The video streaming service will stop working on older Roku boxes and Vizio and Samsung smart TVs. No use waiting for software updates
The end of Netflix is coming. No, Reed Hastings' streaming platform isn't closing its doors. On the contrary, despite increasingly fierce competition (Apple TV+, Disney+ and, most recently, Quibi), Netflix is ready to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in new film productions and new TV series.
Most simply, as of December 1, 2019 Netflix will stop working on dozens of devices and smart TVs, thus preventing thousands of users from continuing to enjoy their subscription. The notice given by the U.S. company was a couple of weeks, thus giving little time to those who own one of these devices (or smart TVs) to run for cover and replace it with one that is still compatible. But how come Netflix will no longer be seen on smart TVs and TV dongles? And what are these devices? Let's see it together.
Netflix, stop on TVs and devices that are too old
The reasons that prompted the video streaming giant to "cut the plug" on dozens of devices is very simple. Netflix is updating its policies on the protection of copyrighted materials (so-called DRM, digital rights management) and not all smart TVs or TV dongles will be able to guarantee compatibility with the new standards. For this reason, the Netflix app will no longer be compatible with older devices, as communicated by the same U.S. company.
What are the devices on which Netflix will not work from December 1, 2019
According to the information revealed by the same U.S. company, from December 1 Netiflix will no longer be seen on Roku devices and Samsung and Vizio smart TVs.
Specifically, the Netflix app will no longer be compatible with Roku boxes and dongles sold before 2011 (specifically with the Roku 2000C, Roku 2050X, Roku 2100X, Roku HD, Roku SD, Roku XD and Roku XR models); with Vizio smart TVs sold between 2012 and 2014 (specifically, models with the Vizio Internet Apps system) and with Samsung smart TVs manufactured and sold between 2010 and 2011 (specifically, models that have the letters "C" or "D" in the model number, just after the number indicating the screen size).
How to watch Netflix on smart TVs that are no longer compatible
On the software level, there's very little you can do. Netflix's new DRM system, in fact, cannot be supported in any way by older smart TVs and it's pointless to wait for a system update. To continue watching Netflix, therefore, either buy a new smart TV or choose a compatible device (such as a console, Android box, Fire TV stick or other dongle) to connect to your old TV.