Last year, Netflix decided to create its own content delivery network (CDN), Open Connect, in order to better serve its customers, who are streaming more than 1bn hours of Netflix content each month. This year, it will begin making super-HD and 3D video formats available through Open Connect partners.
Open Connect, a single-purpose video CDN, is now delivering the majority of Netflix content worldwide. Using Open Connect, ISPs can establish a direct local connection with Netflix that delivers a higher quality viewing experience to customers at no extra cost to the provider.
Now, customers accessing Netflix through an ISP using the Open Connect network will get access to super HD video content. This is the highest quality video format to be offered by Netflix, providing better picture for 1080p HDTVs.
In the US, customers will also be able to view 3D titles through Open Connect. Netflix will consider adding 3D titles to international markets depending on demand.
“These new super HD and 3D formats are more challenging to deliver than our other video streams, which is why we will deliver them through Open Connect,” explained Ken Florance, vice-president of content delivery at Netflix. “Any ISP that wants to be able to deliver our new formats can do so easily and for free.”
Open Connect is now widely deployed around the world, serving the majority of Netflix content in Europe, Canada and Latin America, as well as a growing proportion in the US. “Our goal is to have all of our members served by Open Connect as soon as possible,” said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
Netflix customers in Ireland can verify if super HD content is available via their ISP by visiting this website: www.netflix.com/superhd.
