Netflix in HD, 4K and HDR for PC, a small guide

Today we present this guide to see content in the Netflix service on PC in HD and 4K quality, so we can get the most out of our subscription to this payment service. You also have a guide available to view content on Android devices.

Table of Contents

NETFLIX HD PLANS AND PRICES

The Netflix service offers 3 types of subscriptions to their users, a BASIC that allows us SD quality (480p), a STANDARD that allows us to access HD content (1080p) and a PREMIUM that allows us to access 4K content (2160p).

REQUIREMENTS FOR NETFLIX HD

To see Netflix on PC we have several options that we will discuss below, we recommend whenever it is possible to use the native application in Windows since it is the one that gives the best results to see something in HD, if we have contracted the STANDARD or PREMIUM plans. Our PCs have to comply with the Google Widevine Level 1 DRM content protection protocol, which is done through the use of compatible browsers or through the use of plugins such as Silverlight.

Native Netflix app for Windows, can reach 1080p quality
Only in the Netflix native app for Windows will we have 5.1 sound support
In Windows 8 or 10: Internet Explorer and Edge in 1080p quality
In Windows 8 or 10: Chrome, Firefox and Opera in 720p quality
In Windows 7 all browsers support 1080p
In Linux you can use the Chrome browser and view the content in 720p
We can see the quality of streaming with the keyboard shortcuts that we indicate below

With which miniPC, Laptop, Tablet or desktop PC can Netflix in HD?

We can watch Netflix in HD quality up to 1080p on any Windows PC.
Passive miniPCs with integrated Intel card work perfectly with Netflix Full HD.
We can also use laptops or tablets with Windows that have HDMI output.
To see Netflix from a miniPC with Windows we recommend a low consumption and passive equipment. You have our selection of the best miniPCs in the miniPC’s Shopping Guide with Android and Windows.

REQUIREMENTS FOR NETFLIX 4K HDR

We can see Netflix at 4K HDR on PC but for this we have to comply with the requirements listed below, for now it is limited to 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake processors (or higher) with hardware decoding support for the HVEC 10bit codec, for to be able to see the HDR format we need the same specifications.

Have an AMD Ryzen with Vega GPU, Intel Kaby Lake or higher processor
Have Windows 10 updated at least with update to Fall Creators Update (see our installation guide)
Output HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 to take video 4K @ 60fps
Support for the content protection protocol DRM HDCP 2.2 and Microsoft PlayReady 3.0
Some connections between the AV Receiver, the PC and the TV can give problems with these certificates you have to do several tests.
Install HVEC codec in Windows.
Netflix recommends 25 Mbps of internet connection at least
Change in Netflix> Settings> Settings Play> Maximum quality