Netflix will soon stop supporting some Samsung, Vizio and Roku devices. You won’t have access to Netflix if you own an older smart TV or first-generation Roku. Below is a list of devices that will be losing Netflix support. Also, here’s why Netflix made this change.
Is your TV compatible with Netflix?
Did you see the following warning message when you tried to access Netflix from your device? “Netflix will not be available to users of this device starting December 1, 2019. Please visit netflix.com/compatibledevices for a list of available devices.”
If yes, your device won’t be compatible with Netflix beginning December 1.
There is not yet any information on which models of Samsung or Vizio smart televisions will be no longer able to access Netflix in the next month. It is certain that older models will be affected. Netflix will discontinue support for the following models:
- Vizio Smart TVs were sold between 2012 and 2014. They include some of the company’s Smart TVs with VIZIO Internet Apps.
- Samsung smart TV 2010 models and 2011 models available in the USA and Canada
However, Samsung TVs will not lose Netflix support. By connecting a streaming device, such as an Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV, you can still watch Netflix. You can find our list of 2019 top streaming devices here.
If you have one of these older models, it might be time to get a new Roku.
- Roku SD (N1050).
- Roku HDXR (N1101)
- Roku HD (N1100C, 2000C).
- Roku XD (2050X, 2050N, 2100X, 2100N, 2100N, 2100N )
You can still watch Netflix on your TV, streaming device or computer if you aren’t sure. You can find the complete list of supported devices at Netflix.
Is Your Device Not Compatible With This Device?
The streaming service stated that certain devices would no longer be supported by them due to technical limitations. They did not offer any further explanation. Gizmodo stated that the change was likely to be due to DRM installed in the device. Digital rights management (or DRM) is a system that protects copied content and blocks unauthorized users access to said content. This tool protects Netflix TV shows and movies from piracy.
Netflix has largely used the Microsoft PlayReady Digital Rights Management. However, some devices still use Windows Media DRM (an older version) of the software. This compatibility update affects Roku devices that have older software and are not able to upgrade to Microsoft PlayReady.
This is not the first time that streaming services have removed support for certain devices. Hulu dropped support for LG TVs in July, for example. YouTube also removed access to Sony Bravia TVs from its site in 2016.
As technology advances, it looks like we will see this as a common pattern. Thankfully streaming devices are now quite affordable. An Amazon Fire TV stick can be purchased for as low as $40, while a Roku media device can be purchased for as low as $24.99.
