What happens if you install Netflix app thru Google Play on your Android TV box that isn't Netflix Certified?

by PrinceKickster

What even is this evil Netflix Certification that I am always hearing? Why do we even need it? And what's usually their categories to be allowed? Why some obscure OEMS always end up saying they're forever still waiting for it? Can you just sideload Netflix and call it a day? Wouldn't it work? Or just some features restricted to your box? This shit really prevents me from buying an obscure Android TV box really. Is there any similar major streaming services that also practice this evil shit on Android TV? Man this problem just fragment the Android TV space more and more than the Android mobile

Izacus

It probably means it doesn't support Widevine L1 DRM decryption. Your device needs to be propely locked down so you can't accidentally steal the Netflix stream and do something crazy like save it and watch it later ;)

Seriously - Netflix requires Widevine L1 driver/certification to stream HD (and that requires additional hardware support) or Widevine L3 for SD. If the device isn't certified it probably means it doesn't have a working Widevine DRM stack and your videos won't play at all.

A bit more info: https://www.androidauthority.com/widevine-explained-821935/

BiggussDikkuss

Requirements to be even able to install any Netflix App from the Playstore:

  • Google device certification (this can be faked)

Want greater than 480p Netflix, a device needs:

  • Widevine L1
  • HDCP 1.x
  • and HDCP 2.2 needed for 4K
  • Netflix device approval (this can be easily faked)

Google Certified and Netflix approved Android TV devices:

  • ADT-1
  • Nexus Player
  • Nvidia Shield
  • Xiaomi Mi Box
  • various other OEM ATV devices like the new Vodafone TV
  • Android TV running on various 4K smart TV's.

Unofficial Android TV devices that can install and stream 1080p Netflix out of the box(no Chromecasting):

  • Various MECOOL boxes that also have Widevine L1 and HDCP 1.x

Unofficial ATV ROM's running on devices that have L1 & HDCP 1.x for 1080p Netflix:

  • WeTek Hub & Play2
  • MINIX U9
  • various MECOOL boxes

.

There are a few really talented Android developers out in the ATV ROM scene that can for example take 5.1 DD+ Netflix audio and transcode it to 5.1 DD to support older HDMI or SPDIF connected DD only audio receivers. You see this on the WeTek Play2.

koshergoy

Do you have a specific box in mind?

If your tv box allows you to install Netflix from Play Store, that is a good start.
Whether you can stream higher that SD (480 res), depends on the characteristics of the tvbox as well as the DRM features employed by your screen.

Devices that can successfully stream Netflix at HD or better are in a small minority and will gladly tout that feature. If it is not apparent, or, if you must ask, likely it doesn't handle Netflix beyond SD resolution.

neoman4426

Not sure if the AndroidTV version will work on non certified devices or not. If I recall the standard Android version will restrict you to 480p maximum on non certified devices

GazaIan

It'll either not run, or if it runs you won't be streaming any higher than 480p.

satanuke

Besides widevine L1, there is also some kind of certification which the manufacturer has to go through and I believe that an Netflix serial number is attributed and needs to be included in the ROM. I have a MiBox and in the about screen there is a Netflix ESN. I suppose that besides the widevine L1 check, the Netflix app for ATV also checks for this serial number in the system.

JimboLodisC

It's copy protection. If you want to watch Netflix in HD, you need it.

OssotSromo

Which android TV boxes aren't Netflix certified?

northeasternlurker

I can't get higher quality than 480p on my Android TV box while using YouTubetv.