Yesterday, numerous directors had a hissy fit when it was revealed that Netflix was testing out a new feature that will allow users to speed up content in order to increase the intake of their binge watching. Now, the streaming hub has responded to the backlash.
In a new blog post, the company's vice-president Keela Robison pointed out that the same feature is available on DVD players:
This is a mobile only test and gives people the ability to vary the speed at which they watch on phones or tablets — choosing from normal to slower (0.5X or 0.75X) or faster (1.25X and 1.5X). It's a feature that has long been available on DVD players — and has been frequently requested by our members. For example, people looking to rewatch their favorite scene or wanting to go slower because it's a foreign language title.
Further, Netflix addressed concerns from the likes of Judd Apatow and Brad Bird by pointing out that the speed test will only work on mobile devices:
We've been sensitive to creator concerns and haven't included bigger screens, in particular TVs, in this test. We've also automatically corrected the pitch in the audio at faster and slower speeds. In addition, members must choose to vary the speed each time they watch something new — versus Netflix maintaining their settings based on their last choice.
Keep in mind, Netflix is still only testing their new speed feature and may never actually fully implement it. But it sure would help us get through 13 Reasons Why a lot faster.
In a new blog post, the company's vice-president Keela Robison pointed out that the same feature is available on DVD players:
This is a mobile only test and gives people the ability to vary the speed at which they watch on phones or tablets — choosing from normal to slower (0.5X or 0.75X) or faster (1.25X and 1.5X). It's a feature that has long been available on DVD players — and has been frequently requested by our members. For example, people looking to rewatch their favorite scene or wanting to go slower because it's a foreign language title.
Further, Netflix addressed concerns from the likes of Judd Apatow and Brad Bird by pointing out that the speed test will only work on mobile devices:
We've been sensitive to creator concerns and haven't included bigger screens, in particular TVs, in this test. We've also automatically corrected the pitch in the audio at faster and slower speeds. In addition, members must choose to vary the speed each time they watch something new — versus Netflix maintaining their settings based on their last choice.
Keep in mind, Netflix is still only testing their new speed feature and may never actually fully implement it. But it sure would help us get through 13 Reasons Why a lot faster.
