Native Frame Rate Playback

In this article, Netflix explains their solutions towards productizing a better viewing experience for their members by utilizing features and capabilities in consumer streaming devices. The article explains that most of the time, 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 frames. This process can lead to judder, especially in PAL regions.

Netflix invests in multiple solutions to address this issue for as many devices as possible. These solutions include:

1. Match HDMI frame rate to content Native Frame Rate
2. Match HDMI frame rate to content Native Frame Rate w/o screen blanking
3. Frame Rate Conversion within Netflix Application

The Netflix application running on a source device adapts to use one of these approaches based on factors such as source and sink device capabilities, user preferences, and the specific use case within the Netflix application. Every source device that integrates the Netflix application is required to let the application know if it and the connected sink device have the ability to send and receive video content at its native frame rate. In addition, a source device is required to inform whether it can support QMS and perform a seamless playback start of any content at its native frame rate on the connected HDMI link.