Super HD for all! Netflix adds highest quality streams for every subscriber

Super HD for all! Netflix rolls out highest quality streams for every subscriber
It's like HD just, you know, more super

Netflix subscribers around the world can now tune into the company's highest quality Super HD streams, providing they have a device and internet connection willing to play nice.

The Super HD streams, which arrive at a higher bitrate than the existing Full HD 1080 streams, promise improved picture quality as the movie or TV show is subject to less compression.

The streaming giant has been testing the improved video quality with selected ISPs this year, but has now opened Super HD up to all members, regardless of their provider.

In a post on the company blog, Netflix explains: "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."

Provisos

There are, as always in these situations, a couple of provisos. Subscribers must have enough bandwidth (upwards of 5Mbps or 7Mbps for best quality), while not all content is optimised.

Plus, not all HD devices support the tech. Currently, the most recent Apple TV set-top box, the PS3, Nintendo Wii U, some Roku devices and the Netflix Windows 8 app will allow it.

There's also "Blu-Ray Players, Smart TV's, Home Theaters, and Streaming Players with existing Netflix 1080p support," Netflix says, with more to follow.

In addition, Netflix says it is continuing to work with ISPs as part of its Open Connect initiative, which allows ISPs to cache content from the service and deliver it to users more efficiently.

Via SlashGear

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.