ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
There have been a couple of explanations to why there is no Netflix app/direct access on the newer SmartTV enabled B&O tv's.
None of these explanations seems to 'tell the whole thruth'.
Yesterday - when having a look again, again at the Avant - I asked the dealer that question.
It may not be interesting for german costumers (there is no Netflix in Germany at the moment), but a lot of the B&O costumers surely would like to have the direct access to Netflix without the 'ATV workaround'.
By the way - this 'issue' would go for any of the movie streaming services avaible (national or international), I guess.
So - this dealer had yet another explanation for the missing Netflix app on the Bv's.
He told me that Netflix charges license for enabling the apps on the tv's!
In this case - if B&O would upgrade all (BSys-based) tv's - it would cost quite a lot, because the fees would have to be paid for every tv sold...not only for new tv's.
I did a research this morning, but I have not been able to verify, if this is correct or not?
This is one of the google-searches that has no result, no matter how you ask on Google
Has anyone knowledge of how these things are handled between Netflix and the tv manufactorers?
And - if correct - how much these licence fees are?
To me it seems that there may be some hruth in it. That could be the reaon why many of the 'great players' don't enable their older SmartTV versions via software update - but only apply Netflix to the 'next year models'. Simply to save costs.
So the question is how much would it cost to get Netflix (or any of the other services) to our BV's?
And would you - as a costumer - be willing to pay for this (if update was possible)?
Greetings Millemissen
There is a tv - and there is a BV
It is well known that Apple and other third-party manufacturers pay Netflix (as well as Hulu, HBO etc) to host their app on the ATV. It is true that Apple takes a cut of the monthly price when you subscribe from the ATV. They recover part of they license by the cut they get when a user subscribes to the service on the ATV. In the end it's a win/win situation. People buy the ATV to watch netflix and Netflix has access to existing Apple users.
The problem with Netflix is availability. Today, it's "just" US, UK, IR, CA, NL, parts of South America and the Nordic countries.
Netflix is expanding in Europe later this year but it appears Germany is the only big country among the candidates (Italy, Spain and many other countries are not interesting enough for Netflix because of piracy and the lack of proper broadband). And we can forget about it in Switzerland too because acquiring the rights for content in three languages for such a small market appears to be out of question.
I'm sure B&O has their own research about the Netflix effect on potential customers, but my (not very educated) guess is that they are waiting to see wider adoption in more countries before agreeing to pay a fee.
Anyway, this is an interesting article about Netflix and what it has to go through to expand in Europe: http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/netflix-makes-plans-to-move-into-europe-but-it-faces-fights-from-local-competitors-1201125910/
The V1 is surely from a time when it could be built in as it's a smart TV ?
Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1
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PhilLondon:I find it strange that TV manufacturer have to pay to feature Netflix. It would seem to me that it would be in the interest of Netflix to have the client on as many TV as possible... Also cheapo TV can pay the license and B&O can't pay to when selling a 7000 euro TV??? All very strange.
Also cheapo TV can pay the license and B&O can't pay to when selling a 7000 euro TV??? All very strange.
In the UK it's the same with the ITV player and 4OD. They will play on any cheap TV or computer, but not the BV11.
4OD will run on an iPad but the broadcaster has prevented uploading from an iPad to Smart TVs.
Graham
Just found a picture of two B&O engineers who are responsible for the apps on there smart tv's
"Believe nothing you read and only half of what you see, let your ears tell you the truth."
You are right and I might have been wrong into suggesting that the TV manufacturer has to pay the license.Another option might be that B&O does not want to distribute an application which is geo-restricted.If they were to roll-out Netflix to all B&O TV sets, many users would be disappointed to discover that "Netflix is not available in your country" and this might have a boomerang effect on the brand.
So it might have to do with B&O's inability to distribute apps according to the region where the TV is located, as opposed to what Apple does (i.e. it pushes specific apps/content to the ATV according to the box location).
