On the eve of the launch of several competing services, like Apple's and Disney's, and among the hype on HBO Go because the last season of GoT, Netflix goes out of its way to make a dick move against its customers... that's really bright! Netflix, you are on notice.
Since they sell plans per device, it is understandable that they distinguish between devices. Besides, AirPlay to an Apple TV doesn't make sense: you download to your mobile device via wi-fi, then AirPlay to the Apple TV over the same wi-fi, unnecessary two way traffic that would reduce playback quality. Why not use the Netflix app on the Apple TV instead? It syncs perfectly between devices, you can also hard-wire your Apple TV directly to your router via Ethernet. That policy may only affect TV sets with AirPlay but without the Netflix app. The solution appears to be the usual one: buy the dumbest TV you can tolerate and attach an Apple TV. So AirPlay implemented on a TV without tvOS is useless, it may help you to AirPlay YouTube from your mobile device but such TVs may already have YouTube.
The device that is streaming via AirPlay is the device. AirPlay can only stream to one device at a time so there is no need to distinguish between different TVs for that purpose. If that was the case Netflix would have stated so instead of relying on an explanation that is more dubious on its face.
Moreover, there is no need to distinguish the type of device for this purpose. The only thing that is relevant is the number of devices.
Apparently Netflix doesn't think so. Device is a wrong term I used, Netflix sells subscription per screen. What is their point I don't know. I suspect it is the recording, this is why they need to inspect not the subscribed device but the screen itself to see whether it is a dumb screen or a recording port. You cannot record Netflix on Quicktime Player for example, they detect that this is not a screen.
It’s not per screen my brother and I have one account and we both watch at the same time.
Since they sell plans per device, it is understandable that they distinguish between devices.
You are completely wrong about this. They sell per account. You can use your Netflix account to sign in to any device.
Here's from Netflix
"Watch anywhere, anytime, on an unlimited number of devices. Sign in with your Netflix account to watch instantly on the web at netflix.com from your personal computer or on any internet connected device that offers the Netflix app, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, streaming media players and game consoles."
Do you have a Netflix account? I don't think so. Because if you had, you'd known that you cannot watch Netflix on an unlimited number of devices. You are limited to max 4 screens at a time.
You might have slowed down to ponder your post when you read the direct quote from Netflix that is on their website. Netflix allows you to watch Netflix on an unlimited number of devices. My Netflix is on about 8 devices. They limit it to watching a maximum four screens AT ANY ONE TIME. Thus, Netflix doesn't sell plans per device, they sell per account and have no need to know which device you are streaming it to for purposes of what you've paid. Once you hit four screens at any one time, it simply won't play on the fifth screen.
I read well what they say on their Account page and this is what counts for me: their plan is tiered by 1 screen, 2 screens and 4 screens. So their options are tied to the number of screens simultaneously active along with playback quality. You can recite as many marketing blurb as you can, that won’t increase your signal to noise ratio. That “unlimited number of devices” is marketing noise, does not signify anything when purchasing plans.
It's not "screen" it's "stream". Netflix allows 1,2,3 or 4 simultaneous STREAM, depending on account. It doesn't matter how many screens one stream is displayed on, it still counts as one stream.
I have a HDMI 4x2 matrix splitter (HDMI copyright compliant) that allows me to broadcast from 1 of 4 devices, on two different screens, at the same time. One screen is my flat screen TV and the other is my overhead front projector screen. If I want, I can stream Netflix from my Apple TV4 to both screens at the same time, through the HDMI splitter. I have no need to do that as both screens are in the same room and if I lower by front projector screen, it covers the TV screen anyways. But as far as Netflix is concern, its one stream from my Apple TV, even if I show the same stream on two screens at the same time. And with my account, I would still be able to stream from Netflix on another device, as I'm allowed 2 simultaneous streams.
There's no way that Netflix would be able to know or stop me from displaying one stream on two screens. They only see the one stream from my Apple TV.
