No 4K Netflix HDR is why I returned my New Touchbar MBP

[jerryk]

What department store? I bought my SB from a Microsoft store. If you were at a department store, then you'd be bound by that store's return policy and not Microsoft's.

Yep, just like people that buy from B&H and other places are bound by their policies and restocking fees on open merchandise.

 

[jjjoseph]

Thank You. Without going to deep as the gentleman above did. HDR10 goes up to 10-bits and Dolby Vision goes up to 12-bits those are TV marketing terms.

I mean they are marketing terms if used by someone to market a product, but they also the represent the BIT DEPTH of an image. The marketing comes into play where a company says we have a 12bit TV, first on the market!! Then it turns out their is no cabling or media that supports that 12bit format, or the TV isn't really 12bit, its a 10bit with a 12bit wrapper etc..

It's a shame Apple didn't see fit or didn't care to provide the ability for their flagship product to support HDR or even 4K Netflix and no 4K YouTube in HDR and while not a big deal now. And in a 13" or 15" screen not a big loss but when connected to HDR monitors or TV sets it makes all the difference in the world.

I mean yes and no, Apple doesn't really need to embrace any HDR encoding per say. I mean technically a laptop isn't the best place to drive HDR content in the first place... unless you are using an external broadcast box to drive a true HDR signal from true HDR media. I can drive HDR content from SMPTE HD-SDi connections better than a laptop can through an HDMI cable.

Apple is stuck at 8-bit content and color while the rest of the world move on in 2017 to 10-bit and 12-bit content.

Technically the displays have always been able to display 10bit, for a while, but wasn't until i think EL CAPITAN, that the OS displayed in 10bit, but that doesn't mean you can't or could not do 10bit to 16bit imagery before then. I have been doing 10bit to 32bit float with Apple Shake, Davinci Resolve and the foundry NUKE for years on 8bit monitors, before 10bit. Its weather or not that image is being displaced externally properly, in the case of film days, as long as the 10bit image was printed to film. Like I could see the difference between a 10bit image and an 8bit image using a 8bit monitor.. I mean I have watched the movies I have done work on in movie theaters, so the technology wasn't inhibiting.

Oh man Steve Jobs is rolling over in his grave.

He is, but its because of Steve Cook counting beans and not innovating.

I mean, what is it exactly you want to do?
If you want to watch HDR content from NETFLIX and you have an HDR television, and its supported for Netflix HDR, then just use the TV's internal NETFLIX APP. Or get a ROKU that supports that stream.

Where you hoping to watch HDR off of netflix via a browser?

 

[BarracksSi]

The worst purchase I ever made was a Blu-Ray of pr0n. Some details aren't meant to be seen in HD.

I really don't understand the complaint about not seeing 4K on a laptop. If you couldn't play it on a 70" screen, then okay, I can see why you'd be upset that you have to suffer through picture quality that was state-of-the-art a whole three years ago.

Jesus. Some kids these days...

 

[xmonkey]

Your LG OLED 4K TV should be able to stream 4K HDR Netflix perfectly fine. In fact, it's probably better at it than any PC would be.

But I'm sure you already knew that.

 

[Mildredop]

I pulled that off their site. Written > verbal

As an aside, I was told they did have a return period and I did buy one
[doublepost=1483721278][/doublepost]
What department store? I bought my SB from a Microsoft store. If you were at a department store, then you'd be bound by that store's return policy and not Microsoft's.

John Lewis. There was a MS rep there hanging around the MS laptops and he was the one who told me there was no no-quibble returns.

 

[burgman]

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016...ing-pc-kaby-lake-cpu-windows-10-edge-browser/

I really should have listened to all the Wait For Kaby Lake threads but Like many of us here I didn't. But so what the Touchbar MacBook Pro is plenty fast and it is. What was the Problem.

When I learned that I could not watch or Output 4K HDR Netflix to my LG HDR OLED TV I use as a Monitor that was the last straw.

If you have not experienced 4K or even better 4K HDR I highly recommend it. No matter what I tried No option was selectable period. It's just not supported. Why ? Read the article No Kaby Lake no HDR or 4K

That was it I marched yesterday into my local Apple Store and got back $2,800 ish and right back into my bank. What waste of a product from Apple. I wish Steve Jobs was back.

I just use the Netflix app on my Samsung 4K HDR smart TV, looks great. Better than on my Xbox one S. How does one march into a store without looking like a penguin?
[doublepost=1483747512][/doublepost]

I can only provide my localized information and given he failed to provide those details, its reasonable to assume the US, especially when the consumer laws in other parts of the world provides better coverage.

