If you simply can't bear to watch HD video streamed via Netflix, you'll be happy to know the company is stepping up its game with access to higher quality streams -- assuming you have an ISP who will support them.
Engadget is reporting that Netflix has announced a new "Super HD" initiative to provide higher quality 1080p streaming video worldwide, with the added bonus for U.S. customers of 3D -- all at no extra cost to the subscriber.
As with most things of this nature, there is an unfortunate catch: You'll need compatible hardware that's up to the task, and you'll also need an ISP willing to take on all of the extra bandwidth required to bring it to your home.
Most of us should be in pretty good shape hardware-wise -- the approved list includes popular platforms such as the PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows 8, Roku, smart TVs and Blu-ray players and even the Apple TV, assuming your model can handle 1080p content.
What might harsh your Super HD mellow is the fact that only two Open Connect-friendly ISPs have signed on in the U.S., those brave souls being Cablevision and, of course, Google Fiber. For now at least, international subscribers will have the upper hand, because Netflix claims most of their overseas streams are already served through compatible ISPs.
The report notes that Super HD encodes come in around 7Mbps, while the 3D streams max out at 12Mbps -- so now might be a great time to upgrade your internet data plan so you're ready for it. A quick trip to the Netflix Super HD website will tell you if your internet provider is up to the task.
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(Image courtesy of Netflix)
