Netflix HD and more on Mediapad M3

[tmihai20]

Hello. I am very interested in this tablet and I want to know if there is anybody using it with Netflix and if Netflix is streaming in HD or fullHD. I have the middle plan that allows for HD and fullHD when possible. I did not find an answer anywhere in the forums. It could help other people interested in it. I am also interested if anyone ran this app and checked for Widevine level there https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidfung.drminfo. This is showing beyond any doubt what is supports. It should have Widevine level 1 there to have Netflix and other streaming apps run in HD or more.

Edit: I asked on Softpedia forum and I found the answer. It has Widevine L3, it is not certified for HD or bigger quality streaming. The screenshot does not belong to me.

 

[ADRz]

I have a plan that allows for HD and UHD and I have no problems with Netflix in this tablet. It works great.

 

[tmihai20]

You probably do not see that it is not HD. I already ordered one. It is not that easy to see it is not HD on a tablet, but it is ok. I am not bothered by this.

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[30adi]

That's my screenshot )
Check this review:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/huawei-mediapad-m3-review

"HD videos, either streamed through Netflix or running off a microSD card, also play without issues."

 

[tmihai20]

Hello @30adi, we meet again :laugh: I will read you review, I do not pay much attention to those websites, the reviews are not always that detailed, but I trust you

 

[30adi]

It is not my review, i just found it on the internet. I do not use Netflix to check if it's working properly.

 

[tmihai20]

I am pretty sure Netflix won't work in HD or more. That review is just like the others (regarding the video part), we all know that today a tablet should play HD/fullHD or even 4K videos without issues. I will run the video tests from Antutu as soon as I get the tablet. Streaming from Netflix/Amazon Prime/HBO Go is different than streaming an unprotected video file.

 

[Akopps]

https://www.netflix.com/title/70297469

If you want to find out the Netflix bitrate and resolution supported on your device, play this video for a few minutes. The bitrate and resolution should be displayed in upper right. Note that for HD playback, Netflix also requires device certification. They have a list of Android devices that they support:

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939

It's pretty arrogant for a company to make it so difficult to access HD content from Android. I wouldn't give them my money.

 

[GuestD0225]

HD video restricted at Level 3

Hi, just upgraded my tablet to Huawei M3 (from Nexus 7 2013). The hardware and resolution is quite high-end but I can't stream Netflix in HD! This link explains why:

https://www.xda-developers.com/android-netflix-hd-amazon-prime-video-hd-drm/amp/

I've been streaming Netflix HD for years with the Nexus 7 and when I run the app 'DRM Info' on my old Nexus it confirms it supports Level 1 Widevine DRM and thus provides genuine HD playback.

However, Netflix on the new Huawei M3 is restricted at 480p and the picture quality is very poor compared to the Nexus 7. DRM Info app confirms it is restricted to L3 Widevine and there appears to be no workaround until Huawei provide a firmware update. Unless anyone knows any workaround? DRM Info screenshots are at foot of post.

Other video content like BBC iPlayer HD is also restricted and someone also mentioned Amazon HD is also restricted.

I'm not keen on Apple or Samsung and try to support other manufacturers but it's really disappointing that 5 years after I bought my Nexus 7 my new M3 tablet is held back by Huawei.

There is also feedback on forums that the brand new Huawei M5 is also restricted in the same way, so that route is closed as well.

I'm still within the return period so I'm going to return it and really have to do my homework before I buy another tablet. Any ideas would be gratefully received ? Approx £300 budget.

 

[tmihai20]

@DougMacp: I do not know why you say resolution is restricted at 480p. I get a sub 720p resolution (960x540) and it looks good enough. Unfortunately there is no 7 or 8 inches tablet with DRM level 1 under 300 GBP, unless you are ok with an old device like Galaxy Tab S2.

 

[GuestD0225]

Sub HD streaming

Thanks for reply. You seem to be right - tough getting hold of a non-samsung,non-apple 8 inch tab with L1 widevine. I don't see why I should be paying Netflix for HD and getting a low resolution that was common 15 years ago so I'll return the M3 and stay with the Nexus 7 for now.

 

[npg500]

The Mediapad M5 recently got L1 via OTA update, there's still hope

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[tmihai20]

@npg500: really? Have someone with a Mediapad M5 (the 8 inches version) save a printscreen of DRM Info app.

 

[npg500]

@npg500: really? Have someone with a Mediapad M5 (the 8 inches version) save a printscreen of DRM Info app.

It seems to be the M5 10.8 inch...
German thread: https://www.android-hilfe.de/forum/...kein-hd-streaming-moeglich.870606-page-3.html

 

[tmihai20]

@npg500: I read in the M5 thread that there are just promises for now. I highly doubt that ME would get Widevine L1 through an OTA update. Only M5 would, in my opinion.

Edit: M5 10 inches version did get the DRM update via OTA. It was confirmed on XDA too https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76357800&postcount=165. Nice one. I did not find this thread before.

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[npg500]

Firmware B307 (June 18) still not better than L3

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[tmihai20]

Yes, it looks like Widevine level did not change (WiFi only version).

 

[tmihai20]

It looks like Mediapad M5 8.4 (WiFi only) is in the list of HD streaming devices (https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939). I do not understand why the WiFi only version is there and not the LTE. Also, the LTE version for the 10 inches M5 is in the list too (not the WiFi only version). Really poor decisions by Huawei.

 

[dada124]

after sending several mails to the Huawei support I got feedback today from the development team that an OTA Update is currently work-in-progress to bring the L1 certification to the Mediapad M3 Lite soon

 

[tmihai20]

@dada124: that would be next to awesome, but Mediapad M3 also needs it. Such a big and good screen is not used at its full potential. I may even give up on watching Netflix on the TV (TV Netflix app was not updated at all, it is missing subtitles) or even on the hacked TV box.