At first I thought, good for AMD. But after seeing the list of requirements again, I have to wonder, as a user, what's the point? Specific browsers, specific updates, specific hardware, restrictions around SLI and monitor connections... for an increase in quality that will not necessarily be noticeable.
I'll stick with 1080p until it isn't such a headache.
Yes, that's correct. I was shocked to find this too - Even Edge doesn't give you 5.1, so you have to use the app for the best experience. DRM at its best - Amazon don't even offer an app so you're totally restricted to 2.1 if playing through a PC.
I mean, for $70 you can get a 4K FireTV, and if you really hate Amazon there are competitors for not much more. I just don't see any reason why you would want to have a clunky $500 Windows 10 PC hooked up to the TV, and jump through all these hoops, when you can get a better experience for much less money.
Maybe not a better "TV" experience but for someone who already has an HDCP 2.2 monitor and an HDCP 2.2 graphics card by coincidence, it's a valuable addition.
Its sad that its browser specific. You know thousands of people are using Netflix in chrome and have no idea that it is not in HD. Don't forget people, its not just 4k, its HD in general that is restricted.
I much prefer the app over watching through a browser. Actually I don’t think I have ever watched Netflix through the browser does it tell you an app is available? It should. Netflix has had an app since the early days of windows 8. So I don’t see this as much of a problem.
Aren't most B350 motherboards already too much out of date since they almost all ship with a hdmi 1.4 port? So all these brand new APU's being sold right now are not supported already, or do I not understand specification of motherboards well?
Which is silly because the older polaris cards do have HDMI 2.0 already?
DRM schemes like this are incredibly stupid. I don't know why they even bother. If the user can see your content, they can copy it. All this money wasted on something that will be cracked before it's even fully rolled out.
Just use a ROKU. I'm all for integrated everything. I'm still using windows 7 to get the most out of my media setup, but there comes a time when it's just easier to bow to necessity and go with a second device. I fought that idea for a long time, but $70 gets you a nice roku which can do kodi and 4k streaming.
It makes me tilt my head whenever I see people clamoring for an HTPC when with devices like Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, etc can fulfill the job just fine. Especially since if you get one with a USB input you can just get a USB drive for local multimedia playback if you don't want to deal with setting up a media server.
The only way I can see an HTPC being better is if you have a video on some esoteric codec or container... which is probably from the old days and isn't worth throwing up on the big screen.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
18 Comments
Back to Article
IBM760XL - Friday, February 16, 2018 - link
At first I thought, good for AMD. But after seeing the list of requirements again, I have to wonder, as a user, what's the point? Specific browsers, specific updates, specific hardware, restrictions around SLI and monitor connections... for an increase in quality that will not necessarily be noticeable.I'll stick with 1080p until it isn't such a headache.
CheapSushi - Friday, February 16, 2018 - link
Unless you're using the Win10 app or Edge, it's just 720p I believe (Chrome & Firefox) regardless of hardware (from last I checked).JamesUK - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
Yes, that's correct. I was shocked to find this too - Even Edge doesn't give you 5.1, so you have to use the app for the best experience. DRM at its best - Amazon don't even offer an app so you're totally restricted to 2.1 if playing through a PC.gerz1219 - Sunday, February 18, 2018 - link
I mean, for $70 you can get a 4K FireTV, and if you really hate Amazon there are competitors for not much more. I just don't see any reason why you would want to have a clunky $500 Windows 10 PC hooked up to the TV, and jump through all these hoops, when you can get a better experience for much less money.lmcd - Sunday, February 18, 2018 - link
Maybe not a better "TV" experience but for someone who already has an HDCP 2.2 monitor and an HDCP 2.2 graphics card by coincidence, it's a valuable addition.imaheadcase - Friday, February 16, 2018 - link
Its sad that its browser specific. You know thousands of people are using Netflix in chrome and have no idea that it is not in HD. Don't forget people, its not just 4k, its HD in general that is restricted.Hurr Durr - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
Chrome users deserve all the suffering they get, and more, for they are enablers of the inhuman CIA front masquerading as a business entity.Avalon - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
Username checks out.Hurr Durr - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
I live to hurt.Zeratul56 - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
I much prefer the app over watching through a browser. Actually I don’t think I have ever watched Netflix through the browser does it tell you an app is available? It should. Netflix has had an app since the early days of windows 8. So I don’t see this as much of a problem.krazyfrog - Sunday, February 18, 2018 - link
Chrome/Firefox/Opera do support up to 720p, which technically is HD, but for 1080p you need Edge/IE/Safari or the Windows 10 app.plopke - Friday, February 16, 2018 - link
Aren't most B350 motherboards already too much out of date since they almost all ship with a hdmi 1.4 port? So all these brand new APU's being sold right now are not supported already, or do I not understand specification of motherboards well?Which is silly because the older polaris cards do have HDMI 2.0 already?
Flunk - Friday, February 16, 2018 - link
DRM schemes like this are incredibly stupid. I don't know why they even bother. If the user can see your content, they can copy it. All this money wasted on something that will be cracked before it's even fully rolled out.surt - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
HDCP living up to its name, successfully protecting you from seeing the high definition content.teldar - Saturday, February 17, 2018 - link
Just use a ROKU. I'm all for integrated everything. I'm still using windows 7 to get the most out of my media setup, but there comes a time when it's just easier to bow to necessity and go with a second device. I fought that idea for a long time, but $70 gets you a nice roku which can do kodi and 4k streaming.xenol - Sunday, February 18, 2018 - link
It makes me tilt my head whenever I see people clamoring for an HTPC when with devices like Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, etc can fulfill the job just fine. Especially since if you get one with a USB input you can just get a USB drive for local multimedia playback if you don't want to deal with setting up a media server.The only way I can see an HTPC being better is if you have a video on some esoteric codec or container... which is probably from the old days and isn't worth throwing up on the big screen.
JackNSally - Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - link
What if I want HTPC capabilities and gaming capability?