Netflix Won’t Work on Old Streaming Media Devices Because of DRM – Compare New Devices
After Dec. 1 Netflix will no longer stream to some of the oldest streaming media devices like Roku and others due to Microsoft’s PlayReady DRM. We’ve compared and given our recommendations for the best new streaming devices to replace it with.
A couple weeks ago I fired up my old Panasonic DVD player, that connects to streaming video services, and connected to Netflix to watch a show. Upon startup it gave me a warning:
Netflix will no longer be available on this device after December 1st, 2019.
This came as some surprise, as my Panasonic DVD player was once the cutting edge of streaming video devices. However, that was a long time ago and I’m sure my friends would be embarrassed for me as a known techie for not upgrading all this time. But, I don’t feel alone. Thousands of Roku streaming video devices, and start TVs. I look at this as an opportunity to play with new toys, so began reviewing the latest tech’ for what I’d like to buy. This wasn’t an easy decision.
Technical Background
Last month, old Roku streaming box owners received some bad news as Netflix revealed it would no longer stream on pre-2011 Roku devices after Dec. 1. At the time, the reason given was technical limitations with no further details, but now we know the limitation is DRM. Netflix relies on Microsoft’s PlayReady DRM for protecting its streams against piracy. However, the oldest Roku devices (Roku SD, Roku HD, Roku HD-XR, Roku XD, and Roku XDS) and some old Samsung and Vizio TVs aren’t capable of using it. Instead, they rely on Windows Media DRM, which Netflix continued to support until now.
The technical limitation Netflix describes is the inability for these old devices to upgrade to using PlayReady, and after Dec. 1 that will be a requirement for Netflix streams to work. So if you still own one of these very old Roku streaming boxes, their time is really going to be up in less than three weeks. The same is true for select 2010-11 Samsung TVs and select 2012-2014 Vizio TVs.
Your Choices
Although this may be an annoyance you have a lot of great new streaming video devices to choose from at reasonable prices. And, the technology available is awesome. You’ll also be able to upgrade to a device that supports a 4k TV.
If you just want the cheapest upgrade possible for HD streaming, then a Roku Express for $29.99 is a great choice, or Fire TV Stick for $34.99. I was most interested in having the ability to browse the Web on my TV, but manufacturers are still dragging their feet on that. However, the Amazon Fire TV Stick makes a valiant effort.
| Best Overall | Best Web Browser | Best Premium |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K | Nvidia Shield TV |
| Roku Channel Store | Amazon Fire TV App Store | Android TV |
| Inexpensive. Full 4K HDR capabilitiesHuge app selection. Customizable interface. | Web Browser. Affordable. Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. | Best device for gamers. Excellent media features. GeForce Now game streaming. |
| Number of Apps: Thousands | Number of Apps: Hundreds | Number of Apps: Thousands |
$49.99 | $49.99 | $149.99 |
Roku Streaming Stick+ – Best Overall – $49.99
- Inexpensive
- Number of Apps: Thousands
- Full 4K HDR capabilities
- Huge app selection
- Customizable interface
- Ethernet adapter not included
Although the Roku Streaming Stick+ lacks an audio control they have everything else you could want for this reasonable price. So you no longer have to sacrifice content selection for price. The Roku Streaming Stick+ costs under $50, and provides access to more than 5,000 channels — including the sometimes-elusive Amazon Video. The device is small and unobtrusive, and thanks to a wireless amplifier, it’s easy to get a strong signal from anywhere in your home. It doesn’t have a good web browser, but none really do – something they all need to work on. Roku has an app that allows browsing but it looks like something from the 1990’s.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K – Best Web Browsing – $49.99
- Affordable
- Web Browsing capabilities
- Supports 4K with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
- Amazon Alexa
- Quick Wi-Fi streaming and menu navigation.
The Fire TV Stick 4K is smaller, faster, less expensive, supports Dolby Vision, and features a more advanced remote to boot. It’s the best media streamer you can for under $50, and our Editors’ Choice. If you haven’t moved up to 4K yet, though, the non-4K Fire TV Stick offers the same features and design for $10 less.
Design and Voice Remote
The Fire TV Stick 4K is slightly larger than the standard Fire TV Stick, measuring 3.9 by 1.2 by 0.6 inches (HWD). This second-generation remote is still a slim rectangular wand with an easy to use circular navigation pad and a pinhole microphone near the top for using Alexa. The Fire TV Stick 4K can directly control your TV’s power and volume, letting you jump directly into watching streaming media without picking up a second remote. It currently only adjusts volume and toggles power, so you can’t navigate your TV’s menus or change inputs, but if your Fire TV Stick is the primary device you’re going to watch.
Setup
Setting up the Fire TV Stick 4K is simple, and works just like setting up most other streaming TV devices. Plug it into your TV, plug in the power adapter, then follow the instructions on your TV to connect the stick to Wi-Fi. After that, you can log in with your Amazon account and you’re set.
You don’t need a paid Amazon Prime account to use the Fire TV Stick 4K, but do need a regular, free Amazon account (which kinda sucks). However, upgrading to Amazon Prime will get you access to streaming media through Prime Music and Prime Video. Is it worth it? meh.
OS and Services
Apple and Google services are not available for some reason on Fire TV, but nearly every other big video name is present. YouTube doesn’t have its own app, but thanks to the Firefox and Silk Web browsers on Fire TV you can get the same experience through a YouTube shortcut that loads the web version of the service using a lean-back interface similar to the Android TV and Roku apps.
The reason this streaming media device gets on the top three is it’s web browsing capabilities – much superior to others tested.
Nvidia Shield TV (2019) – Best Premium – $149.99
- Number of Channels: 5,000
- Excellent game-streaming
- Quick rendering of UHD content
- Lots of great apps
- Attractive new design
- AI upscaling doesn’t add that much
- Expensive
The 2019 Nvidia Shield TV doesn’t just look unlike any other streaming device we’ve ever seen (it’s more like a mobile power charger), it’s also one of the best streaming devices, period. This tube for your tube is great at speedily spitting out UHD 4K content, and its thousands of apps means you’re getting practically everything you could watch.
This Shield TV also includes a remote control, rather than a game controller. We love this remote because it illuminates when you pick it up in the dark. You won’t miss the lack of a packed in controller, thanks to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controller support.
Other Notable Streaming Devices
Google Chromecast – Great Value – $35.99
- Inexpensive
- Fast Performance
- Intuitive interface with easy setup
- Not the best for 4k TV
This product was easy to setup. You will need to have a smart phone, google account, wifi, and google home from the app store. Once you plug this thing in it converts your TV to a smart TV. Best product for those wanting to cut the cable! At $35, it’s one of the best streaming device values available.
Stream from your phone to TV. Just like that.
Plug Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV and to power
and stream your favorite entertainment right from your phone with just a tap.
Watch shows, listen to playlists, and more. And while streaming, you can still
use your phone as you normally do.
Works with the streaming apps you know and love.
Enjoy TV shows, movies, videos, songs, games, sports and more
from over 2000 apps like Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV, and HBO NOW.
Start streaming with just your voice.
Just say what you want to watch from compatible apps and control your TV, with Chromecast and Google Home working seamlessly together.
Amazon Fire TV Cube 4K – Best for Voice Control – $113.99
- Number of Apps: Hundreds
- Speedier performance
- Alexa’s cable box controls are great
- Great 4K HDR picture quality
- Home screen has ads and can’t be customized
- Awkward Ethernet adapter
One of the most elite streaming video devices that can actually control your cable box…if you still have cable. The Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) packs a version of the virtual assistant that offers more entertainment device tricks than most, including switching HDMI inputs and tuning to cable channels. And thanks to a faster processor in this new model, commands happen up to four times as fast. This box streams content in excellent 4K, HDR quality.
Wirelessly stream movies, TV shows, sports, news and more
Watch over 500,000 movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, HBO, SHOWTIME, NBC, and more. Discover thousands of 4K Ultra HD movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
True-to-life picture and sound
Enjoy stunning 4K Ultra HD streaming up to 60 fps and HDR enabling more vivid, lifelike colors and exceptional clarity.
Find content quickly and easily with Alexa Voice Remote
Use your voice to easily find, launch and control content. Alexa can also answer questions, play music, read the news, check sports scores, search local restaurants and more.
Do even more with Alexa
Fire TV Cube has a built-in speaker that lets you check the weather, listen to the news, and more – even with the TV off. Plus, view camera feeds and control lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices – just ask.
Music streaming
Stream millions of songs and use your voice to request a song, artist, playlist, or control playback through Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and iHeartRadio. Subscription fees may apply.
