Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#1

Post by benocodes » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 7:28 AM UTC

Cloud Efficiency at Netflix
netflixtechblog.com

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#2

Post by mentalgear » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:02 AM UTC

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs.

Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#3

Post by bravetraveler » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:08 AM UTC

mentalgear wrote: post #2

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs. Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

From what I understand, they use DRM to support this segmentation. Applicable both to the state of affairs and the hack

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#4

Post by Mindwipe » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:12 AM UTC

mentalgear wrote: post #2

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs. Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

They provide 4K playback via Microsoft Edge to PCs that have a HEVC codec pack installed, where all the connected monitors support HDCP 2.2 over that connection port and if the GPU supports Play ready SL3000.

But those are enforced via hardware backed keys.

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#5

Post by danpalmer » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:13 AM UTC

bravetraveler wrote: post #3

mentalgear wrote: post #2

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs. Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

From what I understand, they use DRM to support this segmentation. Applicable both to the state of affairs and the hack

Netflix's over-segmentation is the reason I ultimately stopped subscribing. You have to pay substantially more to get any of many screens, no ads, or 4K. As a single user who wants 4K, I then feel like I'm paying for something I don't need when the plan has many screens. None of the other big players like Amazon, YouTube, or Apple do this, all provide 4K to all subscribers and as far as I know only really segment by number of users, if they segment at all.

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#6

Post by bboygravity » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:19 AM UTC

Mindwipe wrote: post #4

mentalgear wrote: post #2

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs. Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

They provide 4K playback via Microsoft Edge to PCs that have a HEVC codec pack installed, where all the connected monitors support HDCP 2.2 over that connection port and if the GPU supports Play ready SL3000. But those are enforced via hardware backed keys.

Or you can download a torrent and 4k just works always.

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#7

Post by _Algernon_ » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:22 AM UTC

mentalgear wrote: post #2

Maybe not directly related, but I dislike how Netflix obviously provides only 1080p HD on desktop-computer playback, while full 4k on TVs. Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

>Has anyone found an easy hack to ensure playback happens in 4k on desktop as well (e.g. url parameter)?

Yes there is. It's called piracy.

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#8

Post by NetOpWibby » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:30 AM UTC

bboygravity wrote: post #6

Mindwipe wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They provide 4K playback via Microsoft Edge to PCs that have a HEVC codec pack installed, where all the connected monitors support HDCP 2.2 over that connection port and if the GPU supports Play ready SL3000. But those are enforced via hardware backed keys.

Or you can download a torrent and 4k just works always.

Perfect time for Demonoid to return

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#9

Post by Mindwipe » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:32 AM UTC

danpalmer wrote: post #5

bravetraveler wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From what I understand, they use DRM to support this segmentation. Applicable both to the state of affairs and the hack

Netflix's over-segmentation is the reason I ultimately stopped subscribing. You have to pay substantially more to get any of many screens, no ads, or 4K. As a single user who wants 4K, I then feel like I'm paying for something I don't need when the plan has many screens. None of the other big players like Amazon, YouTube, or Apple do this, all provide 4K to all subscribers and as far as I know only really segment by…

Amazon and Apple do not supply full HD or 4K to PCs at all.

YouTube do not even supply anything more than SD to PCs for rented or purchased titles.

Amazon lock Dolby Vision behind their ad free supplement. YouTube locks high bittrate 1080p behind YouTube Premium. Paramount lock 4K behind their upper tier. So do Disney.

You are, bluntly, flat wrong here.

Re: Cloud Efficiency at Netflix

#10

Post by lucideer » Thu, Jan 02, 2025, 9:35 AM UTC

NetOpWibby wrote: post #8

bboygravity wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or you can download a torrent and 4k just works always.

Perfect time for Demonoid to return

Multi-tracker search has become much more viable today with tools like Servarr/Prowlarr out there, so you there's less of an incentive for a "one to beat them all" style tracker.