Skip to main content

Time Warner: Netflix’s insistence on Open Connect is “discriminatory”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last week,  Netflix launched its Super HD and 3D streaming services, available only to customers with certain Internet Service Providers (ISP). The services come at no additional cost to Netflix subscribers who are, naturally, thrilled with the announcement. The ISPs, on the other hand, aren’t as ecstatic.

According to Slashgear, Time Warner Cable (TWC) is claiming that Netflix is engaging in “discriminatory behavior.” The reason TWC is hot under the collar: Netflix is requiring ISPs to sign-on to its Open Connect delivery system before giving them access to the new high-resolution content. Open Connect essentially strings a direct line between Netflix and ISPs, advantageous in that in that it eases congestion and reduces the cost of streaming the high-bandwidth material.

Still, TWC says its network can handle the task just fine, thank you very much, and is contending that it’s wrong for Netflix to withhold content from its customers. Netflix, however, views an opt-out on Open Connect as a deal breaker, and continues to encourage all ISPs to get on board with the program – which it insists involves no extra cost to the provider.

Will TWC content itself with voicing its displeasure? Or is this public foul-crying a harbinger of legal action? Let us know what you think in the comments below. 

Editors' Recommendations

Adam Poltrack
Adam is an A/V News Writer for Digital Trends, and is responsible for bringing you the latest advances in A/V…
We tested them all — these are the best Sonos soundbars in 2024
Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar.

If you're shopping for a soundbar, you've probably stumbled upon Sonos. The company is responsible for many of the best soundbars of 2024, thanks to a combination of rich audio, time-tested reliability, and (fairly) reasonable prices. Sonos soundbars are great for home theaters, but they're just as capable of serving as a dedicated sound system for your favorite music, making them a hot commodity among all types of shoppers.

But which Sonos soundbar is the best? Many specs are shared across all devices in its lineup, which can make it difficult to figure out which is best for your needs. Should you opt for the expensive Sonos Arc? Or would you be better served by the affordable Sonos Ray? And what about the mid-range Beam – is it good enough to serve as the anchor of your home theater?

Read more
What is Sling Freestream?
Sling TV Freestream logo.

If you were to ask about the biggest trend in streaming video of late, chances are it’d be something called FAST. That’s short for free, ad-supported television. It’s everywhere. And if you’re looking to watch something without having to pay yet another monthly fee, it’s got you covered.

Sling TV has its own FAST service, called Sling Freestream. As the name implies, it’s free. In fact, you don’t even have to have a Sling TV account to watch.

Read more
Samsung S95D OLED first look: a reflection on excellence
Samsung S95D OLED

I recently traveled to New Jersey to visit Samsung for an up-close and personal look at the flagship TVs in its 2024 lineup, which includes Samsung’s 8K Neo-QLED and 4K Neo-QLEDs, and the reason we’re here today: the S95D.

The S95D is Samsung’s flagship OLED TV for 2024, and it has been the subject of some consternation for some TV enthusiasts because it has a new anti-glare or anti-reflective screen coating. Is there any merit to that concern? Has it overshadowed how good this TV could actually be thanks to a new 3rd generation QD-OLED panel? Is it any brighter? Should we be excited about this TV?

Read more