Having a look for a budget Android tablet for media consumption and I'm amazed by how hard it is to figure out Widevine version for each model out there. Since this is a big differentiaiting factor in this market segment these days, you'd expect it to be part of spec sheets and clearly mentioned in reviews, but that is not the case.
Why?
And how do you go about researching a purchase in this landscape?
widevine != widescreen
It’s a digital rights type thing that’s needed for streaming of Netflix etc.
You could use e.g. Netflix's list of supported devices - HD playback is only allowed on L1 and L2 devices https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939
Thanks that's actually pretty useful!
Do you happen to know what is the requirement for HDR?
They are there as well.
Wouldn't most reviews mention if Netflix doesn't work? Are there many tablets that don't support this?
Netflix works, it’s just you don’t get HD.
Even through Netflix app? That doesn’t sound right when you consider the monthly cost of the 4 stream Netflix.
Netflix doesn't really care what you pay, if you don't use the device they approve, you get poor quality video.
@samfisher5986: I guess it pays to buy a flagship tablet then. One of the many problems of android fragmentation.
Correct, you won’t get HD through the app.
It’s not a Netflix problem that the user bought a tablet that can’t do the drm stream. Just the same as it’s not a Netflix fault if someone subscribes and only has dial up internet.
@PVA: Millions of Apple and top tier Android users have no idea that people are even dealing with this. Being a cheap Android user is like being a scavenger or a beggar, constantly begging companies to make better apps for their specific device.
i think a lot of people get netflix through APKpure, and that doesnt have the issue. worked for us on a TV box.
Thanks !
What is the benefit/justification to show SD streams but not HD? Surely Netflix or whoever want customers on any platform who pay their subscription to get the best experience?
Who benefits from DRM that only protects HD?
Like all digital rights management systems it's a bit of a heavy handed approach to piracy
It doesn't make sense, I doubt many content pirates use rooted Android devices for that purpose, and then if they do then they can circumvent the check anyway.
Widescreen doesn't exactly suit a large tablet. A little one can get away with it, like the old Nexus tablets. Look at the iPad though, it has a 10.2 inch screen (or effective 10.9 inch screen", which is old 4:3 ratio. But you can fit a 16:9 into that to get a 10.2 inch widescreen image, with black bars on top and bottom. If you think using Office in split screen on a 16:9 screen is convenient, then you'll love the extra screen realestate that a 4:3 screen will give you. It feels very natural for documents and most other apps I've tried. Like you're holding a magazine, instead of holding a comically oversized and long flyer.