[dexterdog]

Netflix seems to be very forward-looking at least with 4K already available. Still, I'd rather have a larger library of 720p content than fund a bunch of new mediocre shows. It's no surprise that everything is fragmenting into the new services proving that piracy will continue be the best option for the consumer.

[cwyers]

I don't understand why anyone cares about Netflix 4K. Their regular HD video bitrate maxes out at 3.9Kbps, apparently.[1] Their "Super HD" takes you up to 6mpbs. OTA television signals are at 18mbps.[2] And Blu-Ray can go up to 40mbps.[3] Increasing the number of pixels without increasing the bitrate doesn't really fit any more actual picture info into the stream.

1) http://blog.streamingmedia.com/2013/09/netflix-doubles-video... 2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Television_Systems_Com... 3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc#Bit_rate

[coloroadie]

The 18Mbps OTA signals you mention are MPEG2. Netflix is AVC. Anything above 6Mbps AVC is pointless because the quality differences become indiscernible. You need to start tuning things like frame rate and filters at that point.

[bobp127001]

Keep in mind that OTA television is using MPEG-2 instead of the more advanced H.264 video codec - roughly double the bitrate for the same quality.

As well, OTA is somewhat inefficient with duplicated frames, as all 1080i content is broadcast at 1080i60, whereas Netflix can encode content to the original frame rate (i.e. 1080p24).

[luckyno13]

In my area at least, I can sub to Netflix, Prime and HBO and still be paying far less than I would for cable. This is saying a lot considering it is on demand content with no commercials. On top of that, if I find Netflix lacking at some point, I can stop the sub for x months and come back later where most cable packages lock you for a year or more.

I have the same concern, but I think ultimately I will be able to subscribe to exactly what I want and still come out cheaper and more convenient than cable will ever be.