Netflix won’t be supported by select older devices soon — but there are alternatives

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

Netflix’s streaming service will no longer be available on select smart TVs and streaming boxes starting Dec. 1, 2019.

• Netflix is saying that unspecified “technical limitations” are the reason for the loss of compatibility.
• Users affected have reported seeing a warming message from Netflix when starting up the service.
• The change affects select Samsung smart TVs made in 2010 and 100 with a “C” or “D” at the end of the model designator.
• Roku’s 2000C, 2050X, 2100X, HD, SD, XD and XRs will also be affected as well as any Roku device that does not support autoplaying the next episode, according to Lifehacker.
• It’s not immediately clear if that “autoplay” stipulation is related to the limitations Netflix is referring to.
• Somewhat confusingly, Netflix has a page that displays both the Roku and Samsung logos — but doesn’t note the upcoming compatibility issue beyond a sentence referring to the “newest generation of media players and streaming sticks.”

For devices that will lose native access to Netflix Dec. 1, there are alternatives.

• First, users can obviously buy a newer TV or streaming box, though that isn’t ideal.
• Samsung, for its part, points out that users may already own another device that can still connect to Netflix — such as a PlayStation Vita, 3 or 4, Xbox One, in Nintendo 3 DS.
• Other compatible devices include Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV boxes, Nvidia Shield and newer Roku devices.
• Of course, going through one of these devices typically involves the (slight) extra hassle of switching input source rather than being able to access Netflix from within the TV’s GUI itself.
• In addition, users that also subscribe to select cable or satellite services, including Comcast Xfinity, Dish, Wow, RCN and others can link their Netflix account to their set top box.
• Other set top boxes including Tivo also have access to Netflix.