Netflix FAQ

[Catmambo]

Hi all

Thought I would provide a comprehensive and consolidated FAQ on Netflix as pretty much all the questions have already been answered, but may well be spread across different threads. Will update as new questions arise or if anything needs further clarification.

• Will my device get Netflix?
  • Simple answer is, if it hasn't got it already, then it won't be getting it I'm afraid.

• What devices do have Netflix support?
  • All 2012 platform BRAVIA's, Blu-ray players, Blu-ray Home Theatre Kits and Google TV. For clarity, this does not include the BDP-S185 and HX923 BRAVIA's which although still retailed in 2012, are actually based on the 2011 platform. As a rough rule of thumb, if its available to currently purchase on the this website, then it should be compatible.

• Why can't my device receive Netflix when its available on previous US TV's from the same generation?
  • DRM requirements have changed since Netflix first launched in the US a few years back. Thus its now mandated that the devices have to support Playready as well as supporting specific browsers to deliver a consistent experience . Only 2012 devices deliver on both of these criteria and so unfortunately its not possible to backport it to previous models due to the changes in requirements. We recognise this is a huge frustration for customers and have have examined every angle when it comes to finding a workaround, however it has not been possible unfortunately.

• Netflix appeared on my device temporarily and now isn't there, what happened?
  • This is a quirk usually caused by geofiltering glitchs and can sometimes caused by new IP addresses being used by the ISP which were previously used in the US. This normally clears itself or customers can reset their modem or call their ISP to have the connection reset. If your device isn't mentioned in the first bullet point then its not compatible with the UK version of Netflix unfortunately.

• Sony are holding back on the service to push people to upgrade their TV's?
  • Categorically not true. We would love more people to have access to the service and avoid unhappy customers on the forums, but as above, its not technically possible to deliver the mandated elements on older devices.

• I live outside the UK, what if Netflix launch in my region soon?
  • Impossible to confirm, but if you have a 2012 device then there is a good likelyhood that the service will get pushed out when it goes live.

Hope this helps - please let me know if there are any other questions on this topic below/

Thanks

[jumpsuit]

I know you must be disheartened, but have you thought about using a laptop / tablet  to play netlix through your TVs?

[burkeaw]

I have the same problem and am disgusted at Sony's lack of response... this problem CANNOT be insurmountable!

[burkeaw]

Yes, I have tried connecting a laptop to the TV ( causes many comments by neighbours/friends when they ask why this is needed !!)  but end up with a  small window in the middle of the 52" screen!! 

I have started watching Netflix on the laptop itself while the 52" expensive Sony sits un-used.

While I wait for Sony to sort this or for me to afford a Samsung.... 

does anyone have any ideas on getting full screen when connecting the laptop?

[Anonymous]

Hi there

Samsung have the same problems with older tv's too.  Manufacturers do not have a crystal ball and can only build to what is available at the time. 

Have you considered adding a bluray player or another device that has Netflix to your TV?

Cheers

[mgebre]

I entirely agree with the reviewer, SONY’s motive is to force customers to purchase new TVs.  SONY is not customer focus – they simply don’t care about the customers.  Just when they lost my personal information, couple of years ago, and forced me and millions of users to cancel our credit cards – this was very inconvenient and no compensation to consumers was ever paid.

[ntiffin01]

Same here, not impress with Sony! Netflix will not work on my Bravia TV model KDL-40NX723 (bought it in Jan 2012 thinking it a good investment) Shall not buy Sony product again!

[Anonymous]

Hi there

I too was also disappointed at first that Netflix is not compatible to my then NX723 TV.  However Sony never stated that it was supported in UK/EU, and they cannot predict what services will be available for the future.  If they could predict the future, I see Sony buying lottery tickets/horses etc.

You may have read the reasons why Netflix is not compatible - which is actually out of Sony's hands. 

Cheers

[burkeaw]

I have purchased a £30 ChromeCast and now have Netflix on my Bravia ( no thanks to Sony though!)

[jandki186]

I have read with interest the response by Sony Technical support saying that it isnt possible to add the Netflix App to my Bravia  KDL 40EX723 tv.

The reason stated is that it isnt possible to update the software.

I note however that it is possible to update the 'Amazon' Lovefilm app..............

Come on Sony play fair!

[drhowells]

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@jandki186 wrote:

I have read with interest the response by Sony Technical support saying that it isnt possible to add the Netflix App to my Bravia  KDL 40EX723 tv.

The reason stated is that it isnt possible to update the software.

I note however that it is possible to update the 'Amazon' Lovefilm app..............

Come on Sony play fair!

---

The TVs that cannot have Netflix were produced or designed before Netflix came to the UK. Their specifications were set. Netflix decided to use higher than normal security for their videos and this is where the problem lies. To play those videos needs more processing power than those TVs can handle. It is not just a software update. The Amazon update was just a rebrand. They use the same security that they used previously, so there is no problem there. They are doing updates for these different apps, don't you think they would put Netflix on there if they could?