Editing Netflix stream-quality controversy (section)

==4K plan doesn't provide a 4K resolution stream==
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Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming without fully disclosing the conditions under which these restrictions apply; all prerequisites for receiving a 4K stream are not listed in the terms of use,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |author=[[Netflix]] |title=Netflix Terms of Use |website=Netflix Help Center |url=https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse |date=2024-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125032601/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse |archive-date=2024-01-25 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> terms & conditions,<ref>{{Cite web |author=[[Netflix]] |title=Netflix Shop &ndash; Terms & Conditions |website=Netflix Shop |url=https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions |date=2023-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128223343/https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions |archive-date=2023-11-28 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> or help page.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=How to get the best video quality |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444 |author=[[Netflix]] |website=Netlix Help Center |date=n.d.}}</ref> When new users sign up, Netflix defaults them to the 4K premium plan, without clearly informing them of the intentional limitations on accessing 4K content.<ref>[[:File:Netflix signup page- choose plan bottom of page.png]]</ref>

Netflix, in their [https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse Terms of Service] (TOS), lists reasons why the quality of its content may vary from different devices, as stated in clause 4.7:<blockquote>The quality of the display of the Netflix content may vary from device to device, and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as your location, the bandwidth available through and/or speed of your Internet connection.</blockquote>One of the factors not listed is the use of [https://developers.google.com/widevine/drm/overview Widevine], a [[DRM|Digital Rights Management]] (DRM) software which is embedded into most web browsers such as Chrome, Chromium, Electron (CEF), Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc. DRM technology prevents screen capture of media hosted on Netflix. One method, such as 'SECURE_DECODE,' utilizes Widevine to decode each displayed frame. However, this process consumes more bandwidth. To compensate, Netflix lowers the streaming resolution to 720p in web browsers.

Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan on their [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926 Plans and Pricing] for a subscription. Consumers who watch Netflix on web browsers will be paying for 1080p resolution while only receiving 720p resolution maximum due to DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim the user's device faulty or the user's internet speed slow to justify this behavior.[[File:Netflix signup page- choose plan bottom of page.png|alt=Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.|thumb|Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.]]
[[File:Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality.png|alt=Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality|thumb|Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality]]

The existence of these limitations is only disclosed in small font at the bottom of the page where users select a plan. The 4K HDR option, which is set as the default, features an eye-catching icon with vibrant colors designed to draw attention to this more expensive choice. Meanwhile, users must scroll to the bottom of the page to find a link to a document explaining the limitations.<ref name=":3" />