Why does Netflix require specific hardware for HDR10+ playback?

Netflix has chosen to deliver its HDR10+ streams using the AV1 video codec, an efficient open-source format. Because of this, watching Netflix content in HDR10+ requires a device with AV1 decoding capability, typically TVs and streaming players made from around 2020 onward that include dedicated AV1 hardware. Devices without AV1 support will play the same Netflix content in standard HDR10, which still delivers a high-quality picture.

This is a delivery infrastructure decision Netflix made for its own platform; it is not a requirement of the HDR10+ standard itself. Other streaming services that support HDR10+ use different codecs and do not have this hardware constraint.

If you are unsure whether your TV or streaming device supports AV1, check the manufacturer’s specifications or the streaming platform’s device compatibility page.