NETFLIX subscribers have been given a last minute warning that the app is set to vanish from 60 TVs over the coming days.
Viewers have been urged to check the full list of affected devices to avoid missing their favourite shows.
Affected TVs are roughly a decade old.
Due to apparent technical limitations, dozens of TVs have been branded ‘too old’ to house the app any longer.
The app will stop working even on TVs that have a dedicated Netflix button on the remote.
Subscribers say the move is “unnecessary” and a waste of money, when their TVs still work.
It is mostly Sony TV models that are affected, however, some Apple TV models will be impacted too.
In a statement, Sony said that Netflix will be removed from the apps menu of all affected models.
In an on-screen message, Sony TV owners are told: “Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after [applicable date].
“Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices.”
Netflix can be found on most smart TVs and millions of Amazon Fire TV and Roku Stick across the globe.
But on 23 July, the Netflix app will end support for 16 Sony TV models, including:
A model name is a combination of numbers and letters, for example KD-55XG9505 or WH-1000XM4.
It’s not easily mistakable for a serial number, which only consists of numbers.
To find your model name, check these three locations:
Then on 24 July, the app will stop working on another 42 Sony TV models, including:
S9 Series
W5 Series
W6 Series
W7 Series
W70 Series
W8 Series
W85 Series
W95 Series
X85 Series
X9 Series
X95 Series
I’m already paying a monthly subscription now I need to pay more for hardware because apparently, my TV is Jurassic.
X user @NJTGillianFarr
“So annoyed! On screen message from @NetflixUK this evening to say the app won’t work after 24th July on my perfectly functional Sony TV,” one subscriber wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“It’s even got a Netflix button on the remote!
“TV is under 10 years old customer services basically said I need new hardware like a fire stick or something.
“I’m already paying a monthly subscription now I need to pay more for hardware because apparently, my TV is Jurassic.”
On July 31, Netflix will also pull its app from second and third-generation Apple TVs.
“It is so stupid & unnecessary to force customers to buy new devices to use your service when the old ones still work,” an Apple TV owner wrote on X.
I find the culture around technology so regressive – stuff shouldn’t need replacing every couple of years.
@c21stprimitive
“Looks like you’ve lost a customer.
“I find the culture around technology so regressive – stuff shouldn’t need replacing every couple of years.
“It’s a complete waste of resources.”
Another Netflix subscriber replied, calling the move “ridiculous”.
“We could still access a 2012 version of Netflix on an old smart TV a couple years ago,” they added.
“It looked completely different and was slow but it showed movies still.”
According to Apple Insider, other than age, it is unclear why Netflix is leaving older Apple TVs.
The outlet noted that codec support may be a problem.
In an email to owners of older Apple TVs, Netflix said: “You’re receiving this email because you’ve used Apple TV (2nd generation) and/or Apple TV (3rd generation) with Netflix in the past.
“Unfortunately, we will no longer support these devices from 31 July 2024.
“We know this can be frustrating, but we’re doing this to ensure you maintain the best possible viewing experience.”
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