New AppleTV (tvOS): Netflix doesn't support HD streams?

Question

Level 1

4 points

New AppleTV (tvOS): Netflix doesn't support HD streams?

I noticed that with the new AppleTV (tvOS), the Netflix app doesn't stream in the same quality when compared to streaming in Safari (HTML5). In fact, if you open the Netflix app and browse for shows, the Netflix app doesn't even show the "HD" or "5.1" badges for 1080p HD/DD Audio streams. It's definitely not an issue with my internet speed, as Netflix content streams perfect 1080p in Safari (verified via the ctrl-shift-alt-D keystroke) and I can even stream Netflix 4K content via the built-in LG smart app for the TV.

Can anyone else confirm?

Apple TV, iOS 9, tvOS

Posted on Oct 29, 2015 10:39 PM

Reply

Answer 1

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Oct 31, 2015 10:01 AM in response to kfiller

Hello kfiller,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

If you're having issues with a certain app on your Apple TV, then I suggest that you follow through the steps in the link below. Since you're specifically concerned with icons you're (not) seeing in the Netflix app, then you may consider contacting them for support.

Get help with third-party apps on your Apple TV

Take care.

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 31, 2015 10:42 AM in response to kfiller

I am getting multichannel audio in Netflix in the UK on my Apple TV 4. Watching Daredevil I get Dolby Digital audio if I select Dolby in my ATV 4 Audio settings. If I leave the audio settings in the ATV on Auto then I get multichannel PCM (so the ATV is decoding to PCM I guess?)

I suspect the lack of HD and 5.1 badges is just a choice in coding the app rather than meaning that the streams aren't HD or 5.1. Daredevil is certainly better than SD on my ATV4, though I'm not convinced by Netflix's quality in 1080p anyway. It's definitely heavily compressed on every platform I watch on - though our Sony UHD set appears to be better, and UHD streams look OK. (Though I think good Blu-ray looks less heavily compressed)

Reply