As for authorized service centers - again the member made a blanket statement and I provided what Microsoft and Google have, not some authorized seller.

I think you're splitting hairs, yes I'm sure you can find some exception to the rule but I bet you can find the same exceptions to Apple, i.e., do all authorized sellers offer the same return policy?

Splitting hairs on Macrumors!!! Say it ain't so...

 

[GCMD]

You spent $2800 on a laptop with a 15" screen to watch 4k HDR Netflix?

Wow...if your pockets are that deep, why not buy ANY LG 4K Smart TV with HDR? They support streaming Netflix and I'm pretty sure you can get one with a screen a little bigger than that...

Why don't you buy a laser to light your candles? it would be a WASTE to buy simple matches because they CLEARLY couldn't slice through 1" steel...just saying...

 

[maflynn]

John Lewis. There was a MS rep there hanging around the MS laptops and he was the one who told me there was no no-quibble returns.

There you have it, you have to live within that store's return policy. Its not a Microsoft thing, but a John Lewis thing

 

[maratus]

I think you're splitting hairs, yes I'm sure you can find some exception to the rule but

A handful of European countries and Russia for example, with France and Russia being notorious for bad customer service. I've even seen stores denying minor defects like screen tint, low GPS antenna sensitivity etc.

I wish it was splitting hairs, but the reality is that US and Canada are so far ahead in overall customer service. But Apple is the only company I've dealt with that's trying to spread this approach worldwide. And yet I still can confirm that even Apple's service in Europe is noticeably worse despite already decent return policies.

I bet you can find the same exceptions to Apple, i.e., do all authorized sellers offer the same return policy?

If you buy it in Apple Store. That's why I wouldn't touch any resellers outside of US.

 

[aevan]

If you have not experienced 4K or even better 4K HDR I highly recommend it. No matter what I tried No option was selectable period. It's just not supported. Why ? Read the article No Kaby Lake no HDR or 4K

That was it I marched yesterday into my local Apple Store and got back $2,800 ish and right back into my bank. What waste of a product from Apple. I wish Steve Jobs was back.

Returning a product because you don't like it or it doesn't do what you want is perfectly fine.

But this last line almost equals trolling.

I don't even know where to begin. Because Netflix decided it will output 4K only on Kaby Lake, this MBP is a waste of product? Because a MBP is, what, a Netflix player, basically? Seriously, the things people say on these forums, I am almost convinced it's sponsored by competitors. It's like those Microsoft adds - "Can your Mac do this?" and then they show a girl unlock their PC with eyes or touch the screen or something. Sure - it comes with all that fancy tech - "But can it run Netflix in 4K?"

1. You're basically saying every other Skylake PC is a waste of a product. This is, currently, EVERY PC other than a few low-power CPU dual-core laptops.
2. The reason Netflix doesn't run 4K on pre-Kaby Lake CPUs is Netflix's decision. Even 5 year old computers are perfectly capable of playing 4K
3. Netflix 4K on computers is only available on Windows 10 in the Edge browser. I suppose that means Chrome, Safari and Firefox are a waste of browsers?
4. If you want to buy a device to run Netflix in 4K - just use your TV's built-in Netflix app. Or, if you don't like that, get a Chromecast Ultra for $69. Seriously. Or if you have an Xbox S or PS4 Pro you can use that too. If you honestly prefer watching Netflix in the Edge Browser on your TV....
5. 90% of Netflix content is 1080p only and will be for a while. HDR is available on even less content.

Thank you Macrumors Forums. This is perfect for your list why computers intended for professional use suck (all are taken from the forum 100%):

- Because the Apple logo doesn't glow
- Because you have to get new cables
- Because it doesn't run games in ultra setting
- Because the trackpad is too big
- Because the power button is a physical button while Touch Bar is not (so far, this was my favorite)

And now:

- Because it won't stream 4K Netflix.


What's next? They suck because they don't come in Rose Gold?


Seriously.

 

[BarracksSi]

I'd be surprised if my internet connection was fast enough to stream 4K reliably.

I'm pretty sure that I don't want any buffering interruptions during Fifty Shades Of Grey.

 

[aevan]

The best part is, even most Kaby Lake computers can't play 4K Netflix on OPs LG TV, because while they can play 4K Netflix in Edge, Intel still doesn't support HDCP 2.2 over HDMI.

