Poor Resolution on New Mac 2020 (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

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Level 1

4 points

Poor Resolution on New Mac 2020 (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

Hi there,

I recently upgraded my MBP from the 13" late 2011 model (running on OS High Sierra) to the new 13" 2020 MBP (running on OS Catalina 10.15.5), and I've noticed that the resolution on streaming services (using updated browsers Chrome and/or Safari) is very poor in comparison to my older Mac. I've been trying to watch Netflix and Hulu (both Basic plans), but the resolution is so fuzzy and laggy and pixelated at times, I get a headache from trying to focus. When I do Ctrl + Shift + Option + D on Netflix, it says 960x540 for the playing bitrate, and 4 dropped frames (to be honest, I don't know what any of this means). I know that with the Basic plans, it won't be in HD, but that doesn't explain why my older Mac displays a better picture than my newer one under the very same plan.

I tried to find an answer as to why the resolution is so poor, because aside from the newer model Mac, nothing has changed. WiFi is fine, internet speed is fine, but the resolution/picture quality on Netflix and Hulu on my older Mac is loads better. Also, lots of screen flickering, as well extremely frequent audio pops/crackling when using headphones. So much so, that it hurts my ears (sidenote: not using Apple headphones). I should also mention that watching videos on YouTube looks gorgeous, and shifting over to Amazon Prime Video, HD is very clear... but the picture stutters with almost every on-screen movement.

Am I just being paranoid? Is there actually anything wrong?

Any help/advice is be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

Best,

Kyle

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 4, 2020 12:13 AM

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Answer 1

LeeT787

Level 2

230 points

Jul 4, 2020 12:56 AM in response to KyleConner

KyleConner, Welcome to the Apple Support Forums.

At first, I thought the issue could be to do with your WiFi/Internet Speed, although you mention these are OK (and that YouTube videos look great).

I do know that during Covid-19, some streaming services did have to reduce the stream quality (Such as Netflix) to support the huge demand on broadband providers networks across the world.

Eizo, have a monitor test that can be performed from here: https://www.eizo.be/monitor-test/ which might be useful to do and get some clarification.

Although, as you mention service like YouTube is great, I don't think there is a hardware issue - although you have mentioned a possible issue with the audio headphones etc.

In this instance, as brand new device - I'd recommend you reach out to Apple Technical Support to run some diagnostics (over the phone or in store) to triple check there is no hardware fault.

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Poor Resolution on New Mac 2020 (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

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