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Netflix Now Lets You Download Videos Onto Your PC (pcworld.com)

Netflix now offers offline streaming via its Windows 10 PC application, meaning you'll have even more options wherever you're stuck without Internet access. From a report: Netflix added the offline viewing options as part of the most recent update to the Netflix app on Windows 10. Because the Windows Store doesn't show you what version of the Netflix app you're using, just make sure you check for updates using the large blue button in the upper-right corner of the Windows Store app to receive the latest version. You won't need the Creators Update to take advantage of the new feature, either. When you open the app, Netflix will show you a large splash screen that advertises the new "download and go" capability. Unfortunately, if you click the Find me something to download button, the Netflix app doesn't currently display a list of downloadable titles; you'll have to hunt them down yourself. Netflix introduced the same capability on iOS and Android late last year. It's a bold move by Netflix to bring this feature to desktop. There is always the risk of someone finding out a way to break the DRM and easily distribute the files.

60 comments

  1. No Subject by dontbemad · · Score: 2

    It's a bold move by Netflix to bring this feature to desktop. There is always the risk of someone finding out a way to break the DRM and easily distribute the files.

    I wouldn't think it terribly challenging to pull these same files off of a rooted android phone. Regardless, I would imagine other avenues of getting pirated material would still be easier.

    1. Re:No Subject by MightyYar · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can find anything available on Netflix in the usual areas at 1080 or 720p. At some point the signal has to meet your analog eyeballs.

      --
      W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
    2. Re:No Subject by kwalker · · Score: 1

      The downloaded files are encrypted; otherwise Netflix wouldn't let you install its app on a rooted phone (Yes, they have checks for that).

      But regardless, yes Netflix shows are available online.

      --
      Improvise, adapt, and overcome.
    3. Re: No Subject by dougdonovan · · Score: 1

      and we just bought a new vehicle with what they call air conditioning...wait...a/c has been around for how long ?

  2. Reality check on aisle 3! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's a bold move by Netflix to bring this feature to desktop. There is always the risk of someone finding out a way to break the DRM and easily distribute the files.

    Yeah, that matters so much, because none of those shows end up on the Pirate Bay at the moment, right?

    1. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by Sperbels · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The Pirate Bay has a better selection too.

    2. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by jfdavis668 · · Score: 1

      Much easier than ripping a DVD, obviously.

    3. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't know why people bring up TPB as a reasonable option. I mean sure, the content is there and generally better quality, but it is also for the most part illegal (depending on location). That might not matter to everyone, but it helps to have a legal option available instead of always having to do something a bit dodgy.

    4. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Make product available without it being a pain in the ass or I'll just grab it from TPB. DRM is an absolute no-no. Not being able to store a backup of something I pay for is a no-no.

      For the most part, online music shops have gotten this right. So has gog.com. Nobody else has.

    5. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nobody said it is a "better" option. The point is, Netflix didn't have to be exceptionally brave, because all their stuff is ALREADY available on file sharers.

    6. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by Wootery · · Score: 1

      A very good point. None of this affects BitTorrent, which already has everything.

      It might affect piracy in another way though: if the obfuscation can be broken, it might open the gates to 'hoarding' Netflix content then cancelling your subscription.

    7. Re:Reality check on aisle 3! by tailgunner_050 · · Score: 2

      We're not even allowed to look at TPB here in nanny state Australia, they've blocked it on us.

  3. Hmm... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 1

    My iTunes library is 350GB. I don't have space for another media library.

    1. Re:Hmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, that's what? $10 worth of storage at today's prices. I can see why you're hesitant to increase your disk allocation for it. Wouldn't want to devote more than $10 to media storage.

    2. Re: Hmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      For reals. I got an SSD 2 years ago for under $70 that's 400 GB

    3. Re:Hmm... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 1

      Wow, that's what? $10 worth of storage at today's prices.

      I have five 1TB WD Red NAS hard drives in Z2 (RAID6) configuration (i.e., I can suffer two hard drive failures) for 3TB of usable storage space on my FreeNAS file server. That's $250 in hard drives that I bought last year on sale.

      I can see why you're hesitant to increase your disk allocation for it. Wouldn't want to devote more than $10 to media storage.

      I rather not delete the backups for my other systems to make room for another media library. It'll be five years before I can buy higher capacity hard drives at $50 each to replace the current hard drives.

    4. Re:Hmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I too, am confused. 350GB is quite a bit..in the yeeeeeaaar two thoooouuusannnnd.. https://youtu.be/kmzpdd4pWvM

    5. Re: Hmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, you got 350 GB just on iTunes. But you have more than that.

