Netflix is introducing "mobile only" plans in some markets at a steep discount. They don't want those people to be able to "get around" the mobile only restriction by being able to use AirPlay. I assume that they have more control over the chromecast stuff - so they can effectively shut that down for mobile-only users.
Personally - I've never used AirPlay for Netflix... as Dave points out I just use my AppleTVs connected to each one of my TVs (which also have their own Netflix app). Hell - even my 4k Bluray player has a Netflix app... and so does my Nintendo Switch. Airplay just isn't necessary...
If that was the case why would they tell you how to get around the limitation to still get video from your phone to your TV?
Why would anybody stream Netflix from their device to their Apple TV? Why not just use the Apple TV app or the Netflix app on their TV?
Because it's easier to type in searches on your phone, and then AirPlay2 it to your Apple TV (or other device).
Do you not have the Apple TV remote app installed? Whenever you go to a text input field on the Apple TV your phone will automatically prompt you to input text. You don’t even have to unlock your phone. A push notification will appear on your lock screen which you can then force touch to get the keyboard to pop up and input text.
... also Apples latest boxes always came on no matter when we did not even want to use them. It became unbearable - so they are all in a box waiting for the next garage sale. We are new to the Roku box but like these very much.
If your Apple TV turned on "no matter when", then it was defective for not going to sleep/off after a period of no activity. Or, it could be a remote control situation. I have a Roku also but prefer the ATV because of the cleaner UI and 4K picture quality looks much better (plus Dolby Vision and Atmos).
I think he's talking about HDMI-CEC. It's the HDMI standard that allows the Siri remote to be able to power on and control the volume of your TV/receiver. It is actually a favourite feature for most Apple TV users. But if he didn't like it he could have toggled this off in the Apple TV settings, instead of throwing away hundreds of dollars worth of hardware.
We are new to the Roku box but like these very much.
I prefer the Apple TV because it isn't collecting massive amounts of data about the shows I watch and how and where I use it, nor trying to actively monetize that data by selling it and inserting ads. You might want to do a search on "Roku" on this site and do a little research. They're also forever on the brink of being in financial trouble, thus the monetizing.
Actually and to be frank e have discontinued use of Apple on all of our 4 smart LG tv’s - and the only device we now use is Roku. We found Apple device too controlling in switching devices including to the TV ... also Apples latest boxes always came on no matter when we did not even want to use them. It became unbearable - so they are all in a box waiting for the next garage sale. We are new to the Roku box but like these very much.
Something on your network is waking them up then. Seems like you’d want to figure out what is going on on your network that is causing your Apple TVs to wake up spontaneously.
Why would anybody stream Netflix from their device to their Apple TV? Why not just use the Apple TV app or the Netflix app on their TV?
Because the iPhone app doesn't play those godawful, unstoppable trailers that I get in the Apple TV app.
Agreed, these are user-hostile and awful. Maybe once per rollover, but ever single time you stop moving focus is insufferable.
I hate them too. But I’ll be damned if they haven’t got me to watch things I definitely otherwise wouldn’t if the trailer hadn’t started auto-playing.
And that is exactly why they don’t let you turn it off. The amount of people who would cancel the service over that functionality is minuscule compared to the amount of people that watch new content because of it.
Why would anybody stream Netflix from their device to their Apple TV? Why not just use the Apple TV app or the Netflix app on their TV?
I can point you two examples that I personally have used. I live in Germany, so these examples may not apply in other markets. 1) here StarTrek Discovery is available on Netflix. When the four StarTrek-Short Treks were first made available here (right before season 2 debuted) they were only available from the iOS interface. The did eventually make it to the native AppleTV interface, but there is still some delay from the time new episodes of Discovery (and maybe other shows) show up in the app for iOS and the one for Apple TV. 2) because Netflix uses Geofencing even within the EU (on going court case right now if I remember right) different programming is available in different countries here. Since I frequently travel to other countries here, I’ll often open up Netflix in the evenings and see what is available in other places. Sometimes I’ll download a whole season of a show or a movie and bring it back to Germany to finish via AirPlay on my big screen if I don’t finish it on the road. I can remember going to Chech Republic and seeing Black Sails for the first time (which still isn’t available in Germany) and downloading all of seasons 1&2 and finishing them at home.
These two examples are ones that affect me with this change and I’ll be sorry that the feature is gone (and probably not coming back).
Netflix policies are so lax that there is nothing to complain about. The app is on just about every device made and is frictionless to use. I do t think there is another product that allows multiple logins without complaining of too many devices or making you delete one before you can add another.
