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Comment by Havoc | Hacker News Reader

> Linux distros are fundamentally more useful computer systems

Last I checked I can’t play 1080p Netflix on them so I’d say the above is questionable for the average user.

Big fan too but the year of the Linux desktop is still a way off

The average user won't notice the difference in a laptop screen unless told. What's more, they won't be using a laptop (let alone desktops) on the first place, they'll use a smart TV or TV stick.

For whatever it's worth, they don't support it on Windows for most of the users who do watch it there, since you need to use Edge or the Windows Store App on a 7th gen Intel CPU on an HDCP 2.2 compliant setup, and I'm pretty sure most people watching Netflix on the desktop don't check all of those boxes.

I for one bought a Fire TV Cube as solution. But I've also managed to watch Netflix 4k content on my Linux laptop with less effort than it takes an average user to determine if their computer can run Netflix 4k on Windows, don't ask me how.

You don't need HDCP 2.2 / specific CPU for 1080p but Edge is the only requirement.

Not the person you’re responding to but there def was a HDCP of some sort - might be for 4K

Are you serious? My debian and ubuntu computers can play 4k streaming without problems! (youtube, twitch, etc). I don't see a reason why linux can't play 4K. Could you please elaborate?

You can't with netflix content because of DRM.

huh?

I've been using Netflix without a care in the world on Firefox for ages. DRM allowance is up to the user.

Take a look: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444

4K Ultra HD on a computer

Netflix is available in Ultra HD on Windows and Mac computers with:

    Microsoft Edge for Windows

    Windows 10 App

    Safari for MacOS 11.0 or later

These computers require a 60Hz monitor to play Ultra HD content.

I'm pretty sure that is because of DRM, right? It's not that you _cant_ do it, but they _wont_ allow you. Ofc, there are otherr ways to achieve your goal.

>I'm pretty sure that is because of DRM, right?

It is yes. Doesn't matter for the average user though - it either works or it is broken.

Technical users might give it a pass on freedom & principles grounding, but not average users.

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