Why does Netflix handicap their users?

by Cyberjin

Why does Netflix require a special certification for Android devices? allowing them to go above 720p

I was playing around with a custom ROM for Android TV and was installing my streaming apps, when I remembered that Netflix is a special case.

There are tons of streaming apps that does like 4K without needing the android device to be certified (or even paying a different tier🤣)

My understanding, is OEMs are kinda forced to pay and have the app as bloatware, so their users has ability to get HD content.

I'm just curious why would company would handicap their paying customers in the first place? It just pushes people to piracy or join another service in my opinion.

TheGasquatch

I imagine piracy actually is the issue. An uncertified / jailbroken device would be that much easier to setup in a way to rip Netflix content straight from the app. Limiting those devices to 720p makes them less attractive for at least some pirates. And since the vast majority of devices the average person would get from Walmart, Best Buy, or built into their TV, are certified, it's a non-issue to most 'paying customers'.

cmason37

same reason they lock >720p to edge/webview2 & hdcp 2.2 on windows, & lock chromebooks out of 4k entirely. netflix has always been tight with drm on all platforms since it's inception, even back in the silverlight days

joazito

It's a slight bummer. No Netflix on my new $2000 BenQ x3000i projector that comes with its own Android TV stick. Sure, I can hook up a Nvidia Shield or Fire Stick 4K or Xbox or whatever. But yeah.

FlavoredButtHair

Yea I've never understood why Netflix has different tiers for quality or more streams. Prime video, Paramount+ automatically has their stuff in 1080p or 4K.

reddit_reaper

Because it's DRM. If your device isn't certified protected status for DRM then they assume you'll be trying to pirate copy the movies. This is required by movie studios if Netflix and all other services want to have 4k etc

Itsemaumau

This certification doesn’t make sense, there is a way to easily record all streaming services with linux. Why should I record with a phone or tablet.

ShubhamPandeyy

Its because in custom roms safetynet is broken and it makes the devices untrusted because then you can pirate any show easily It used to happen in phone roms too but if we patched it, it used to work fine.

Itsemaumau

SimpleScreenRecorder

Deadpool-fan-466

Why won't they? Pirating from streaming services has become a thing now, so they should take the necessary steps.

All major streaming apps require DRM to stream in HD or higher.

Netflix & Prime Video require certification because they're the most popular & they have certain standards.

OEMs aren't forced, it's the basic requirements. That doesn't make an app bloatware.

How is it hadicapping??? You pay for a subscription. Don't you want good service? It's not Netflix's fault you bought an Android TV device that isn't Netflix certified.

esorb65

yeah and why don't the have Atmos or DTS:X with the money they charge now