Why Netflix is cutting streaming quality in Europe
The rapid spread of Covid-19 has driven a large number of people to stay indoors. Think about it, schools are closed, traveling is suspended, and working places are not operating anymore. Consequently, the demand for streaming has hiked since large numbers are at home. Increased streaming has caused a significant strain on the internet. Now, Netflix will slightly moderate the video quality in Europe to lessen the pressure on the internet.
As per the news, the video streaming provider says lowering the video quality will trim down Netflix data use by twenty-five percent. He also adds that movies will maintain the high- classification or ultra-high clarity 4k feature. According to reports, the change will affect the United Kingdom along with other European nations.
The Video value
Several factors determine the amount of data used when streaming a video online. The major one is the quality of the video. The class can be either high- definition (HD) or else ultra-high classification 4K. The other factor is bitrates. It affects the smoothness as well as clarity of the video when you are streaming online. The videos with low bitrates tend to be blocky, although they use less data.. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Netflix will lower its streaming bitrates as a mechanism to reduce the strain on the internet caused by extra-streaming. Although they will cut the streaming bitrates in Europe, customers who purchase the super- high definition 4K movie package will still enjoy 4K films. European Commissioner of the internal market, Thierry Breton, says people should consider standard definition whenever high definition is unnecessary.
The standard definition use around 1GB in an hour while the high definition can shoot up to 3GB. Although Netflix has decided to lessen video bitrates, it is compromising to archive a decrease by a quarter. Following the meeting held by the Commissioner of internal market Thierry and Netflix senior manager Reed Hastings, they agreed on reducing streaming bitrates in Europe for thirty days.
The Internet usage
So far, Netflix has not released any information on whether the reduction of the bitrate will affect Europe alone or together with other areas. Internet usage has hiked for the last two weeks because people are working from home as a result of lockdown due to the spread of the Corona virus. For instance, this week Vodafone has recorded a fifty percent rise in internet usage in Europe.
Besides, the Facebook chief manager Mark Zuckerberg says the platform is experiencing some surges as users try to connect with associates. He adds that “the last time the organization encountered certain surges was during the New Year Eve.”
Conclusion
The BTs chief information and technology officer Howard Watson, advice the citizens not to worry about the network overload because he is confident that the UK’s network is capable of holding the strain. The Corona virus has caused a lot of adverse effects, and now it is high time we unite forces and find a solution. Remember to follow the healthy measures specified by the World Health Organization.