'''Internet speed''': A stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps.
* '''Browser/App Compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required.
*'''Operating system''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions.
* '''Updated Firmware/Software''': Devices must run the latest firmware or software.
*'''Browser and app compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required.
* '''Title Availability''': Not all titles are available in 4K; the content must be marked as 4K or UHD.
*'''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.


=== 2. Prerequisites Disclosed on the Netflix Help Page ===
===Requirements that Netflix does disclose===


* '''Subscription Plan''': The need for the Premium Plan for 4K content.
*'''Subscription plan''': The need for the Premium Plan for 4K content.
* '''Internet Speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming.
*'''Internet speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming.
* '''Device Compatibility''': Making sure all devices in the setup support 4k video playback
*'''Device compatibility''': Ensuring all devices in the setup support 4K video playback.
* '''Display Requirements''': Mention of HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports and display resolution for external devices.
*'''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>
* '''Account Settings''': Instructions to set playback settings to High or Auto for 4K.
*'''Display requirements''': Mention of HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports and display resolution for external devices.
* '''Title Verification''': Guidelines on identifying titles that support 4K or HDR.
*'''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>


=== 3. Prerequisites Netflix Does NOT Disclose on the Help Page ===
===Requirements that Netflix does not disclose===


* '''DRM Requirements''': There is no explicit mention of the need for Widevine L1, PlayReady 3.0, or FairPlay DRM.
*'''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.
*'''Codec support''': The necessity of HEVC (H.265) support is not detailed.
* '''Browser Limitations''': Restrictions on browsers for 4K playback, such that only Edge and Safari are supported, are omitted.
*'''Processor and GPU capabilities''': The requirement for devices with processors and GPUs capable of hardware decoding HEVC efficiently is not mentioned.
* '''Operating System Versions''': Specific operating system version requirements are not highlighted.
*'''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.
* '''Processor Capabilities''': The requirement for devices with processors capable of hardware decoding HEVC efficiently is not mentioned, even though this is not a pre-requisite to play back HEVC video. The requirement for an Intel processor with Intel SGX enabled is not mentioned.
* '''Firmware Updates''': While it suggests keeping devices updated, there is no detail on the necessity for specific firmware versions for 4K.
* '''Mobile Device Limitations''': It mentions HDR might not stream on mobile devices in low power mode but does not address limitations like Widevine DRM levels.


== Summary ==


Netflix discloses many prerequisites for 4K streaming. However:
==References==
 
<references />
1. They only disclose that there is a limitation on the bottom of the signup page.
 
2. The URL on the bottom of the signup page links to a terms of use page that provides no tangible information on what is necessary to obtain a 4k stream.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20250111144808/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref>
 
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" />
 
4. The help page on how to receive a 4k stream excludes many of the prerequisites necessary to receive a 4k stream.
 
* Many users may have opted out of paying extra for the 4K plan if they knew that they had to jump through these hoops to receive a 4K stream.
* Many users may have opted out of paying extra for the 4K plan if they realized that Netflix does not even provide you with the information on what qualifies & disqualifies you from receiving a 4K stream.
* Netflix does not make this information prominently available to the customer, and uses language that implies your internet connection or hardware is the problem, in spite of the fact that your hardware & internet connection may be perfectly adequate for 4K playback of a high bitrate, 4k HEVC stream.
* Some users have reported problems using Netflix on a PC even if they meet all or most of the disclosed and undisclosed requirements.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18p7dk8/i_have_a_4k_display_but_netflix_wont_show_a_4k/</ref>
 
== Key Issues ==
 
=== 1. Lack of Transparency ===
 
* The TOS does not explicitly list supported hardware
* The TOS claims the issue may be your device's '''capabilities,''' without mentioning that Netflix places '''specific limitations''' on what devices are capable of.
* Whether a device is '''CAPABLE''' of high bitrate, 4k video playback is not the issue; Netflix ''chooses'' to send a low bitrate, low resolution stream to specific devices, and does not provide you with the prerequisites necessary to receive a 4k stream. The reality is that Netflix '''ACTIVELY LIMITS what devices will work in 4k without disclosing what those limits are to you.'''
* No clear information about browser limitations to 720p due to DRM
* No direct way to determine if a device is "Netflix ready"
 
=== 2. Buried Information ===
 
* 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
* Users must scroll to the bottom to even be linked to a document that explains the limitations
 
=== 3. Inadequate Disclosure ===
 
* Section 4.9 deflects responsibility by telling users to '''"look solely to the entity that manufactured and/or sold you the Netflix ready device"'''; without providing any information to you, or the manufacturer of your computer/operating system, on what prerequisites exist for that device to receive a 4k stream from Netflix.
* The explanation provided in the terms of service, which must be dug through, is completely inadequate
* No clear guidance on how to determine device compatibility before subscribing
 
This represents a modern consumer protection issue where '''technical limitations put in place by the vendor to retain control over your experience''' negatively affect service quality and are obscured from consumers at the point of purchase; while still charging premium prices for resolutions that they knowingly restrict many devices, browsers, operating systems, and hardware form playing back; even if they are fully capable of doing so.


<references />
[[Category:Netflix]]