I am not familiar with B&O Smart TV (until I get my Avant :), but I would imagine that the included apps are pretty much available all over the world, is it correct?
Marcello:You are right and I might have been wrong into suggesting that the TV manufacturer has to pay the license.
Marcello: .... but I would imagine that the included apps are pretty much available all over the world, is it correct?
.... but I would imagine that the included apps are pretty much available all over the world, is it correct?
How about Spotify?
And the chinese music service?
MM
Marcello:Anyway, this is an interesting article about Netflix and what it has to go through to expand in Europe: http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/netflix-makes-plans-to-move-into-europe-but-it-faces-fights-from-local-competitors-1201125910
This article is very interesting and explains the financial model interaction between Netflix and Apple - arrangements possibly apply to all NF distribution partners.
@Marcello - thanks for the link - great article - I learned a lot
BeoNut since '75
Millemissen: How about Spotify? And the chinese music service? MM
Spotify is available in most countries, at least those who are strategic to B&O: https://support.spotify.com/us/learn-more/faq/#!/article/Availability-in-overseas-territories
I'd say that the chinese music service has less appeal outside of China (personally, I don't know even know its name), while Netflix has become pretty popular even where you cannot use it.If you can install the chinese app but you are unable to access content because of geolocation, then it means that B&O cannot restrict the installation of apps selectively by country.
Marcello: Millemissen: How about Spotify? And the chinese music service? MM Spotify is available in most countries, at least those who are strategic to B&O: https://support.spotify.com/us/learn-more/faq/#!/article/Availability-in-overseas-territories I'd say that the chinese music service has less appeal outside of China (personally, I don't know even know its name), while Netflix has become pretty popular even where you cannot use it.If you can install the chinese app but you are unable to access content because of geolocation, then it means that B&O cannot restrict the installation of apps selectively by country.
In the UK one of the main apps is the bbc iPlayer. I don't know whether it is installed for other markets, but the bbc say that you cannot use it outside the UK except for receiving news and limited 'Best of' series.
The ITV player cannot be added to the BV11 in the UK so there are certainly restrictions in place but not based on country.
I find it typical.
The Netflix app is free of charge to download and install on your (Android or Apple) smartphone and tablet. So many different manufacturers of smartphones. You still need a subscription for using it.
But more interesting will be the development of internet itself. Will content, like Netflix, Spotify or any other streaming service, try to get priority at the internet providers to maintain a streaming service without hitches to its customers.
So will it affect the bandwidth of the common internet user due to some payed privileges by streaming services?
vikinguk:In the UK one of the main apps is the bbc iPlayer. I don't know whether it is installed for other markets, but the bbc say that you cannot use it outside the UK except for receiving news and limited 'Best of' series. The ITV player cannot be added to the BV11 in the UK so there are certainly restrictions in place but not based on country. Graham
Beobuddy: But more interesting will be the development of internet itself. Will content, like Netflix, Spotify or any other streaming service, try to get priority at the internet providers to maintain a streaming service without hitches to its customers.
"Try to get priority" is an understatement :). You can read more about the Comcast and Verizon deals with Netflix here: http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/28/5662580/netflix-signs-traffic-deal-with-verizon
In the US, Netflix accounts for more than 30% of the total Internet traffic. In the UK it's at around 17% and rising.
On top of these bilateral deals, there's also the whole mess of net neutrality being put into question by the carriers (who ultimately want big content providers to pay them to speed up their services). This applies to the US only for the time being, but similar issues will arise in Europe as well at some stage.
Don't wish to sound like a fanboy, but I think B&O is in a better position today by not over-committing to anyone's video technology or application. Niche player creates luxury open source TV, modified to suit regional application, with price updated accordingly; Makes sense to me.
Things will be dramatic over the next few years as net media providers and internet providers fight over the terrain in the US. I wouldn't pretend to have a guess as to how it will shake out, but the Comcast deal with Netflix is intriguing. If Netflix become the major player in 4K, Comcast will have an early edge, but there are all kind of legal ramifications for bundled cable, internet, and both kind of voice in the US, as several have alluded.
