Netflix Reflexing
One of the world’s most popular streaming services has decided to cut traffic by decreasing bandwidth stress on European networks in the wake of the Coronavirus wave.
As the people of earth run to streaming services while lockdowns are being placed in effect, the network generation and bandwidth capabilities begin to fluctuate more so than usual. This can cause a reduction in video quality when streaming a movie or a television show.
Recent interactions between EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Thierry Breton and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings show the impending decision to move forward during the pandemic period.
Important phone conversation with @ReedHastings, CEO of @Netflix
To beat #COVID19, we #StayAtHome
Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain.
To secure Internet access for all, let’s #SwitchToStandard definition when HD is not necessary.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 18, 2020
While High Definition and Ultra-High Definition resolutions are still available if the customer has paid for them, there will be a slight decrease in image resolution. The company has already taken actions for Italy and Spain, and Europe and the U.K. are next on their list to maintain their business model and help with quarantined individuals.
This may be unfair to those who wish to stream in the highest qualities, for their consumer desire might be ignored to please everyone and not just their demographic.
Network Relieving
Netflix’s goal is to provide relief for internet service providers (ISPs) who are experiencing a great surge in activity that might lead to network and physical strain. Since the company uses adaptive bit rates that adjust to any internet user’s capability, providing the highest possible quality depending on the connection.
Additionally, Disney has committed similar actions for its streaming service, Disney+. They were also aiming to introduce their service in France until being requested to hold off the launch by the French government themselves.
When streaming with Netflix, 1 GB of data is utilized when watching a movie or television show in standard mode in an hour’s time; high-definition viewing will go up to 3 GB of data within the same amount of time. It’s safe to assume that the overconsumption of internet data might cause disruption throughout many homes, so it’s a matter worth looking into before the internet blows from everyone self-quarantining themselves.
