Recently, several devices reportedly stopped streaming Netflix and an error message saying, "Due to technical limitations, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after Dec. 1" appeared on their devices.
The same error message appears on Netflix's support page, along with a link providing the list of all compatible devices. The message is quite vague, and it doesn't pinpoint the exact cause of the end of service.
In an email correspondence with Gizmodo, a Netflix spokesperson, explained as to why Netflix stopped working on some devices.
According to the spokesperson, the root cause is outdated hardware.
Some of the affected devices include Roku, old Samsung smart TVs, and a few smart TVs with VIZIO Internet Apps. These devices run Windows Media DRM, which has been replaced by Microsoft PlayReady.
Netflix-ready devices and applications started using Microsoft PlayReady as its primary Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology in 2010. According to Netflix, it shifted to Microsoft PlayReady because "it best meets the requirements of our content suppliers and device partners while allowing us to benefit from efficiencies in our content delivery."
In 2018, Windows released an article in its Development Center stating that the "Windows Media DRM feature is deprecated and should not be used. Use Microsoft PlayReady instead."
Roku
The following Roku devices won't be able to access Netflix due to outdated hardware: Roku 2000C, Roku 2050x, Roku 2100x, Roku HD, Roku SD, Roku XD, Roku R, and any other Roku devices that do not automatically play the next episodes in streamed content.
These devices comprised the first two generations of Roku and were released in 2011 and earlier.
Samsung
For those using a Streaming device, users must be able to locate their TV's code. Samsung's support page contains a guide on how to do that. Samsung smart TVs with a C or D in its model code will stop having service from Netflix. These devices were released between 2010 and 2011 in the United States and Canada.
Vizio
Owners of old Vizio Smart TV will also lose access to Netflix starting Dec. 2. Models that are released in 2014 or earlier are affected. On the upside, Netflix will still "work smoothly on other VIZIO Smart Tvs with VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus) and SmartCast TVs or SmartCast Displays."
The devices affected were almost a decade old, and their hardware cannot support new software. The good thing is that Netflix can be streamed in just about any device, including tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Affected users can access Netflix via those devices instead.
All affected users were notified and were given information about alternative devices that they can use to continue streaming Netflix. Additionally, the company was communicating with them directly on-device as well as by email.
