Many users in Europe are reporting that Netflix has reverted streaming quality back to normal with 4K HDR up to 15 Mb/s bitrate. The company says that it is working with ISPs to increase capacity.
Netflix streaming quality
In mid-March Netflix lowered its streaming quality in Europe in response to a request from the EU to help ease strain on the internet infrastructure in these times of nationwide lockdowns.
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Netflix subscribers in Denmark, Norway, Germany and other European countries have contacted FlatpanelsHD or taken to forums to report that streaming quality has been restored, meaning 4K HDR streaming at up to 15 Mb/s bitrate. HD bitrates are also reverting back to normal.
However, the changes do not apply universally yet. On 2020 TVs that we are currently testing, Netflix's 4K HDR streaming quality is still capped to maximum 7.62 Mb/s.
In a statement to FlatpanelsHD, Netflix says that it is working with internet service providers to increase capacity. Netflix said that it added four times the normal capacity in April. So depending on your device, ISP, and perhaps other factors, you may not be seeing Netflix's normal streaming quality just yet. But the process has started.
- "Please note, we are working with ISPs to help increase capacity. In the last month alone we have added four times the normal capacity. As conditions improve we will lift these limitations," Netflix said in a statement to FlatpanelsHD.
YouTube also lowered its streaming quality by making SD resolution the default option. Users can manually select a higher resolution.