No, now I'm certain this is thread is meant as a joke.
[doublepost=1483757007][/doublepost]

Steve Come back man.

What exactly do you think Steve would do in this situation? Buy Netflix? Buy Intel and have them include HDCP 2.2 on their GPUs? Create a Time Machine?

If you think this makes MBP obsolete, I can't wait for you to discover how the upcoming computers will handle Netflix and Amazon in 4K. Prepare for a bad year, man.
[doublepost=1483757283][/doublepost]

Thank You. Without going to deep as the gentleman above did. HDR10 goes up to 10-bits and Dolby Vision goes up to 12-bits those are TV marketing terms.

It's a shame Apple didn't see fit or didn't care to provide the ability for their flagship product to support HDR

90% laptops coming out in 2017. won't be able to play Netflix in 4K/HDR on TVs either. There is some chance Netflix will allow it on Polaris-based GPUs, but even that is not certain.

This has nothing to do with Apple. Netflix, Amazon, etc. - they are trying really hard to limit playing content on PCs because of fear of piracy. But seriously, you're making all this up? Please tell me you're not serious about all this.

 

[coolbreeze]

Please tell me you're not serious about all this.

He had buyers remorse from the moment the charge hit his card. This was his manufactured deal breaker that provided the $2,800 relief. He feels better now and is on a mission to reaffirm his decision by posting.

He actually does miss the machine, but the tantrum will continue as a reaffirmation he did the right thing.

 

[deany]

Reading some of OPs recent posts on MR he is clearly tech savvy and not stupid.
Which then makes me wonder why he didn't do due diligence on the nrMBP to check whether it was HDR compatibly, this being a feature that is so important to him.
All very odd IMHO.

 

[SteveJUAE]

A handful of European countries and Russia for example, with France and Russia being notorious for bad customer service. I've even seen stores denying minor defects like screen tint, low GPS antenna sensitivity etc.

I wish it was splitting hairs, but the reality is that US and Canada are so far ahead in overall customer service. But Apple is the only company I've dealt with that's trying to spread this approach worldwide. And yet I still can confirm that even Apple's service in Europe is noticeably worse despite already decent return policies.


If you buy it in Apple Store. That's why I wouldn't touch any resellers outside of US.

Your correct in so far quite a few electrical goods stores in the US have these try return periods on certain goods only and even others like ACE are good as too are other companies like Marks and Spencer from the UK

However I am in two minds if these are really good polices, sure for the fickle, unsure and the abusers it's great but those who can actually make an informed decision may be paying for it. I cannot recall how many 100's of millions it was reported that it cost these companies to run these schemes but someone is paying the price worse still it may also be spread internationally without as you note any of the advantages in the US.

I too outside of US have seen approved sellers refuse service etc if you have not purchased from them. As for returns no chance in most or only exchange if you have not opened the box or removed the wrapping

There is a good reason Apple service is 2nd to none (especially in the US/Canada) - you pay for it and for most it's probably worth it

 

[symphara]

4K isn't all that meaningful, especially when it's streamed. There are often artifacts and compressed sound is never the equal of a proper 4K disc. I have a 4K player and have tested them against the standard HD sources. Only on the 120" projection system is it clear that your viewing 4K. This is simple math.

No, really, on my 27" 5k monitor you can clearly see the difference between 4k content vs HD content, even on youtube stuff. The former looks simply stunning.

And of course the 120" screen size in your example isn't the only variable. Viewing distance is the other one. At ~4m you should be able to clearly tell the difference between 4k and full HD even on an ~80" screen. If you can't, visit your local optician.

 

[GCMD]

Mac Users buy for the Ecosystem and ease of use.

Windows Users buy for the glitz and a specific feature.


Converted my wife to Mac over 10 years ago (CRNA). She SWEARS by Apple products now (figure of speech). Converted my cousin about 7 years ago (Lawyer). Same thing. Brother-in-law about 5 years ago (contractor). Same thing.

If you want a product that just works, you spend the money for a Mac. If you want to save money and chase the next best thing while dealing with inferior products? You go after the nickel and dime deals with Windows computers.

I thought YouTube Reviews were ridiculous until I started reading threads here...some people really need a hobby...that doesn't include useless whining about why they hate Macs.

 

[aevan]

He had buyers remorse from the moment the charge hit his card. This was his manufactured deal breaker that provided the $2,800 relief. He feels better now and is on a mission to reaffirm his decision by posting.

He actually does miss the machine, but the tantrum will continue as a reaffirmation he did the right thing.