  4. Download capability REMOVED by Netflix.... by cayenne8 · · Score: 1
    Until just recently, I was able to download from Netflix to my Amazon Kindle Fire. Worked great while on the road.

    Apparently recently, I guess an update...but for no explainable reason I can find, the option to download to this tablet has been removed.

    Anyone else see this recently?

    --
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
    1. Re:Download capability REMOVED by Netflix.... by Zaelath · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Might be for /that/ show. They don't have an off-line licence for all content and the list is in flux.

      If you definitely can't download anything then .. it might think you're rooted? (I think they don't allow download to rooted devices regardless of the GP's point...)

  5. suck mt damn BALLS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    n/t

  6. I'd rather have Autoplay disable by jetkust · · Score: 4, Interesting

    If I can't download and watch on a tv easily I personally don't really care. I'd rather they remove the forced autoplay "feature" from the roku UI. I don't want to see distracting previews and trailers while I'm scrolling through the interface. I barely use Netflix on my roku because of this.

    1. Re:I'd rather have Autoplay disable by blahbooboo · · Score: 1

      I'd rather they remove the forced autoplay "feature" from the roku UI. I don't want to see distracting previews and trailers while I'm scrolling through the interface. I barely use Netflix on my roku because of this.

      Turn off autoplay next episode in your Netflix account settings on the web site.

    2. Re:I'd rather have Autoplay disable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If I can't download and watch on a tv easily I personally don't really care. I'd rather they remove the forced autoplay "feature" from the roku UI. I don't want to see distracting previews and trailers while I'm scrolling through the interface. I barely use Netflix on my roku because of this.

      Likewise I hate the auto annoy on the roku and may cancel
      My subscription as I have amazon prime and Hulu and do not need Netflix to annoy me when I am trying to find something to watch

    3. Re:I'd rather have Autoplay disable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude is talking about auto-playing background videos while browsing the main Netflix interface. If you pause on a title for more than a few seconds, a video (with shitty, license free music) begins playing in the background showing random clips of the title. The Netflix interface on the PS3 does this too, and it's a terrible design decision. Furthermore there is no way to disable it. The best you can do is mute the audio, and skip between titles to avoid the preview from auto playing.

      Think auto-playing video+audio ads on a web-site, but with no way to block them. And you're paying for the privilege.

    4. Re:I'd rather have Autoplay disable by No+Longer+an+AC · · Score: 1

      Mine does not do this.

      Perhaps it's a feature of having an older roku (2XS).

    5. Re:I'd rather have Autoplay disable by blahbooboo · · Score: 1

      Dude is talking about auto-playing background videos while browsing the main Netflix interface. If you pause on a title for more than a few seconds, a video (with shitty, license free music) begins playing in the background showing random clips of the title. The Netflix interface on the PS3 does this too, and it's a terrible design decision. Furthermore there is no way to disable it. The best you can do is mute the audio, and skip between titles to avoid the preview from auto playing.

      Think auto-playing video+audio ads on a web-site, but with no way to block them. And you're paying for the privilege.

      Not for me. As I said, i turned off autoplay and all that went away.

  7. astonishing technology by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is an amazing new capability for PCs to have. I wonder how much R&D they had to pour into this miraculous capability! Never before have we had the ability to download videos onto PCs, so it's a rather breathtaking addition to the capabilities of our computing devices.

    Three cheers for Netflix for creating this capability! I am amazed at the features they are creating.

  8. Why yes what a good idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I will download that proprietary Netflix app and let them shit all over my PC.

  9. Smart move, but not that bold by beekums · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I don't think this is incredibly bold. It just makes sense. All movies are available for piracy already. No one needs to break Netflix's DRM for that. People pay for Netflix anyway because it is so convenient. Torrenting requires time to download, even on a fast connection. Netflix requires a few seconds to buffer. Netflix also provides convenient browsing while Torrenting requires knowing what to watch. It's a smart move to make things more convenient for their paying customers while adding nothing to movie piracy.

    1. Re:Smart move, but not that bold by avandesande · · Score: 2

      Not to mention they don't have any movies anyone would want to pirate

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    2. Re:Smart move, but not that bold by Kjella · · Score: 3, Informative

      I don't think this is incredibly bold. It just makes sense. All movies are available for piracy already. No one needs to break Netflix's DRM for that.

      The threat to Netflix's business model is one thing, but DRM licensing contracts are from the innermost circles of hell and typically carry strict limitations and obscene penalties. So I'm guessing this will primarily be on Netflix's original programming, since they're not interesting in selling Netflix exclusives on disc or to TV networks anyway. They get a broader appeal, good PR as the more user friendly solution and potentially forcing the MPAA to follow suit while like you say not really risking anything at all.

      --
      Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
    3. Re:Smart move, but not that bold by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You don't even need to Torrent in a traditional sense. There is this thing called WebTorrent now where you can stream torrents and there is also a wide selection of alternative sources for content. Netflix's selection sucks- and I fail to see why people pay for it when they are hindering access/control of ones devices. Personally I want to be in control of my devices- not give someone else that control.

  10. i think a better term is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    offline mode which has been used in many other types of services. interesting seeing it in internet service like this ie not a box you rent and an exorbitant service. as far as pirates goes i think they have no problem as it is and this wont add too that.

  11. Re: Cached, not Offline by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    offline is offline. your talking about backup capabilities.

  12. Subject misleading by subk · · Score: 1

    Aside from the fact that the video file itself is itself a stream, "Streaming" is when you watch it online. Don't you mean "playback" in this case? We are talking about locally viewing a stored copy, right?

    --
    Now, if you'll excuse me, I have backups to corrupt.
    1. Re:Subject misleading by jetkust · · Score: 2

      Meh, same thing. Just like how when you "stream" music, it really just downloads the entire files most of the time. I don't think Netflix is all that different. I once remember my internet went out and Netflix still "streamed" for 30 minutes.

    2. Re:Subject misleading by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The headline is also very misleading on a key point.

      Headline:

      Netflix Now Lets You Download Videos Onto Your PC

      Awesome. Let me just fire up my OS X, Xubuntu, Mint, SuSE and Win7 PCs...

      TFA:

      Netflix offline streaming lands on Windows 10 PCs

      That limits the usefulness of the new feature to people who are blissfully unconcerned about privacy. Why did you stop at a misleading headline and not go full clickbait? (Number 2 will really surprise you!)

    3. Re:Subject misleading by PCM2 · · Score: 1

      I once remember my internet went out and Netflix still "streamed" for 30 minutes

      I had an internet outage recently and Netflix shut down a few seconds after the loss of connectivity (I was browsing on a tablet at the time). It may depend on your device, though -- this was via an Android TV device that probably doesn't have much of a storage buffer.

      --
      Breakfast served all day!
    4. Re:Subject misleading by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      Even youtube is a file download that masquerades as "streaming", always has been.

      Proper streaming is real-time or on the spot, with dropped packets (UDP) that stay dropped and lost. I think Real Player did that in the 90s? This is more similar to VoIP, or video chat, or plain old broadcast TV and is usable for live video. Should work great with multicast, although I think multicast on the internet is something that about never works.

      Of course "streaming" as done on youtube, Netflix or porn sites has entered mainstream language over a decade ago and there's nothing much wrong in calling it that. This works well anyway (with tools to dump video to a file, or porn and movie sites that let you load the video till the end if your internet is crappy)

    5. Re:Subject misleading by drinkypoo · · Score: 2

      I once remember my internet went out and Netflix still "streamed" for 30 minutes

      I had an internet outage recently and Netflix shut down a few seconds after the loss of connectivity

      What really happened was that the user's DNS resolver (possibly upstream at their ISP) went down, and Netflix was either working with an open connection or with cached DNS entries which remained cached because Netflix opened so many connections to the same host. I'm not sure which of those is the case, because I haven't looked at whether Netflix keeps making connections.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  13. I'll keep recording the streams, thanks. by uCallHimDrJ0NES · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I am entitled to record and play back my recording that I made. Caching a DRM copy of Netflix's actual file is inferior in terms of my rights. Breaking the DRM will definitely be some kind of violation. No thanks.

    --
    Cloudiot: A person who does not see offsite storage as a way to lose control over access to his or her own data.
    1. Re:I'll keep recording the streams, thanks. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      With Netflix, you're paying for a limited-time license to view the material. Your license immediately expires when you stop paying Netflix.

      Try your "I'm entitled to record and play back..." argument in front of a judge after you get kicked out of a movie theater for using a video recorder.
      Same thing. You're not going to get very far with that argument.

      Filthy pirate scum.

    2. Re:I'll keep recording the streams, thanks. by uCallHimDrJ0NES · · Score: 2

      With Netflix, you're paying for a limited-time license to view the material. Your license immediately expires when you stop paying Netflix.

      Try your "I'm entitled to record and play back..." argument in front of a judge after you get kicked out of a movie theater for using a video recorder.
      Same thing. You're not going to get very far with that argument.

      Not the same thing at all. How dare you compare my usage of a VCR with a person trying to take a camera copy at a paid exhibition at a movie theater? Are you spreading disinformation? Who pays you, coward? http://mentalfloss.com/article...

      --
      Cloudiot: A person who does not see offsite storage as a way to lose control over access to his or her own data.
  14. Netflix vs. iTunes by tepples · · Score: 2

    Both iTunes Store purchases (your solution) and Netflix caching (the present article) are useful for people whose Internet connectivity is highly location-dependent, such as having usable connectivity at home but harshly capped or nonexistent connectivity while a passenger on the commute or a long road trip. But Netflix caching is better for people who A. watch Netflix original programming, B. haven't already amassed much of an iTunes library, or C. carry a non-Apple device.

  15. Already happening by ZorinLynx · · Score: 2

    >There is always the risk of someone finding out a way to break the DRM and easily distribute the files.

    Already happens.

    Netflix knows this. They try to make it hard for J Casual User to do this, but they know the pirates will break the DRM.

    Notice how Netflix exclusives are all up on the usual pirate channels the same day they air.

    1. Re:Already happening by sskijop · · Score: 1

      >There is always the risk of someone finding out a way to break the DRM and easily distribute the files.

      Already happens.

      Netflix knows this. They try to make it hard for J Casual User to do this, but they know the pirates will break the DRM.

      Notice how Netflix exclusives are all up on the usual pirate channels the same day they air.

      hmmm

  16. Then use your TV as a computer monitor by tepples · · Score: 2

    If I can't download and watch on a tv easily I personally don't really care.

    Practically all PCs since the late 1980s have one or more of VGA, DVI, or HDMI output. Practically all TVs since 2007 have HDMI input, which can be used with DVI outputs with a sub-$10 adapter cable, and many have VGA input. So plug a cable from your computer to your TV.

    1. Re:Then use your TV as a computer monitor by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      But this is about a DRM friendly Netflix here : the downloading or caching feature requires a Windows 10 Metro app. It might require HDMI, or DVI with HDCP (this exists, but not on your PC or graphics card if it's old enough)
      I don't know if the Windows 10 Metro application has the autoplaying garbage described above. If so, then the experience will be as poor and wasteful as it is now.

    2. Re:Then use your TV as a computer monitor by Wootery · · Score: 1

      That's not much of a counterpoint to a complaint about Roku's UI. The whole point of the Roku is to avoid using a full-blown high-power (in both senses of the term) device.

  17. UWP is sandboxed by tepples · · Score: 4, Interesting

    A UWP application from the Windows Store can shit all over its sandbox. It can't shit outside the sandbox except for those files and folders that the user makes available to that particular application using secure OS-managed file choosers.

    Or does "shit all over my PC" refer to running proprietary native code in the first place, sandboxed or not?

  18. there are bigger risks than breaking drm by superwiz · · Score: 2

    A much bigger risk someone figuring out a way to live capture it at original frame rate. A broken DRM can be changed. Live capture can happen without the application's knowledge. In fact, it's probably already happening for anyone willing to take the time to set it up and having any desire to do it. And if you can't stop live capture, then drm will only stop the truly law-abiding and the moderately lazy.

    --
    Any guest worker system is indistinguishable from indentured servitude.
    1. Re:there are bigger risks than breaking drm by uCallHimDrJ0NES · · Score: 2

      And if you can't stop live capture, then drm will only stop the truly law-abiding and the moderately lazy.

      Live capture is law abiding. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a troll. http://mentalfloss.com/article.... Folks, seriously: never let a statement or implication about recording being illegal slide. Always correct this. It's worth arguing about.

      --
      Cloudiot: A person who does not see offsite storage as a way to lose control over access to his or her own data.
    2. Re:there are bigger risks than breaking drm by superwiz · · Score: 1

      You don't agree to any "terms of service" when you receive something over the air waves. You do when you stream from a website. And if the website forces you to agree to abide by the laws of the state of California, you are most likely subject to the most draconian copyright laws in the country. California is as accommodating to its movie business as Texas is to its beef business.

      --
      Any guest worker system is indistinguishable from indentured servitude.
  19. No need to break DRM by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It is really simple. All one has to do is create a substitute dll which intercepts calls to the directdraw dll. If one can view a video then one can get a copy of the pixels no matter what ridiculous DRM is imposed on the intermediate delivery mechanism. And there is very little loss of quality. After all, the pixels one captures are the only pixels one gets to see anyhow.

    Total number of lines of code involved (including for audio) is approx 7,000.

  20. I just downloaded and installed and its not there by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What a pain. Not sure why, but the download feature is not available in the Netflix app I just got from the Windows 10 store.

  21. Re:I just downloaded and installed and its not the by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I got the icon but everyone I try errors out with a problem with the file.

  22. "Offline Streaming" ??? by CapOblivious2010 · · Score: 1

    I just like the name "Offline Streaming". Streaming is, by definition, online.

  23. Behold by lowkeyknight · · Score: 1

    The exact moment I stopped carrying a surface book and an iPad when travelling.