Netflix Adds 'Super HD' Option for All Users and Additional Devices, Including 3rd Generation Apple TV

[MacRumors]

Internet streaming service Netflix has announced today that it is rolling out its Super HD video quality to all Netflix members and additional devices, including the 3rd-generation Apple TV. The viewing option is of a higher quality than a standard 1080p image due to a higher bit rate stream and reduced compression, and was previously only available on select ISPs with a direct connection to Netflix.

All Netflix members, regardless of their Internet service provider (ISP), now have access to the highest quality HD streams available on Netflix.

This means that the great TV shows and movies on Netflix will look even better on HD screens with a higher bit rate stream, Super HD, that applies less compression to the 1080p image.

We initially rolled out Super HD in January only through ISPs with a direct connection to Netflix. Based on the performance data we've seen, and in response to member requests, we are now expanding availability to give all our members the ability to enjoy Netflix in the best possible quality. Netflix uses "adaptive streaming" to dynamically adjust the video quality based on the available bandwidth. This means that the ability to receive Super HD depends on broadband quality and performance. Netflix members who subscribe to an ISP with a direct Netflix connection will get the best experience.

Originally added with the introduction of the 2nd generation Apple TV, Netflix has been updated on Apple's set-top box multiple times, including the addition of personalized profiles in August. The move also comes as Apple may be planning to release an updated Apple TV box next month, and comes after the addition of Major League Soccer and Disney Junior Channels to the set-top box today.

Article Link: Netflix Adds 'Super HD' Option for All Users and Additional Devices, Including 3rd Generation Apple TV

 

[MacGeek1987]

This will be great for those with the 27 inch iMacs

 

[D.T.]

We need the Apple TV 4K


(...and a TV to support it...)

 

[Salvor Hardin]

Is the iPad ever going to get anything beyond 480p from these guys?

 

[OneMike]

There is only HD or non HD

 

[Giuly]

We need the Apple TV 4K


(...and a TV to support it...)

This is still 1080p, for 4K you need to quadruple (or double/triple with h.265) the bandwidth to stream it with the same quality setting. This is a nice thing, but nowhere near 4K-ready.

A 4K Apple TV would also require a h.265 hardware decoder, and as far as I know, those are rather 2014 technology.

Lastly, few people have a 4K TV, with a 4K Apple TV you'd more likely end up with 6220800 pixels as spares if any of the ones from 1080p break.

 

[Billy Boo Bob]

My friggin' ISP (Mediacom) has recently put bandwidth caps on our accounts... I need to make sure if I set my resolution lower (to avoid going over the stupid cap) that it actually honors the setting on the ATV... I've set to low quality, and I can see it on the computer, but on the ATV the picture looks pretty much the same... I have a feeling that I'm getting higher bandwidth than I'm setting it for in the account.

 

[Yvan256]

Meanwhile, in Canada

And to think Netflix had to add a LOWER quality setting for Canadians because our ISPs have stupidly low monthly caps.

 

[redscull]

We need the Apple TV 4K


(...and a TV to support it...)

It's almost certainly still lower quality than BluRay. Which means it's still not maximizing 1080p, much less 4K...

 

[brueck]

What's one video on Netflix that is availble in ultra hd? I want to check it out, but when I go to the HD section and play a video it just says "Now playing in HD." Does Netflix specify if playing in Super HD or regular HD?

 

[Che Castro]

Is there a setting on the Apple TV or Netflix.com that we have to change ?
How do we know if the movie is super HD

 

[D.T.]

This is still 1080p, for 4K you need to quadruple (or double/triple with h.265) the bandwidth to stream it with the same quality setting. This is a nice thing, but nowhere near 4K-ready.

A 4K Apple TV would also require a h.265 hardware decoder, and as far as I know, those are rather 2014 technology.

Lastly, few people have a 4K TV, with a 4K Apple TV you'd more likely end up with 6220800 pixels as spares if any of the ones from 1080p break.

I know (is in, I _really_ understand video tech...), I was having a little fun and being silly ... but thanks for your thoughtful contribution

 

[Che Castro]

Ok this needs to be added to the OG post

Super HD-supported content will have a Super HD banner in the Netflix Apple TV app

 

[ZZ Bottom]

What's one video on Netflix that is availble in ultra hd? I want to check it out, but when I go to the HD section and play a video it just says "Now playing in HD." Does Netflix specify if playing in Super HD or regular HD?

I just watched "The Road" in superHD. Looked great but occasionally the quality dipped down to standard def. My average download speed is 24 Mbps.

 

[Roy G Biv]

So the 2nd-gen. does not support Super HD? It was the Netflix app introduced with the 2nd-gen, not Super HD?

 

[D.T.]

Ok this needs to be added to the OG post

Super HD-supported content will have a Super HD banner in the Netflix Apple TV app

Neat. I'm looking forward to seeing how much better this looks (we're on a Comcast Biz Class connection, so it's pretty stout and very consistent). I know ultimately, a local disc/BD based copy has the best, but an improvement over the current "HD" from Netflix would be terrific.

 

[McGiord]

What Super HD is? 4K or UHD ??

 

[benji888]

OMG

So, now that they have finally have true HD they are calling it "Super" HD???

Let's confuse the consumer even more: HD, Ultra HD (4K), and now "Super" HD? ugh.

So, I guess HD means it could be 720p or 1080i or 1080p, but, "Super" HD is 1080p? What the f?

Netflix: just give user settings for HD: 720p or 1080p. Keep it simple, don't do this complicated stupid stuff.

 

[donutbagel]

Aw what, I thought it would be 4K with the same amount of compression.
Actual Complaint: Dump stupid Silverlight already. If it's not needed for iOS, PCs shouldn't need it either. It's just H.264 video, no need to make a fuss about it and make us use sketchy plugins.

 

[portishead]

We need the Apple TV 4K


(...and a TV to support it...)

\\\

 

[donutbagel]

Netflix: just give user settings for HD: 720p or 1080p. Keep it simple, don't do this complicated stupid stuff.

Just don't pay attention to pixel count. It hardly matters without context. "Super HD" simply means "super good quality", better than before.

I mean, you could have 1080p video that's so bad that your eyes burn. That's how my friend's phone camera is.

 

[gmanist1000]

Is there a setting on the Apple TV or Netflix.com that we have to change ?
How do we know if the movie is super HD

Check this out, it actually shows you when you select a title:

 

[dlweninger]

I have been Watching Super HD since spring on my ATV 3

 

[nepalisherpa]

Netflix, I'm waiting on password-protected user profiles!

 

[ck2875]

I have been Watching Super HD since spring on my ATV 3

Ditto. I had no idea it was a beta run. The quality for it has been decent in my experience, though does fluctuate.