The unlimited devices pertain to you being able to use your Netflix account on an unlimited amount of devices, but in order to log in to your account on any of these devices, you must be under your limit of allowed simultaneous streams at the time of log in.
Nope. But why does Netflix think they have a right to know what screen users are watching on, and how does that give them an advantage over broadcast?
Because it’s their product/service, and they fully well have a right to know who’s consuming it, how, where? You know, like just about every company does?
And those who don’t like it can go elesewhere, or not do business with them. This is not complicated.
I’m struggling with this. If I buy a CD or a book, neither the publisher nor band/author know who I am or where/when I’m “consuming” the product. If I buy a box of cereal, again the supermarket/Kelloggs doesn’t have a “right to know” when or where I pour myself a bowl. I can absolutely see why this information is useful, and a lot of companies do their best to try to acquire this information (if I buy the CD from amazon, or get my cereal home delivered...) but it’s absolutely not a “right”.
Is the change in Airplay that caused this reaction from Netflix related to Apple’s ongoing development of protocols with regard to privacy in media consumption?
I mean, I don’t trust Samsung, Sony, LG, etc. enough to connect my smart television to the internet for streaming. Instead, I use an intermediary device, an Apple TV, for that. So, with the industry incorporating Airplay 2 into televisions, is it possible that this change that Netflix objects to is about not giving my television a sort of back-door internet access? So iOS can’t give Netflix that information because it doesn’t know it, because to allow that particular type of communication between devices is a security threat? Or, perhaps more likely, iOS knows it, but refuses to share it, again for information-security reasons.
EDIT: If so, this feels like something where there should be some middle ground, assuming Netflix is really just trying to assure quality and prevent piracy. Apple should be able to provide them with that assurance and protection without giving away the keys to the city, right?
Nope. But why does Netflix think they have a right to know what screen users are watching on, and how does that give them an advantage over broadcast?
Because it’s their product/service, and they fully well have a right to know who’s consuming it, how, where? You know, like just about every company does?
And those who don’t like it can go elesewhere, or not do business with them. This is not complicated.
I’m struggling with this. If I buy a CD or a book, neither the publisher nor band/author know who I am or where/when I’m “consuming” the product. If I buy a box of cereal, again the supermarket/Kelloggs doesn’t have a “right to know” when or where I pour myself a bowl. I can absolutely see why this information is useful, and a lot of companies do their best to try to acquire this information (if I buy the CD from amazon, or get my cereal home delivered...) but it’s absolutely not a “right”.
If I am a cereal maker I surely want to know how you consume it, when and where: e.g., whether you eat it a bowl, or a plate, using a spoon, with milk or without, whether you eat it only in the morning or throughout the day, whether you eat it with your family or not, etc etc. This is basic information I will look for as I develop, market, distribute my product, and try to grow my share of the market. It’s basic marketing research.
Technology takes this type of information-gathering to another level. That’s all. It’s for Netflix to decide what information it wants to better produce and market its product. As I said, if someone does not like it, they should stop doing business with them.
Well Tubi TV has airplay. I’m doing it right now. The reason is I need to run a VPN as I’m outside of US. Much easier to run my VPN on my phone and airplay it to my tv rather than switch between US and AU accounts on my ATV.
for me Tubi tv is better anyway also did older Cult movies etc.
Nope. But why does Netflix think they have a right to know what screen users are watching on, and how does that give them an advantage over broadcast?
Because it’s their product/service, and they fully well have a right to know who’s consuming it, how, where? You know, like just about every company does?
And those who don’t like it can go elesewhere, or not do business with them. This is not complicated.
I’m struggling with this. If I buy a CD or a book, neither the publisher nor band/author know who I am or where/when I’m “consuming” the product. If I buy a box of cereal, again the supermarket/Kelloggs doesn’t have a “right to know” when or where I pour myself a bowl. I can absolutely see why this information is useful, and a lot of companies do their best to try to acquire this information (if I buy the CD from amazon, or get my cereal home delivered...) but it’s absolutely not a “right”.
