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Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 7:29 pm
by GlobusDiablo
Finally got Windows 10 working yesterday, and there was an unexpected bonus:
The dedicated Windows 10 Netflix app, downloadable from the MS Store, supports Dolby Digital. I had been using my PS3 which supported DD for surround sound, as the standard Windows version of Netflix only supported digital stereo.
So it is now possible for those with an HTPC setup to run their films in the intended surround sound digital formats, and not use emulated surround like Pro Logic and such.
Very nice.

Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 7:50 pm
by charlie2alpha
Ah, I found that out 2 months ago when I got Netflix myself. I prefer to use my Chromecast though, more power efficient and I can control it with my Nexus 9 tablet.
Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 8:01 pm
by GlobusDiablo
charlie2alpha wrote:Ah, I found that out 2 months ago when I got Netflix myself. I prefer to use my Chromecast though, more power efficient and I can control it with my Nexus 9 tablet.
Very nice.
I've got my pc in the living room hooked to a surround receiver and TV, so the Netflix bonus is very convenient for me.

Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:01 pm
by JustSomeGuy
Yep, that Netflix app was already in windoze 8.1, I prefer the app over web browser because of sounds and video. Web browser is 720p max while some titles played through the app gives even 4k. But anyway, the app is superior to the browser version. Just wish there was app for Linux too.
Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:08 pm
by GlobusDiablo
JustSomeGuy wrote:Yep, that Netflix app was already in windoze 8.1, I prefer the app over web browser because of sounds and video. Web browser is 720p max while some titles played through the app gives even 4k. But anyway, the app is superior to the browser version. Just wish there was app for Linux too.
I think MS removed it, as I read about it but wasn't able to find it. Apparently it wasn't stable.
But anywho. Not an issue for me any more.

Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:25 pm
by TorTorden
It's all well and nice.
But even the best audio stream out of Netflix is..
Abysmal.
Netflix used to encode at 384kpbs, but Dolby gave a speech saying dd+ was twice as efficient as DD. And Netflix promptly dropped their audio bit rate for six channels to 192kpbs (and yes the subwoofer channel is to be considered as a full channel)
Then again what's to expect from a company who's official stand point on audio quality is "We don't care".
Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:02 am
by GlobusDiablo
TorTorden wrote:It's all well and nice.
But even the best audio stream out of Netflix is..
Abysmal.
Netflix used to encode at 384kpbs, but Dolby gave a speech saying dd+ was twice as efficient as DD. And Netflix promptly dropped their audio bit rate for six channels to 192kpbs (and yes the subwoofer channel is to be considered as a full channel)
Then again what's to expect from a company who's official stand point on audio quality is "We don't care".
Wow. I didn't know this.
Audio on the whole definitely isn't what it used to be. Comparing cd/lp/blu-ray from a hi-fi setup with streaming from your phone... Oh dear. Many people don't know what they're missing.

Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:25 am
by JustSomeGuy
That bitrate nerf was news for me too. Anyone know if there is a way to get some info of the stream in the current windows app? Resolutio, audio mode, bitrates etc.
Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:29 am
by charlie2alpha
CONTROL + SHIFT + ALT + D (or Q) will activate a debug overlay with bitrate and format info. CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + S will display a bitrate selection menu for audio & video plus available CDNs for that video. These work in the Windows 10 app.
Re: Bonus info regarding Netflix on Windows 10
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:33 am
by JustSomeGuy
I'll try those. Thank you.