This made me laugh, although I believe you're right.

 

[Fancuku]

If you are using your $2800 laptop to connect it to your TV to watch Neflix in 4k, you're doing it wrong.

Spend $100 on a Roku 4 and call it a day.

 

[x-evil-x]

Thank You. Without going to deep as the gentleman above did. HDR10 goes up to 10-bits and Dolby Vision goes up to 12-bits those are TV marketing terms.

It's a shame Apple didn't see fit or didn't care to provide the ability for their flagship product to support HDR or even 4K Netflix and no 4K YouTube in HDR and while not a big deal now. And in a 13" or 15" screen not a big loss but when connected to HDR monitors or TV sets it makes all the difference in the world.

Apple is stuck at 8-bit content and color while the rest of the world move on in 2017 to 10-bit and 12-bit content.

Oh man Steve Jobs is rolling over in his grave.

If steve was alive you would still have a computer not capable of outputting what you want. Just use the built in apps on your oled.
Seriously, you returned a computer because you can't use netflix to stream the correct data connected to your tv?
Wow

 

[symphara]

On a related note, just out of curiosity - if I do have a Kaby Lake CPU but connect to a monitor via DP, is 4k Netflix possible or does it absolutely require HDMI with HDCP2.2?

 

[maflynn]

It's a shame Apple didn't see fit or didn't care to provide the ability for their flagship product to support HDR or even 4K Netflix and no 4K YouTube in HDR and while not a big deal now. And in a 13" or 15" screen not a big loss but when connected to HDR monitors or TV sets it makes all the difference in the world.

Don't they need the intel chips that were not available to them yet? Personally, I think using the MBP to watch netflix on a TV is out of the typical use case they drew up on the laptop.

 

[MH01]

What if he wasn't talking about North America? AFAIK Apple easily accepts returns even in those countries where you would never be able to bring a product back without it being defective, which also may require validation from an authorised service centre.


To the OP:

You're probably the only one that is strangely obsessed with "HDR". We get it, thanks to multiple threads you've started. But FFS is that really so important? Do you even know what HDR technically is?

Same policy in my country, you will find MS and google have consistent return policies in the countries they ship.

 

[576316]

To be honest I'm already sick to the teeth of 4K.

There seems to be way too many hoops you have to jump through just to get a decent 4K display and even then, they don't seem to match the more common displays anyway (slower refresh etc). Whether the TVs/monitors themselves are too damn expensive, or you don't have the right cables, or your hardware doesn't support 4K at 60Hz but it will run at 30Hz, or if your graphics card didn't cost £1,000, or if you have the wrong CPU, or if your laptop didn't cost £3,000, or if the 4K content is too expensive, or you have to have a special subscription, or if your internet connection isn't fast enough to stream 4K content (like most people's isn't!)...

It's too much of a headache!!!!!!!

And someone just announced an 8K monitor at CES? Shut the front door.

(Although I am enjoying watching 4K YouTube content on my 1080p monitors, cause it looks crispy as hell. Although Safari doesn't support 4K YouTube for some reason and I have to switch to Chrome????)

 

[TheRealAlex]

On a related note, just out of curiosity - if I do have a Kaby Lake CPU but connect to a monitor via DP, is 4k Netflix possible or does it absolutely require HDMI with HDCP2.2?

I'll try and answer the best I can. I will say that for those who enjoy or are enjoying the new LG 5K Monitor Kudos as Amazing as people say that looks HDR is even more Amazing. Without Kaby Lake and an HDR10 or 10-bit display people will simply NOT get the full Expeeience.

Some have said this is all about Netflix Wrong.

This is about No 4K HDR ever period. For a device as expensive as a Touchbar MacBook Pro this capability being absent is a bridge too far. And makes an otherwise decent product. Severely lacking
[doublepost=1483792109][/doublepost]

Don't they need the intel chips that were not available to them yet? Personally, I think using the MBP to watch netflix on a TV is out of the typical use case they drew up on the laptop.

This is and is Not about Netflix this about No HDR ever period. That's it. As amazing as 4K is Apple felt necessary and to much praise to release a 5K display. On top of that HDR is a Much bigger deal than 4K and it's simply not possible on these Touchbar MacBook Pros which are decent but obsolete.

No HDR editing, no content, no gaming, no HDR photos and more. You simply can not fully see the color sprectrum offered because the system lacks the hardware to achieve HDR either on its own display or Output to an external display can't do it.

Miss you Steve.