NETFLIX subscribers have been warned that they could be paying top dollar for a premium service they’re not even receiving.
The streaming giant makes loads of its shows and movies available in 4K these days if you’re willing to pay the top fee, which is £15.99/$19.99.
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But some viewers may not be aware that they’re not even getting the 4K treatment, even if their device is capable of showing it.
As expert Daniel Kim explains, Netflix restricts video stream quality on Google Chrome and Firefox.
Instead of getting 4K, you’ll only be able to achieve 720p, which is pretty basic.
Why do they limit the quality in this way you may ask?
Well, it’s to do with fears of people pirating stuff.
In technical speak, it comes down to something called digital rights management (DRM).
Essentially, it protects things from being copied.
Chrome and Firefox have a software-based DRM, but they don’t support hardware-based DRM.
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This means Netflix’s thousands of hours of TV and film could be ripped off by a screen recording app.
So instead, the company reduces the streaming quality to protect itself somewhat.
If you’re subscribed to the top 4K plan there is another very easy way to get what you’re paying for.
Thankfully, Microsoft Edge does support hardware-based DRM – and where Mac’s concerned, so too does Safari.
Switch to these two web browsers to get 4K from your desktop or laptop once and for all.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
