You are currently viewing Netflix Reduces Streaming Quality To Prevent The Internet From Collapsing

Netflix Reduces Streaming Quality To Prevent The Internet From Collapsing

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Uncategorized
  • Post comments:0 Comments

Netflix and YouTube say they will reduce the streaming quality in Europe for at least a month. This is to preserve the internet and keep it from collapsing due to unprecedented usage from the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

 

The European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, had previously advised that internet users “switch to standard definition when HD [high-definition] is not necessary”.

 

An hour of standard definition video could use up to 1GB of data, while HD can use up to 3GB.

 

So many countries have been forced to enforce lockdowns to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Millions of workers are also working from home and more children are out of school. Thus, EU officials are concerned about the huge strain it could cause on the internet.

 

Breton spoke with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings about the strain video streaming could be placing on network providers.

 

He said telecom operators and users “all have a joint responsibility to take steps to ensure the smooth functioning of the internet during the battle against the virus propagation.”

Also Read:
Netflix Bows To Pressure As It Now Gives Users Control Over Autoplay Feature
– Alphabet Reveals YouTube’s Earning For The First Time And It Made $15 Billion in 2019
– Why Are Tech Companies Releasing New Gadgets Amidst The Coronavirus Outbreak?

Netflix says the move will reduce traffic on European networks by around 25%. However, it will still be ensuring good quality service for users. Its movies will also still be high-definition or ultra-high-definition 4K.

 

Netflix reduce streaming quality
Europe anticipates people will Netflix and chill during widespread coronavirus lockdowns.

Reduction of bitrates

To achieve this, Netflix says it will reduce the bitrates in its streams to make its users use lesser data.

 

“Following the discussions between Commissioner Thierry Breton and [Netflix chief executive] Reed Hastings, and given the extraordinary challenges raised by the coronavirus, Netflix has decided to begin reducing bitrates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days,” the company said.

 

Bitrates influences how smooth videos look when streamed online. Videos with a higher bitrate look less pixelated, however, they use more data.

 

A spokesperson for Google, the parent company of YouTube, also said: “We will continue working with member state governments and network operators to minimize stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience.”

 

For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@plat4om.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.

Leave a Reply