Netflix now offers four different subscription models, with the options differing primarily in terms of resolution. Now, however, the premium tier gets additional features.
So far, the main advantage of the Netflix premium option is the support of 4K UHD resolution. In addition, users could simultaneously save downloads on up to four devices for later viewing. But now the company is expanding the range of functions in order to further differentiate the highest subscription level from the cheaper alternatives.
Exclusive audio feature for Netflix Premium users
In a press release, the company announced that more than 700 of the platform’s most-watched titles now support spatial audio — or “Netflix 3D audio.” Among them are the series StrangerThings, the watcher and wednesday as well as the movie Knives Out: Glass Onion. Upcoming series and films should receive the new audio function right from the start. This also applies to previously announced titles such as You, Your place or mine, Luther: The Fallen Sun and Tour de France. Users can find compatible series and movies by themselves by typing “spatial audio” or “3D audio” in the search function. If a title supports the function, a small logo appears.
Find out more: Netflix’s new audio feature enables cinema sound
Spatial audio – or 3D audio – may already be familiar to many from Apple’s AirPods. It describes a software feature that can simulate immersive surround sound, regardless of the audio source. No complex surround system is necessary for this, spatial audio is primarily optimized for tablets and laptops. But TV sets and smartphones with stereo speakers also benefit from this. The only requirement is stereo audio playback – the feature is not compatible with 5.1 surround sound.
Downloads on more devices simultaneously
Previously, the Netflix premium subscription offered the option of saving series and films as downloads for offline playback on up to four devices at the same time. The Standard plan supports two download devices and the Basic plan only supports one. Now the company is increasing the premium tier limit to six devices. the other subscription levels remain unaffected.
3D audio and the increase in download limit are now available for Netflix Premium users. The subscription costs EUR 17.99 per month and includes other exclusive functions such as 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos.