Netflix are hypocrites (and all this is primarily their fault). They claimed that this DRM garbage in the standard wasn't their desire, and they did it to oblige obsessed publishers. Yet, where is their own content DRM-free?
Yes, it's important to keep in mind that while Netflix is fighting bad people and we like them for that, many things they do are against consumer interests. Like Steam. It's just that the alternatives are so worse, we give them a pass.
You're right: Someone should corner them on why "Netflix Original" content isn't DRM free. (Or why they still restrict access and subtitles based on region, for "Netflix Original" titles.)
DRM for Netflix is about putting up barriers. Just like Amazon convinced publishers to go with Kindle DRM, giving Amazon the power in the end. By encouraging DRM, it's harder to compete as it is one more thing to do that Netflix already has. It's not as powerful as Kindle's lockin - content licensing is a bigger deal. Apart from that? Well, Popcorn Time provides a much better experience than Netflix. (Proper subs, force HD, use better player to normalize audio ("night mode") or otherwise tweak viewing, no messing with proxies, etc.) My wife and kids are already starting to use PT, even when the same content is on Netflix. Yikes. (Torrents + put.io was already pretty slick, but slightly more difficult (2 apps, one extra click).)
Popcorn Time though goes against the principles of distributed network like BitTorrent. I.e. it prioritizes first data blocks most and as such it's not network friendly, since network is built on assumption of equal prioritization. So while it's an interesting idea in general, it doesn't sound like the right solution technically.
Anyway, it's going a bit off-topic here, except may be it's a good reminder that DRM should never be used since it only punishes legitimate customers and does nothing good.
It's possible to dislike DRM but also understand that it is necessary for your business to function. I imagine the majority of their content comes from sources which demand DRM.
If I were Netflix, I would use my own content (such as House of Cards) to demonstrate that it's possible to go DRM-free.
> If I were Netflix, I would use my own content (such as House of Cards) to demonstrate that it's possible to go DRM-free.
That's primarily my point, but I don't agree that DRM in necessary for business. Music is sold DRM-free, games are too (GOG). So there is no reason why video can't be. Someone just have to break the sick status quo.
