Netflix to cut streaming quality in Europe for 30 days

[Psycho Sonny]

They say isps are struggling but I'd say certain isps in certain areas in which they are oversubscribed are struggling.

I'm having zero issues getting my full bandwidth.

So for me I could watch Netflix in 4k on 25 TV's at the same time using my single connection.

People saying that they are struggling must be in very densely populated over subscribed areas.

I'm okay though so in reality there was no need to downgrade me. However I don't think they could have allowed people like me access to the proper bit rates and others the ones that have been halved.

I'm still downloading game updates at ridiculous speeds from origin, steam and battle net.

I don't think 15Mbps is a lot of bandwidth but I do have a nearly 400MB connection.

I think isps should be held to account. Forced to upgrade their networks in all areas. They should be able to handle this situation with ease. However profits matter more to them. So they buy the bare minimum and then when it hits the limit they do nothing.

Is 5G the answer and will it solve this problem?

Or will that network also crumble when under load?

 

[Psycho Sonny]

You're saying we should FORCE all ISPs to upgrade their networks, just so we can all watch Netflix in 4k in the middle of an unprecedented global pandemic, that's going to kill millions?

No they should have been forced to do it long ago. Before the pandemic. Now they should definitely be forced to do it to keep the country running.

I'm no longer allowed to do video conferencing at work because of bandwidth. Voice only. Our VPN can't handle it.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

That's your VPN's problem not the ISP's

I know that. Which is why they were forced to upgrade it.

The isps should be forced to upgrade their networks too

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Here's an issue with network operators not upgrading their networks.

Let's say I need a security access code. I get this by text message or email. And it's timed. So I only have 2 mins to type it in.

Now because the isp or mobile operator hasn't bothered to use sufficient hardware to deal with surges in high demand I can no longer get my access codes.

So now important stuff which requires said access codes cannot be done.

The ones that are struggling to cope with demand should be investing profits back into their infrastructure.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

we use a hardware key, to provide the 'next' login code, but, personally 3g/text is unreliable so have downloaded backup codes for google 2fa
... am in the market for a personal hardware key too.

https://www.ncta.com/COVIDdashboard
for the usa .. but the upstream growth +27% is greater than download growth ??? people are uploading 'stuff'

The uploading will be all the morons video calling each other.

Where voice calls take far less bandwidth.

Even the media are bad for this. Where they were streaming 2 people on screen at the same time clogging up bandwidth.

Unless you really need to see the persons face or screen you shouldn't be using a video call.

People are holding mass video calls with pub quizzes, gin tasting events, craft beer clubs, etc.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Is it text message or email? One uses internet and one doesn't.

Which is why I mentioned both ISP and mobile operators.

It's texts and calls I'm having issues with my Internet and ISP is fine in my area.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

It's worth checking if your company or whomever is making you use 2 factor Authentication supports an App based verification. Google Authenticator or something else. SMS is a really insecure method for receiving 2 factor stuff anyway, but with app based systems they work off the clock/app on your phone, even if there are data or 2g/3g connectivity issues.


rp2000

It's hmrc they use text messages for access codes to login and file returns.

They don't use Google authenticator. They are still living in the 90's when it comes to modern technology.

They don't even like using email with external customers. Phone contact is preferred or written mail depending on the department.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

So how does this have anything to do with network providers upgrading their hardware/infrastructure?

The issue you've highlighted is completely different.

Because I can't receive the text messages. Because the network operator doesn't have sufficient hardware to handle the current loads being placed on them.

If they had better hardware in place I'd have no issues.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

If it's one specific service you're having issues with then it's more likely to be HMRCs system rather than your network operator. My mobile network has been working just fine with a couple of login codes received pretty much instantly.

I've had issues with calls not connecting either.

For every 20 calls 1 would connect.

Obviously you are in a different area and with a different provider most likely.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Weird though it's exactly 50% less for people on fast connections

On the dog and bone to them now for 1 last attempt at a discount

Edit: Nothing! They suggested dropping my plan, which would take effect next billing cycle. I guess that is all that can be done for now.


rp2000

I can't drop my plan as I get it through Sky. So I'm not even sure I would get a discount if Netflix even gave one anyway.

However I'll be leaving sky shortly and I may drop my plan if this continues. I have several 4K tv's. I have a 350MB connection on which I get around 375MB download. So I can stream 15MB no issues. It wouldn't affect my usage at all if they upped the bandwidth to 50MB.

I can still download games off steam in seconds.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Wow that's a fast connection 2800Mb/s, do you live in a data center.

Also I have a 1000w microwave but I don't think anyone cares about that in this thread either.

this thread is about them cutting bandwidth so download speed is 100% relevant.

I also have a 1000w microwave it's an inverter by panasonic with no rotating table in the middle. And it definetely does cook things quicker than the piece of crap i used to use at work.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

I didn't say anything about the relevance of download speed, you should check your eyesight.

To help you

I POINTED OUT THAT 2800MEGABITS PER SECOND IS AMAZING AND ASKED IF YOU LIVED IN A DATA CENTER.

Also no one cares about your microwave as mines oc'd.

everyone knows what I mean. even you

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Do you get different picture quality from different devices? I have a virgin TiVo box, firestick and my TV has a Netflix app too.

Nvidia shield pro has ai upscaling. Which makes 1080p streams look like 4k through magic. Sometimes it artifacts with twitch streams but YouTube and Amazon prime are spot on I cancelled Netflix but Linus tech tips said no point paying for uhd if you buy one of these it's that good.

It is however a £200 media streamer.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

My in-laws TV seems to upscale everything. Sometimes it looks a bit odd. Like the actor looks good but the back ground looks poor quality.

YouTube on the TiVo box is poor quality companies to my phone when casting or the YouTube app on the TV.

All TV's upscale otherwise you wouldn't have a full screen picture.

It's the upscaling chip and in Nvidia shield pros case the hardware smart upscaling which actually sharpens and touches the picture and it works because it's a £200 piece of hardware.

Most upscalers in TV's are pennies or in terms of high end sets a quid or two. So the better the TV the better the upscaler usually. However nothing beats the Nvidia shield pro plenty of YouTube videos on its upscaling.