As I said, if someone does not like it, they should stop doing business with them.
You could say that to 99% of the posts about Apple here and elsewhere. But then there’s nothing to talk about.
Are all of you actually Airplaying Netflix to your TV? I had no idea this would be such a major handicap, pitchforks and torches at the ready. Geez, another sign of the apocalypse. Gotta be hand-wringing and pontificating about something I guess.
On another note has Nabisco stopped making Cranberry Citrus Thins? Apparently and I loved those cookies. Publix, Walmart, can't find 'em anywhere. What the heck!!! Nabisco doesn't appreciate their customers and this is the proof. They're a damn selfish company, no interest in customer relations. I say screw 'em, never eating another Nabisco product. Ever. They are the WORST! They've lost me as a customer.
Because it’s their product/service, and they fully well have a right to know who’s consuming it, how, where? You know, like just about every company does?
And those who don’t like it can go elesewhere, or not do business with them. This is not complicated.
If people don’t like a policy change, they have a duty to speak up like in these forums. Companies should know how customers feel. That’s not complicated either. Don’t fault people for that.
Not Sure if anyone said this yet, did read all the comments, do not update your netflex app on your mobile device, correct me if I am wrong, the app is what allows airplay, so keep the current version of the app and you should be able to airplay to any device that support airplay 2 such as third part TV's.
I can't see how anyone could be upset with Netflix for wanting to know what devices are connecting to their service. If Apple had said they'd love to support other devices but won't until they can know what those devices are so they can best optimize the data for those devices, I'm guessing those same people that are feigning anger at Netflix would be complete support of Apple for doing the same thing.
Good, you've gone back and realized that, contrary to the original post, Netflix doesn't need to know which screen you are playing it on because they don't, as you originally believed, license/sell it "per device."
BTW, regarding your claim about Netflix and "marketing noise," you might want to rethink your comment that it is meaningless for Netflix to advertise that you can use your Netflix account on an unlimited number of devices. If that was true, then it would mean a large percentage of Netflix customers could no longer use their Netflix account when traveling or share with family members. And all of the people who only watch one screen at a time because they don't have family members, etc., would be hosed under your plan, because they would either have to pay more or could no longer switch from their iPhone to their iPad to their Mac to their Apple TV or their friends' devices without constantly installing and uninstalling their Netflix account on each device.
Good, you've gone back and realized that, contrary to the original post, Netflix doesn't need to know which screen you are playing it on because they don't, as you originally believed, license/sell it "per device."
BTW, regarding your claim about Netflix and "marketing noise," you might want to rethink your comment that it is meaningless for Netflix to advertise that you can use your Netflix account on an unlimited number of devices. If that was true, then it would mean a large percentage of Netflix customers could no longer use their Netflix account when traveling or share with family members. And all of the people who only watch one screen at a time because they don't have family members, etc., would be hosed under your plan, because they would either have to pay more or could no longer switch from their iPhone to their iPad to their Mac to their Apple TV or their friends' devices without constantly installing and uninstalling their Netflix account on each device.
How is that not true? Being able to use your account on an unlimited number of devices does not mean you can use them on an unlimited number of devices at the same time. This is not an uncommon setup. An even more severe example of this is my VPN subscription which is setup on dozens of devices but can only be used on a half-dozen devices at any given time. I've never run into the authentication wall because I almost never go over 4 devices at once.
Nope. But why does Netflix think they have a right to know what screen users are watching on, and how does that give them an advantage over broadcast?
Because it’s their product/service, and they fully well have a right to know who’s consuming it, how, where? You know, like just about every company does?
And those who don’t like it can go elesewhere, or not do business with them. This is not complicated.
I’m struggling with this. If I buy a CD or a book, neither the publisher nor band/author know who I am or where/when I’m “consuming” the product. If I buy a box of cereal, again the supermarket/Kelloggs doesn’t have a “right to know” when or where I pour myself a bowl. I can absolutely see why this information is useful, and a lot of companies do their best to try to acquire this information (if I buy the CD from amazon, or get my cereal home delivered...) but it’s absolutely not a “right”.
