Netflix who have been credited with driving demand for 4K Ultra HD TV’s in Australia, is close to delivering 50% of their content as original programs shot in 4K.
According to Samsung Australia, Consumer Vice President Carl Rose Netflix has contributed to the growth in demand for 4K UHD TV’s due to the US streaming network being one of the few sources of 4K content.
In Australia Netflix now has over 1.6M customers who can access 4K content if they own a 4K Ultra High Definition TV.
A JB Hi Fi manager said “Consumer with HD TV’s see the 4K logo on the Netflix Original content and they suddenly realise that their HD TV needs to be be replaced with a UHD TV if they want to get the benefit of 4K viewing”.
Netflix said yesterday that the majority of content on the streaming network will soon be original programming shot in 4K” Netflix CFO David Wells said.
The company is currently one-third of the way to hitting its target of 50% homegrown or fully-owned programming he claimed.
By the end of this year, the streaming pioneer will have 600 hours of original content in its library, which is up from 450 hours in 2015.
As well as adding brand new shows like Stranger Things and Luke Cage, the tally has also been boosted by new seasons of popular shows like House of Cards and Daredevil.
All of the Netflix Original TV content is available in Australia.
Wells said the company is also okay with boosting the original content line up without every show being a gigantic critical success.
He said: (via Variety) “We don’t necessarily have to have home runs… We can also live with singles, doubles and triples especially commensurate with their cost.”
In more good news for subscribers Wells also appeared to rule out a move into ad-supported subscriptions.
“There’s no immediate plans for an ad-supported product… The Netflix brand stands for no advertising.”
Wells also revealed those subscribers who are disgruntled with the product line up and price hikes are likely to return to Netflix after cancelling. 33-50% of former subscribers return eventually, Wells said.
