Netflix stream-quality controversy: Difference between revisions
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=4K plan doesn't provide a | =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 | 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: | 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 | 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]] | [[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 | 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== | ==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 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> | 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 | 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) | 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> | <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> | ||
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*'''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). | ||
*'''DRM support''': Hardware-based DRM like Widevine L1, PlayReady | *'''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. | *'''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. | *'''Internet speed''': A stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps. | ||
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===Requirements that Netflix does not disclose=== | ===Requirements that Netflix does not disclose=== | ||
*'''DRM requirements''': No explicit mention of the need for Widevine L1, PlayReady | *'''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. | ||
*'''Processor and GPU capabilities''': The requirement for devices with processors and GPUs capable of hardware decoding HEVC efficiently is not mentioned. | *'''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. | *'''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== |