Netflix Phasing Out Old Technology Soon
Technology ages much like anything else. With that aging process older technology is dropped from support by companies. Netflix is no different.
On December 1st, 2019, many older devices will no longer support Netflix. This could mean potentially millions of subscribers will be left out. Subscription paid or not.
This sucks for the more cash strapped Netflix subscribers, it is a natural progression. What is surprising about this announcement is just how many Roku devices are on it.
There are seven Roku devices specifically named. Along with those Roku devices there is the stipulation “any other Roku devices that cannot auto-play the next episode.” I am not sure off hand just what devices that fall into that ambiguous area, but I am sure it is.
Thanks to Lifehacker.com, we know exactly which seven named Roku devices are on that list:
Roku 2000C
Roku 2050X
Roku 2100X
Roku HD
Roku SD
Roku XD
Roku XR
Along with those Roku devices Samsung televisions were mentioned. Specifically, televisions with a C or D in their model code. Lifehacker has a link to find out if your television is in this cut off.
While the Roku streaming device is extremely popular, I do want to point out that these are mostly older devices that are getting cut off. The potential impact to Netflix’s subscriber list is probably not going to be anything like what many others are saying it will be.
Are you rocking one of these devices and still subscribed to Netflix? Tell me what Roku device you stream with in the comments.
I had to go and check ours, but we have a Roku Premiere+, so it looks like we're safe. For now, at least...
That is good to hear.
I reckon i'm probably safe for a while since i use the PS4. Netflix probably has their reasons based on the amount of subscribers that use these devices and are willing to take the loss. I'm quite certain they look at things like how much it is going to take to recode or whatever they have to do and then multiplied it by the number of people using said devices, then determined it wasn't worth it.
This probably seems obvious :)
It is a natural progression. Much like Google or Apple no longer supporting older hardware as new system versions become available. To move forward you sometimes have to cut off slower hardware.
I cannot imagine trying to view 4K content on one of the earlier Roku models for instance. I am sure it would be a frame by frame show as the hardware is just not there to handle that workload.
I agree with you, I am sure Netflix has paid close attention to what hardware is in use and what is more popular. They have been upfront about paying close attention to what is being streamed, how long, what minute mark people drop out, etc. so it only makes sense to think they are paying attention to the hardware being used as well.
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Amazon just recently dropped support for my Sony Blu-Ray player (forget the model number). The Amazon interface on it was always crap anyway. Netflix still supports it and works quite well...for now. I also still use a PS3 for both Netflix and Amazon. Never had a Roku though...
It sometimes makes my mind boggle at just how many devices we have available today that can access services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. I imagine it is a nightmare behind the scenes for someone. Lol.
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