As I said, if someone does not like it, they should stop doing business with them.
You could say that to 99% of the posts about Apple here and elsewhere. But then there’s nothing to talk about.
I can agree with that statement as far as Netflix is concerned -- much of this thread is much ado about very little. I enjoy consuming some of that company's profits, but am largely indifferent to the rest. (My family members like it more).
I feel quite differently about Apple, however. There is no company whose products and services and stock I am vested in more than Apple's. It's a bit strange to anthropomorphize (sp?) something like a company, but I feel like I've had a deep relationship with the company for 35 years now. Given that, it is unlikely that I'll ever stop doing business with Apple.
Comments
I re-read the prior story, and I fail to see it.
I have a HDMI 4x2 matrix splitter (HDMI copyright compliant) that allows me to broadcast from 1 of 4 devices, on two different screens, at the same time. One screen is my flat screen TV and the other is my overhead front projector screen. If I want, I can stream Netflix from my Apple TV4 to both screens at the same time, through the HDMI splitter. I have no need to do that as both screens are in the same room and if I lower by front projector screen, it covers the TV screen anyways. But as far as Netflix is concern, its one stream from my Apple TV, even if I show the same stream on two screens at the same time. And with my account, I would still be able to stream from Netflix on another device, as I'm allowed 2 simultaneous streams.
There's no way that Netflix would be able to know or stop me from displaying one stream on two screens. They only see the one stream from my Apple TV.
The unlimited devices pertain to you being able to use your Netflix account on an unlimited amount of devices, but in order to log in to your account on any of these devices, you must be under your limit of allowed simultaneous streams at the time of log in.
I mean, I don’t trust Samsung, Sony, LG, etc. enough to connect my smart television to the internet for streaming. Instead, I use an intermediary device, an Apple TV, for that. So, with the industry incorporating Airplay 2 into televisions, is it possible that this change that Netflix objects to is about not giving my television a sort of back-door internet access? So iOS can’t give Netflix that information because it doesn’t know it, because to allow that particular type of communication between devices is a security threat? Or, perhaps more likely, iOS knows it, but refuses to share it, again for information-security reasons.
EDIT: If so, this feels like something where there should be some middle ground, assuming Netflix is really just trying to assure quality and prevent piracy. Apple should be able to provide them with that assurance and protection without giving away the keys to the city, right?
Technology takes this type of information-gathering to another level. That’s all. It’s for Netflix to decide what information it wants to better produce and market its product. As I said, if someone does not like it, they should stop doing business with them.
for me Tubi tv is better anyway also did older Cult movies etc.
On another note has Nabisco stopped making Cranberry Citrus Thins? Apparently and I loved those cookies. Publix, Walmart, can't find 'em anywhere. What the heck!!! Nabisco doesn't appreciate their customers and this is the proof. They're a damn selfish company, no interest in customer relations. I say screw 'em, never eating another Nabisco product. Ever. They are the WORST! They've lost me as a customer.
BTW, regarding your claim about Netflix and "marketing noise," you might want to rethink your comment that it is meaningless for Netflix to advertise that you can use your Netflix account on an unlimited number of devices. If that was true, then it would mean a large percentage of Netflix customers could no longer use their Netflix account when traveling or share with family members. And all of the people who only watch one screen at a time because they don't have family members, etc., would be hosed under your plan, because they would either have to pay more or could no longer switch from their iPhone to their iPad to their Mac to their Apple TV or their friends' devices without constantly installing and uninstalling their Netflix account on each device.
I feel quite differently about Apple, however. There is no company whose products and services and stock I am vested in more than Apple's. It's a bit strange to anthropomorphize (sp?) something like a company, but I feel like I've had a deep relationship with the company for 35 years now. Given that, it is unlikely that I'll ever stop doing business with Apple.