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Uhh, so we're supposed to be happy about a variable bitrate and quality because it saves them some bandwidth? This isn't a feature for users it's a spin on a fe

Uhh, so we're supposed to be happy about a variable bitrate and quality because it saves them some bandwidth? This isn't a feature for users it's a spin on a feature for the corporation.

chii 6y ago
> so we're supposed to be happy about a variable bitrate and quality because it saves them some bandwidth? yes, because it saves you money - netflix could be increasing its subscription cost, or it could keep it down as the subscriber base grows, by using technique like this. As long as you don't notice the difference, what's wrong with them saving some bandwidth?
- Lammy 6y ago
  Why is raising their subscription price the alternative? Wouldn't Netflix's capability to negotiate peering/transit deals grow along with their subscriber base?
  - chii 6y ago
    as bandwidth grows, people's choice is to keep upping their fidelity. If the subscriber base was OK with a 480p video, they would've seen it. And negotiating peering/transit deals are fickle and isn't guaranteed to work as cable companies may be playing politics/business games to squeeze netflix. Therefore, a technical solution is the next best option.
dumbfoundded 6y ago
I'd guess it means that the average user gets to watch a higher quality video with less buffering. If you also watch netflix on your phone or any data plan, you save money.
kakali 6y ago
Also helps the consumer. My ISP doesn't offer unlimited bandwidth. Covid-19 has me hitting caps from being home so much.
NolF 6y ago
The article shows even at lower bitrates higher quality/sharpness. This also helps people on metered connections or slower connections which would include mobile consumption.
vertex-four 6y ago
I don't know where you live or what your internet setup is like, but I can't stream 4k at ridiculously high bitrates consistently, and apparently many of Netflix's customers can't either: "The number of rebuffers per hour go down by over 65%; members also experience fewer quality drops while streaming." Additionally, "members who were limited by their network to 720p can now be served 1080p or higher resolution instead."

Uhh, so we're supposed to be happy about a variable bitrate and quality because it saves them some bandwidth? This isn't a feature for users it's a spin on a feature for the corporation.

chii 6y ago

> so we're supposed to be happy about a variable bitrate and quality because it saves them some bandwidth? yes, because it saves you money - netflix could be increasing its subscription cost, or it could keep it down as the subscriber base grows, by using technique like this. As long as you don't notice the difference, what's wrong with them saving some bandwidth?

Lammy 6y ago
Why is raising their subscription price the alternative? Wouldn't Netflix's capability to negotiate peering/transit deals grow along with their subscriber base?
- chii 6y ago
  as bandwidth grows, people's choice is to keep upping their fidelity. If the subscriber base was OK with a 480p video, they would've seen it. And negotiating peering/transit deals are fickle and isn't guaranteed to work as cable companies may be playing politics/business games to squeeze netflix. Therefore, a technical solution is the next best option.

dumbfoundded 6y ago

I'd guess it means that the average user gets to watch a higher quality video with less buffering. If you also watch netflix on your phone or any data plan, you save money.

kakali 6y ago

Also helps the consumer. My ISP doesn't offer unlimited bandwidth. Covid-19 has me hitting caps from being home so much.

NolF 6y ago

The article shows even at lower bitrates higher quality/sharpness. This also helps people on metered connections or slower connections which would include mobile consumption.

vertex-four 6y ago

I don't know where you live or what your internet setup is like, but I can't stream 4k at ridiculously high bitrates consistently, and apparently many of Netflix's customers can't either: "The number of rebuffers per hour go down by over 65%; members also experience fewer quality drops while streaming." Additionally, "members who were limited by their network to 720p can now be served 1080p or higher resolution instead."