A COMMON cable mistake can derail a picture-perfect streaming experience — but Netflix has solutions.
The streaming giant wants its customers to watch their favorite shows and movies in the best quality possible, be it HD, 4K Ultra HD or HDR.
Although the terms may seem synonymous, they all describe a different television feature.
For example, 4K is the highest resolution signal for movies and TV in the home.
Ultra HD, or Ultra High Definition, describes a resolution with more pixels, better colors, and higher frame rates than just high-definition TV.
Meanwhile, HDR, or High Dynamic Range, achieves sharp contrast between the brightest whites and the blackest blacks.
Ultra HD 4K resolution – the best quality possible – is only available on the Netflix Premium plan.
And while your TV may support a sharp picture, a frequent hardware error could be getting in the way.
If you’re using a streaming stick or other device, you can connect it directly to your TV using an HDMI cable.
Premium plan subscribers must use Premium High-Speed HDMI or Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cables for the best quality. The cable type is usually printed on the ends of the cable.
For 4K or HDR streaming, make sure devices and cables are connected to an HDMI port on your TV that supports HDCP 2.2 or later.
If there is more than one port, they will be numbered. HDMI 1 port normally supports HDCP 2.2.
If a device or cable does not meet all requirements for a specific TV quality, Netflix the standard will be the highest quality possible.
There are other ways to improve image quality as well.
To start, make sure the cables and ports they are connected to support the quality offered by your Netflix flat.
Users who don’t want to shell out $22.99 a month can opt for the cheaper, ad-supported standard plans – but these only support Full HD streaming.
Premium plan users watching Netflix on a TV with a streaming stick and an audio receiver, you should check that all three devices support 4K or HDR.
All devices must also have the latest software and video resolution settings equal to or greater than the desired image quality.
You can also check the playback settings on your Netflix profile to ensure the default settings haven’t changed to a lower quality.
For 4K or 1080P HD resolution, data usage must be set to High or Auto.
The “details” page for each show or movie will include a video quality label showing the highest quality available for your device.
It’s important to note that some users will only see one video quality label, even though more than one applies to some TVs.
Netflix also encourages customers to check their Internet connection, as content will play at lower quality on slow or unstable connections.
Netflix US streaming plans – what is offered?
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Here is the current selection…
Standard with Ads – $6.99
- Video and sound quality – Good
- Resolution – 1080p (Full HD)
- Supported devices – TV, computer, cell phone, tablet
- Devices your family can watch at the same time – 2
- Download devices – 2
- Ads – Yes
Default – $3:49 p.m.
- Video and sound quality – Good
- Resolution – 1080p (Full HD)
- Supported devices – TV, computer, cell phone, tablet
- Devices your family can watch at the same time – 2
- Download devices – 2
- Ads – No
Award – $22.99
- Video and sound quality – Best
- Resolution – 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR
- Spatial audio (surround sound) – Included
- Supported devices – TV, computer, cell phone, tablet
- Devices your family can watch at the same time – 4
- Download devices – 6
- Ads – No
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