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4K UHD Netflix content on NVIDIA GPUs (update) MS Pulls Free HEVC Support
Nvidia updated its support pages with an update on 4K UHD Netflix content playback in relation to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Below the fold an overview of options, necessities. Something Nvidia notes, HEVC codec is no longer free. Microsoft requires you to purchase a license.
4K UHD Netflix content on NVIDIA GPUs To enable Netflix UHD playback, the following is required:
- NVIDIA Driver version 387.96 or newer driver. No older GeForce driver will support this functionality at this time
- NVIDIA Pascal based GPU or newer, GeForce GTX 1050 or greater with minimum 3GB memory
- HDCP 2.2 capable monitor(s). Please see the additional section below if you are using multiple monitors and/or multiple GPUs.
- Microsoft Edge browser or Netflix app from the Windows Store
- Microsoft Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (10.0.16299 Build 16299 or newer):
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028685/windows-10-get-the-fall-creators-update - Approximately 25Mbps (or faster) internet connection.
Single or multi GPU multi monitor configuration
In case of a multi monitor configuration on a single GPU or multiple GPUs where GPUs are not linked together in SLI/LDA mode, 4K UHD streaming will happen only if all the active monitors are HDCP2.2 capable. If any of the active monitors is not HDCP2.2 capable, the quality will be downgraded to FHD. Below is a sample table for the case of 2 monitors:
|
Monitor 1 |
Monitor 2 |
Expected Stream Quality |
|
HDCP2.2 (active) |
HDCP2.2 (active) |
4K UHD |
|
HDCP2.2 (active) |
HDCP1.X (connected but not active) |
4K UHD |
|
HDCP2.2 (active) |
HDCP1.X (active) |
FHD |
SLI configuration
Currently, 4K UHD streaming is not supported for SLI/LDA configurations. However, if the GPUs are not linked together in SLI/LDA mode, 4K UHD streaming will work fine if all of the active monitors are HDCP2.2 capable.
Please note. If you are using a fresh install of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you may need to go to the Windows store to purchase the HEVC codec to playback Netflix 4K/HDR content. Microsoft no longer provides this for free.
fantaskarsef
Senior Member
Posts: 14163
Joined: 2014-07-21
Senior Member
Posts: 14163
Joined: 2014-07-21
#5493955 Posted on: 11/20/2017 10:45 AM
Needing to worry about codecs again, what is this? 1998?
I am currently using netflix on the HTPC (via browser), and it... leaves stuff to wish for.
First of all the interface is horrible, I feel like there is no UI for anybody using it on a PC, it looks like it's built around mediocre smart TV apps.
Secondly, since firefox in it's wisdom decided NOT to support it anymore since version 52, I have to use internet explorer again (win7 system because of the "legacy" hardware).
Third, it doesn't let me watch every movie because I lack HDCP 2.x because I have a PC and a TV that didn't break down in the past 7 to 10 years? What BS is that? Screw your DRM that prevents me from watching stuff just because I don't buy a new TV / GPU / cable every two years to cater their paranoia, even on 1080p, let alone any "premium" 4K content. I have a registered account, why trying to keep me from watching what I paid for?
And now you have to even bother with downloading the codec just to use it on a PC? I mean, I could imagine this working if the apps were great, but I have not seen a single "smart" TV app that made me wish to own such a device.
All my limited experience has shown me that it's nowhere near usable, just like the amazon prime video app not working well on most smart TVs.
All in all, consuming media on PC is nothing but a PITA, and they are actively trying to make it even worse.
I get the feeling they are somewhat trying to kill of the PC as a media platform so that they can promote their lackluster implementations on various android devices / platforms.
Needing to worry about codecs again, what is this? 1998?
I am currently using netflix on the HTPC (via browser), and it... leaves stuff to wish for.
First of all the interface is horrible, I feel like there is no UI for anybody using it on a PC, it looks like it's built around mediocre smart TV apps.
Secondly, since firefox in it's wisdom decided NOT to support it anymore since version 52, I have to use internet explorer again (win7 system because of the "legacy" hardware).
Third, it doesn't let me watch every movie because I lack HDCP 2.x because I have a PC and a TV that didn't break down in the past 7 to 10 years? What BS is that? Screw your DRM that prevents me from watching stuff just because I don't buy a new TV / GPU / cable every two years to cater their paranoia, even on 1080p, let alone any "premium" 4K content. I have a registered account, why trying to keep me from watching what I paid for?
