Netflix Downloading 4k?

Forums › Online streaming services › Netflix Downloading 4k?

juliant

96 posts

Master Geek

#243076 26-Nov-2018 11:00

OK bought a new 4K TV on Black Friday (LG C8 OLED) - well our TV was over 10 years old....

Anyway have been looking at whether it would be worth upgrading to the Premium Netflix subscription to get the 4K content.

However we only get 15 Mbps download as on ADSL (slightly rural so no fibre coming anytime soon) so too slow for 4K streaming.

Then I wondered maybe I could use the Netflix download feature to get 4K content. But I read somewhere that you can't download 4K content from Netflix due to DRM issues

I called Netflix to confirm but they didn't really seem to have a definitive answer - they said probably not. Can someone with a Premium subscription confirm whether 4K content can be downloaded?

I understand it is limited to a tablet or windows 10 PC etc....

Failing that what about HDR? I did read that if you have a Premium A/C you could stream a 4K program and Netflix will downgrade it to 1080p if you don't have the bandwidth, but you would get the benefit of HDR as this does not take up much data

My question is, would you get the benefit of HDR anyway on the Standard Plan watching 1080p content if it was a show that was shot in 4k HDR. For example House of Cards is 4K. If I streamed this on the Standard HD plan would I get HDR or would I only get it if I had the Premium subscription and streamed the 4K file which Netflix would downgrade to 1080p because of my limited bandwidth....

This 4K HDR stuff is all new to me....

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2134326 26-Nov-2018 11:47

Netflix download is for w10, iOS and android.

Doesn't LG TV run webos which is different OS?

So if you are running netflix on w10 to the tv, does your computer have the appropriate DRM controlled HDMI connections ?

juliant

96 posts

Master Geek

#2134333 26-Nov-2018 11:55

The TV has not actually arrived yet....

Currently I use a laptop with windows 10 and the Netflix app, connected via HDMI to my 1080p Sony TV. With this setup I can download 1080p Netflix content (on programs that allow it which most seem to.....)

So yeah I was not expecting to be able to download using the Netflix app on the new LG TV webos, but instead by connecting the laptop to the TV as before. I don't know if the laptop has the appropriate DRM controlled HDMI connections for 4k.....

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2134348 26-Nov-2018 12:08

It'll only download up to 1080p:

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/54816

"You can select the download video quality that best fits your needs. Standard quality is a slightly lower video quality that requires less storage space and takes less time to download. Higher quality, up to 1080p depending on title downloaded, requires more storage space and takes more time to download."

juliant

96 posts

Master Geek

#2134365 26-Nov-2018 12:27

Thanks, read that page but missed that vital bit of info

Any thoughts on my other question re HDR working with 4k programs that I would be streaming at 1080p? and whether I would need the Premium plan for this to work?

juliant

96 posts

Master Geek

#2134398 26-Nov-2018 12:58

I read that Netflix was considering trialling a new ultra level subscription (in the US?) where that level included HDR

Therefore I think I can take it as given that the NZ Premium plan is required to view HDR content as well as 4K.

In addition it does seem probable that I could enjoy HDR content by subscribing to the Premium 4K plan, stream 4k content which would be downgraded to 1080p because of my limited bandwidth, but I would get the benefit of HDR as this does not use much data. Probably worth it for $4 more a month?

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2134401 26-Nov-2018 13:01

Yip that'll work.

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2134402 26-Nov-2018 13:04

Your other option is iTunes rentals/purchases via Apple TV 4K. Most of that content is 4K HDR and can be downloaded to playback, but only movies I think. iTunes never bothered sorting out TV licensing in NZ.

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

KrazyKid

1238 posts

Uber Geek

#2134404 26-Nov-2018 13:08

It's going to be a try it and see for you I think.

I get HDR and 4K from the premium plan and am happy with the shiny picture - but then again I've got fiber.
I believe you can only get HDR from the 4K plan.

If you upgrade your plan for a month you will soon see if you want to keep it or downgrade back down again.

Have a look at the 4K HDR channel on youtube when your TV arrives - plenty of files there to test with so you can see what you might be missing...

juliant

96 posts

Master Geek

#2134407 26-Nov-2018 13:09

Actually the answer was in the Netflix help after all - so as you said it will work at 1080p - whether it makes much difference at the resolution - no idea but I guess I can change plans for a month and see....

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/42384

"We recommend an internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second to stream titles available in HDR10 and Dolby Vision at Ultra HD 4K resolution. If your internet connection speed is lower, you can still enjoy HDR at lower resolutions like 1080p. For more information, see our Internet Connection Speed Recommendations article."

Thanks all

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2134534 26-Nov-2018 14:58

Theoretically HDR should work fine at 1080p. The Xbox One S maxes at 1080p but supports HDR and I've watched Netflix HDR on the Xbox app in the past on a 43" 4K TV. It is a bandwidth issue since HDR is 10-bit, but the stepped down resolution should help that.

Go to Fast.com on your network and you'll see what speeds you're getting to Netflix.