On another note, people must not forget that Hulu has the support of TV networks in the US plus BBC, and Amazon is as powerful as Google and Apple.
Wouldn't you hate to be wrong in this domain? Makes the music scene look amateur.
And ATT just announced it is buying Direct TV for over $48B, putting them squarely in the Video business, and once again proving I am minutes ahead of my time in not having a clue where this thing is headed.
symmes: , but I think B&O is in a better position today by not over-committing to anyone's video technology or application. Niche player creates luxury open source TV, modified to suit regional application, with price updated accordingly; Makes sense to me.
, but I think B&O is in a better position today by not over-committing to anyone's video technology or application. Niche player creates luxury open source TV, modified to suit regional application, with price updated accordingly; Makes sense to me.
Netflix is or will be just an app in B&O's own app store. Customers should be able to make their own choice and customize their own userinterface.
No app's which they never use.
I've recently bought a WD Live TV mediaplayer to play with. It has also Netflix like ATV. But the number of app's pre-installed are ihmo to much and causes a chaotic interface. Less is more..
Beobuddy:I've recently bought a WD Live TV mediaplayer to play with. It has also Netflix like ATV. But the number of app's pre-installed are ihmo to much and causes a chaotic interface. Less is more..
That plagues most SmartTVs. My Sony W6 has probably a three-digit number of apps, with no visible description apart from the title (which you have to wait to scroll if it's longer than two or three words). It would probably take a full working day of clicking and waiting just to find out what each of them does. And I use two or three of them. At least you can select which ones appear in a quick menu...
--mika
Beobuddy:Netflix is or will be just an app in B&O's own app store. Customers should be able to make their own choice and customize their own userinterface. No app's which they never use. I've recently bought a WD Live TV mediaplayer to play with. It has also Netflix like ATV. But the number of app's pre-installed are ihmo to much and causes a chaotic interface. Less is more..
rob08: What I really hope for is that B&O choose to offer Netflix access direct via a source button just like Spotify. That would be a true competitive advantage
What I really hope for is that B&O choose to offer Netflix access direct via a source button just like Spotify. That would be a true competitive advantage
Or even better, every installed app automatically via the List button.
My retailer also said that Netflix charged to much for their licenses! I think it is absolutely absurd that Netflix charges for this. Netflix makes money on customers and when the customer does not need to purchase special equipment this means they will gain more customers. Of course Netflix should be the ones to blame here and I think we all should email them about it. The BV smart tv uses a platform that is very similar to other tvs so it is not a big problem to put it in the code of the BV-tvs.
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
Some time ago I read that Opera and B&O would have a cooperation - in order to have the new Opera SDK
as part of the SmartTV.
http://www.operasoftware.com/press/releases/devices/2014-01-08_2
Any news about this?
This seems to allow the user to get any app, he prefers - on his own.
berlin2010:So actually to get Netflix requires no coding whatsoever the app has been around for years on other "Smart TV" alliance members' products, it's simply a case of B&O choosing to limit (severely) the apps we can access. To get an idea of what's are available, go to a big box retailer and play around with an LG, there's literally hundreds of apps - Hulu, Amazon instant video, Netflix, Crackle etc.
Quite the contrary. It requires some heavy coding actually. Netflix is not available on B&O TVs solely due to technical reasons (Netflix app not compatible with B&Os platform).The Smart-TV Alliance doesn't help much there apart from working together common goals and standards. It does not mean that all apps work out-of-the-box on every platform.
PapaJustify:Quite the contrary. It requires some heavy coding actually. Netflix is not available on B&O TVs solely due to technical reasons (Netflix app not compatible with B&Os platform). The Smart-TV Alliance doesn't help much there apart from working together common goals and standards. It does not mean that all apps work out-of-the-box on every platform.
The Smart-TV Alliance doesn't help much there apart from working together common goals and standards. It does not mean that all apps work out-of-the-box on every platform.
