If you thought you were watching Netflix in HD, this might come as a shock

It turns out not every web browser is capable of streaming Netflix in high definition

 

IT TURNS out there are some strange inconsistencies when it comes to streaming Netflix in 1080p or full high definition.

 

Popular video on-demand service Netflix does not stream in full high definition in every web browser.

The news comes just weeks after Netflix thrilled fans across the world with an announcement about its 2016 line-up.

Users who streaming Netflix in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera web browsers cannot watch in 1080p.

It turns out these three popular web browsers are only capable of supporting high definition video streams up to 720p via HTML5.

 

Beaming Netflix content from your browser to your HD TV does not guarantee the best quality stream

Meanwhile, PC owners who use Internet Explorer or failing browser, Microsoft Edge are able to watch their favourite TV shows and movies in pixel-sharp 1080p HD.

And for those who want to binge-watch on a Mac, the Safari browser running on Mac OS X 10.10.3 or higher is able to stream at full high definition, too.

Although the picture quality you get through your web browser is always dependent on the speed of your local roadside BT cabinet.

 

So if you want to get the best possible picture quality, it might be worth loading up another browser next time you want to watch on your laptop.

And if you were in the habit of beaming content from a Google Chrome tab to a Chromecast in the back of your HD TV, it might be best to start casting from the Netflix mobile app instead.

Should you want to increase the picture quality again, the Roku 4 and latest Amazon Fire TV support Ultra HD 4K streaming.

Netflix recommends 3.0 megabits per second to stream its Standard Definition video, 5.0Mbps to stream HD video and 25Mbps for its UHD output.