Netflix Is Reducing High-Definition Streaming Quality In Malaysia Beginning Today
The reduction of video quality will last until 29 April.
Netflix announced that it will be reducing its streaming quality beginning today, 31 March, to meet Malaysians' high viewing demand during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period
The streaming platform will be tweaking the quality of its High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) content to reduce the overall network traffic by 25% in Malaysia, reported The Star.
Users will see a reduction in streaming quality for 30 days, beginning today until 29 April.
Image via TNP Singapore
However, a spokesperson from Netflix explained that there is merely a "slight decrease" in picture quality and that users can still view their shows in HD or UHD
"We have many different streams for each single title within each resolution. If you are particularly tuned into video quality, you may notice a very slight decrease in quality within each resolution," the spokesperson told The Star.
They also added that users who download or have downloaded content will still be able to enjoy the videos in the "highest quality".
Netflix's latest implementation in Malaysia is not unprecedented as the company has introduced a similar measure in Europe
AFP reported that Netflix and YouTube have reduced the default image quality of streaming videos in Europe since 20 March.
The move was made after European Union commissioner for the digital economy Thierry Breton urged Internet giants to reduce streaming file size to prevent overconsumption of Internet bandwidth.
Breton claimed that streaming platforms - such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ , Hulu, HBO, and Amazon - are slowing down the web in the region.
Remember to #JustStayAtHome. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:
When the MCO started earlier this month, a controversial romance drama took the number one spot on Netflix in Malaysia:
In the meantime, here are some Netflix recommendations if you're stuck at home:
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