Netflix improves its apps for Google TV

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If you have a Google TV device, you may have noticed that Netflix looks even better now.

Netflix has released an updated version of its app that reduces judder with a new frame rate match. Jittering occurs when content does not play at the expected frame rate, causing the same frames to repeat. A slow internet connection can also cause this effect, but it’s not up to Netflix to fix it.

The new 10.0.04 version developed by David Zheng matches content frame rates to create a smoother viewing experience on Android TV and Google TV.

As outlined by the Netflix Tech Blog, Netflix offers limited high frame rate content (50fps or 60fps), but the majority of our catalog and watch hours can be attributed to subscribers watching content at 23.97 to 30fps . This essentially means that most of the time our content goes through a process called frame rate conversion (aka FRC) on the source device which converts the content from its native frame rate to match the HDMI output frame rate by replicating the frames.

Flatpanelshd ​​reports that studios have been phasing out 23,976fps in recent years, but Netflix’s extensive catalog still has many titles already shot at this rate. Whole numbers like 24,000 fps make for smoother playback. Frame rate conversions such as 25 to 50, 30 to 60, 24 to 120, and so on eliminate judder.

While most of the series and movies are shot to provide a smooth viewing experience, a certain recently canceled Netflix series used the effect intentionally to add more mystery to the series. Viewers thought it was shaky when in fact it was a subtle but essential plot point.

If your device doesn’t support the updated 10.0.04 app, check out the Netflix Help Center for more ways to adjust TV and playback speed to reduce or eliminate judder. Still considering upgrading your television? Check out the lineup of Android TV and Google TV.

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