And now you have to even bother with downloading the codec just to use it on a PC? I mean, I could imagine this working if the apps were great, but I have not seen a single "smart" TV app that made me wish to own such a device.
All my limited experience has shown me that it's nowhere near usable, just like the amazon prime video app not working well on most smart TVs.
All in all, consuming media on PC is nothing but a PITA, and they are actively trying to make it even worse.
I get the feeling they are somewhat trying to kill of the PC as a media platform so that they can promote their lackluster implementations on various android devices / platforms.
Redemption80
Senior Member
Posts: 18495
Joined: 2009-01-06
Senior Member
Posts: 18495
Joined: 2009-01-06
#5493963 Posted on: 11/20/2017 11:18 AM
Yep, It's more hassle than it's worth to use a PC as an HTPC, particularly with legal content. Many studios just don't want people on PC's accessing the streams.
I would love it if i could have it work like Smart TV apps, there is no PC app at all for Prime Video and with the Netflix W10 Store App the UI doesn't property support a remote control, so we have to use the trackpad on the remote, and you have to manually switch it to full screen every time.
The lack of a Prime Video app or Chromecast support is why I have not watched a single thing on Prime, as I'm not using a browser on HTPC.
I don't find anything wrong with the implementations on Android and other devices though, I just wish the PC versions had the same level of support.
Yep, It's more hassle than it's worth to use a PC as an HTPC, particularly with legal content. Many studios just don't want people on PC's accessing the streams.
I would love it if i could have it work like Smart TV apps, there is no PC app at all for Prime Video and with the Netflix W10 Store App the UI doesn't property support a remote control, so we have to use the trackpad on the remote, and you have to manually switch it to full screen every time.
The lack of a Prime Video app or Chromecast support is why I have not watched a single thing on Prime, as I'm not using a browser on HTPC.
I don't find anything wrong with the implementations on Android and other devices though, I just wish the PC versions had the same level of support.
nhlkoho
Senior Member
Posts: 7755
Joined: 2005-12-06
Senior Member
Posts: 7755
Joined: 2005-12-06
#5494020 Posted on: 11/20/2017 02:25 PM
I think it's only for new licenses. I did a fresh install of Windows last night and it was already installed when I logged in to the store as well.
made it fresh on 2 of 3 Pc, both can download it for free. The thirds got it automatically. Any official source where Microsoft claims it is no longer free? Looks like they modularized it like the MPEG2 for Store applications. If there is something to complaint about, it is the lack of 10-bit decoding which is a core feature of the HEVC standard (not a big deal for third party applications since libde265 is LGPL and not GPL lie x265)..
I think it's only for new licenses. I did a fresh install of Windows last night and it was already installed when I logged in to the store as well.
Alessio1989
Senior Member
Posts: 2557
Joined: 2015-06-11
Senior Member
Posts: 2557
Joined: 2015-06-11
#5494052 Posted on: 11/20/2017 03:45 PM
Any official Microsoft source about this? On the store is still reported as free. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/hevc-video-extension/9n4wgh0z6vhq
Like they made for MPEG-2 they made the store extension for HEVC too to enable third party store application to play - some (I am not able to play any 10-bit video with the MS decoders!) - HEVC contents without the need of third party libraries
I think it's only for new licenses. I did a fresh install of Windows last night and it was already installed when I logged in to the store as well.
Any official Microsoft source about this? On the store is still reported as free. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/hevc-video-extension/9n4wgh0z6vhq
Like they made for MPEG-2 they made the store extension for HEVC too to enable third party store application to play - some (I am not able to play any 10-bit video with the MS decoders!) - HEVC contents without the need of third party libraries
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Senior Member
Posts: 10401
Joined: 2006-02-14
So to be clear I can now play back 4K content on my 1440p monitor, and not be restricted to 1080p, as long as it has HDCP 2.2 support, I use that garbage Edge, and I have a compatible nVidia card? No more need for Intel's latest gen DRM chips?
How can I even find out if my monitor supports HDCP 2.2? I've tried looking up specifications, I've found squat. I also tried looking up test programs. Nothing.
Considering testing it with Netflix directly first would require me switching my account type back to the "4K" type, then switching again if it doesn't work, I'd rather find out ahead of time.