This is indeed correct and what I hear from good sources. Netflix has no problems towards B&O, but B&O has to design the application for Netflix in home, Netflix will not write it.
Then - why does Netflix run on other 'SmartTV Alliance' platforms like on the Philips tv's?
Millemissen: Then - why does Netflix run on other 'SmartTV Alliance' platforms like on the Philips tv's? MM
I guess that is because Philips' hardware and software platforms are compatible with the Netflix client while B&O's is not.
The B&O media platform is a application platform embedded in the hardware of the TV. This platform allows developers and publishers to build apps made available preloaded on the TV, all built on this media platform. Each integration with a manufacturer takes on different aspects to expose a consistent user interface to the consumer. Netflix app is a native code executable made available trough the (mostly flexible) architecture of a media platform. From a consumer perspective, Netflix is seen as an “app”, but in this case the physical implementation is probably different. Normally Netflix owns the app along with all features and implementation, so they have to make changes as they own the app and code. The question is:
- Is B&O willing to give there platform architecture to Netflix or any other (Hulu, Amazon,...) so they can do the necessary implementation?
- Is Netflix, as an owner of the app & code leave it to B&O to do the necessary rewriting for their native app to implement it?
Probably its not so easy as we think to get Netflix as app on our B&O screens. My guess for the implementation : Don’t compare B&O with Philips, LG, Sony, etc… It’s a small player and therefore a no priority with Netflix. Let us all wait and and watch regularly the media player setup for this app.
I am certainly not 'comparing' - just trying to understand
Millemissen: I am certainly not 'comparing' - just trying to understand MM
My deep sincere apologies if you get this personal Mille, I was in now way to offend you. I say to me.
EDIT: By the way, did you watched lately the Mediaviewer on your V1. Belgium is now with the most apps, I'm expecting soon Netflix for us
I suppose it would be nice to have it native on the set, especially as the B&O way is to minimize external boxes but if you are going to have a BluRay player it becomes kind of a so what. I have Netflix on both my Panasonic TV and my Oppo BR player. Unfortunately, I've not been able to successfully get the audio return on the TV to send sound to the AVR I'm using for sound duty, so I watch Netflix via the BR player.
Interfaces are identical. Picture quality and such are identical.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Chris: My deep sincere apologies if you get this personal Mille, I was in now way to offend you. I say to me. EDIT: By the way, did you watched lately the Mediaviewer on your V1. Belgium is now with the most apps, I'm expecting soon Netflix for us
it takes a lot more to offend me - so no, I did not understand it that way
What do you mean by 'the Mediaviewer on your V1' ?
If you mean the 'WebMedia'? Then no, I tried that a couple of times in the beginning - since then never again.
I know there can be other/different app's, if you choose another country - but I don't know which ones from which country?
Millemissen: If you mean the 'WebMedia'? Then no, I tried that a couple of times in the beginning - since then never again.
Yes, I mean the webmedia.
Look at the Netherlands, they have the most apps. Take a look also at 'Conditions' in the startscreen of WebMedia, here is written that WebMedia is a platform belonging to TP Vision -Holland.
A search for TP Vision on the net shows that it is the owner of Philips? TP Vision brought Netflix in september 2013 on their Philips Smart TV platform next to You Tube and Videoland On Demand. Right now You Tube is on the apps for my country, so my guess is Netflix and Videoland On Demand will be soon?!
At present it seems Netflix has no plans for my country, but I can already hire movies and series from Videoland On Demand with a Belgian account on my desktop, tablet...
I read the news today, oh boy!
Seems that from now on a lot more B&O-tv users will be asking for a Netflix app.
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27496055
If you would like to access 4K content from Netflix, you have to use the app - this will perhaps change with the new Apple TV rumoured to be released this summer, but for now no external boxes can provide Netflix 4K content...
Roger
I live in spain and nextflix app is on pc and I pad but just comes up will e mail when available
malcolm welborn