One of the major selling points of Intel's latest desktop CPU platform (Kaby Lake & 200-series motherboards), namely exclusive support of Netflix UHD video, has been undermined slightly this week with the publication of guidelines from NVIDIA on support via their GeForce GTX 10-series GPU line. Currently described as a 'preview' of the capability, it's only available to Microsoft Windows Insider Program participants who also own and operate specific system hardware.
Netflix's 4K video streams utilise 10-bit HEVC decoding and Microsoft's PlayReady 3.0 DRM, both of which NVIDIA's GTX 10-series and Intel's Kaby Lake are certified for. PlayReady DRM is also the reason why Netflix HD video is only available through either the Edge browser or Netflix Windows Store App on Windows 10. Currently there is no information on planned AMD support for Netflix UHD video.
Additional requirements include an HDCP 2.2 capable monitor (to prevent recording via an external device), so if you're looking to get a taste you will need to double-check your monitor's technical specs. Full requirements are as follows:
To enable Netflix UHD playback, the following is required:
NVIDIA Driver version exclusively provided via Microsoft Windows Insider Program (currently 381.74).
- No other GeForce driver will support this functionality at this time
- If you are not currently registered for WIP, follow this link for instructions to join: https://insider.windows.com/
NVIDIA Pascal based GPU, 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
Approximately 25Mbps (or faster) internet connection.
NVIDIA Driver version exclusively provided via Microsoft Windows Insider Program (currently 381.74).
- No other GeForce driver will support this functionality at this time
- If you are not currently registered for WIP, follow this link for instructions to join: https://insider.windows.com/
NVIDIA Pascal based GPU, 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
Approximately 25Mbps (or faster) internet connection.
Additionally, Netflix UHD is not available to systems with multiple graphics cards connected in SLI/LDA mode, and in multi-monitor setups were a monitor is active but does not support HDCP 2.2.
Source: NVIDIA Support.