How do other media distributors deal with this situation? Do they allow or prohibit Airplay 2 streaming? I have never used Netflix, but clearly "technical difficulties" is a barefaced lie to the public. And clearly the motivation for them is money. Even if it's not about an exploit, it may just be about customer information. But in the end, it's about money. But hey, it's a free market and Netflix isn't the only fish in the sea.
I know the DirecTV app doesn’t offer airplay. And they don’t have an app for Apple TV either. That sucks when your TV is out due to rain/snow. Not sure about their app for streaming only customers.
We are new to the Roku box but like these very much.
I prefer the Apple TV because it isn't collecting massive amounts of data about the shows I watch and how and where I use it, nor trying to actively monetize that data by selling it and inserting ads. You might want to do a search on "Roku" on this site and do a little research. They're also forever on the brink of being in financial trouble, thus the monetizing.
I have a TCL Roku TV. Love it. In settings you can check a box to limit add tracking.
And this is the company recently voted a “most reputable” in the US? They have been very u friendly to consumers in my opinion. Limiting options like in-app subscriptions and AirPlay, to the continued price hikes and virtually no customer service. I know a lot of people fawn over Netflix but the things I’ve watched there are Stranger Things & Orange is the new Black. Seen some original movies and they all fall into the “eh, it was ok” category (Birdbox, Bright, etc)
Why would anybody stream Netflix from their device to their Apple TV? Why not just use the Apple TV app or the Netflix app on their TV?
At a friends house who doesn’t have Netflix. A hotel TV that supports airplay Office School etc.
what I want to know is whether chromecast still works.
i understand Netflix has a $3.99 mobile only subscription service? If so, streaming content to a TV is going to substantially increase the bandwidth over what such a plan might otherwise allow for. Of course that wouldn’t apply if you’re already paying for the premium package for multiple screens and 4K HDR. Then again, maybe therein lies the technical issues — they’re trying to limit mobile plan users from streaming to higher bandwidth devices, and haven’t sorted out higher tier customers from the limitation yet ...
Actually and to be frank e have discontinued use of Apple on all of our 4 smart LG tv’s - and the only device we now use is Roku. We found Apple device too controlling in switching devices including to the TV ... also Apples latest boxes always came on no matter when we did not even want to use them. It became unbearable - so they are all in a box waiting for the next garage sale. We are new to the Roku box but like these very much.
Not sure if you have a ghost around if your Apple TV's are turning on all the time without explanation, but just remember, you're sacrificing your family's privacy when you stream through non-Apple device. That data is then sold and added to the central dossiers being built for your family. Just saying.
Netflix is controlling what I do with MY subscription on MY devices.
Not right. At all.
There are no tech limitations.
Netflix streams a video. Then my iPad takes care of sending it to my big screen.
Netflix literally has to work harder to PREVENT ME from enjoying the service the way I want than to allow airplay to work.
It sucks when apple goes to awesome lengths in crafting crafting wonderful tools to enjoy life easily and then stupid decisions like this are made by every little player to further their own ends.
Apple (and almost every other company) does the same shit with their devices/services. Quit your crying.
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And that is exactly why they don’t let you turn it off. The amount of people who would cancel the service over that functionality is minuscule compared to the amount of people that watch new content because of it.
1) here StarTrek Discovery is available on Netflix. When the four StarTrek-Short Treks were first made available here (right before season 2 debuted) they were only available from the iOS interface. The did eventually make it to the native AppleTV interface, but there is still some delay from the time new episodes of Discovery (and maybe other shows) show up in the app for iOS and the one for Apple TV.
2) because Netflix uses Geofencing even within the EU (on going court case right now if I remember right) different programming is available in different countries here. Since I frequently travel to other countries here, I’ll often open up Netflix in the evenings and see what is available in other places. Sometimes I’ll download a whole season of a show or a movie and bring it back to Germany to finish via AirPlay on my big screen if I don’t finish it on the road. I can remember going to Chech Republic and seeing Black Sails for the first time (which still isn’t available in Germany) and downloading all of seasons 1&2 and finishing them at home.
These two examples are ones that affect me with this change and I’ll be sorry that the feature is gone (and probably not coming back).
A hotel TV that supports airplay
Office
School
etc.
what I want to know is whether chromecast still works.
i understand Netflix has a $3.99 mobile only subscription service? If so, streaming content to a TV is going to substantially increase the bandwidth over what such a plan might otherwise allow for. Of course that wouldn’t apply if you’re already paying for the premium package for multiple screens and 4K HDR. Then again, maybe therein lies the technical issues — they’re trying to limit mobile plan users from streaming to higher bandwidth devices, and haven’t sorted out higher tier customers from the limitation yet ...