Netflix announced on Thursday that it is now giving all members access to the the highest quality HD streams available with Super HD.
Netflix first announced Super HD and 3D streaming options back in January, with limited availability through ISP partners with Netflix’s Open Connect content delivery network, which the company launched last year. Participating ISPs included Cablevision, Virgin Media, British Telecom, Telmex, Telus, TDC and GVT.
At the time, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “Our goal is to have all of our members served by Open Connect as soon as possible.”
And possible is now here.
“Netflix uses ‘adaptive streaming’ to dynamically adjust the video quality based on the available bandwidth,” explains Netflix’s Joris Eves in a blog post. “This means that the ability to receive Super HD depends on broadband quality and performance. Netflix members who subscribe to an ISP with a direct Netflix connection will get the best experience. Find out more about ISP performance by consulting the Netflix ISP Speed Index.”
“We continue to encourage ISPs to adopt Netflix Open Connect, our highly optimized video content delivery network,” he adds. “Open Connect is available at no cost to ISPs and is designed to deliver the best possible Netflix experience by storing the TV shows and movies Netflix members want to watch as close to them as possible.”
HD and Super HD are only available on certain titles, so don’t expect super high quality picture on everything you watch. Presumably, it will include Netflix’s own titles, including the Emmy-winning House of Cards.
Members will reportedly also now have access to 3D titles on Netflix, as was part of the announcement back in January.
Image: Netflix
