Video fails to play beyond 2 minutes

[Stefanperlarsson]

Netflix add-on version

1.23.2+matrix1

Operative systems used

Android

Kodi version used

Kodi 20 (Nexus)

Description of the bug

Since last week there seem to be an issue playing videos beyond 2 minutes. The video stops playing, audio seem to continue however.

Starting the video half-way through also has the same issue. I tried multiple video streams with this as well, but no change.

Potentially related to https://github.com/xbmc/inputstream.adaptive/issues/1461 but I am unable to find a .zip to install the newer version of inputstream with.

If one is provided i can help test it.

Thank you.

Steps to reproduce the behavior

1. Navigate to any video in Netflix
2. Play the using any video stream
3. Wait ~2 minutes
4. See the video stop and fail to proceed

Debug log - mandatory

I seem to be unable to get the kodi.log file since I am using a chromecast. Please advise on how to get it and I will try my best.

Possible fix

No response

Additional context

No response

Screenshots

No response

[PaulHeyworth]

I have numerous Android devices, including FireCube Gen2, Gen3, 4K Firestick, and a Shield 2017. The native Netflix app plays 1080p and 4K fine. Additionally, before late January the Netflix Kodi app would output 4K on all the Amazon devices, but 1080p only on the Shield.

Since late January, I have to set 540p in the Netflix Kodi add-on regardless of the device, otherwise the video output freezes after 2 minutes, while audio continues fine.

I have no such issues with the native Neflix app. It's a shame, because I thought the Kodi add-on was excellent, but it's not not usable on a relatively big screen, with such a low resolution.

[pmsobrado]

OK, the official app only outputs 540p max on my Fire TV as well :(

EDIT

Is there a way to test REAL OUTPUT resolution on android phone app? On my Fire TV and Smart TV I could enable the playback info, but not on my phone. Is the 540p restriction only affecting Android TV like devices? Or Android in general? What about Netflix on Android phones? On my Android phone app I can see the playback details on app settings, but what about the real output? With Test Patterns I used to be able to see the resolution in a yellow test, but not anymore...

[BBican63]

Is there a way to test REAL OUTPUT resolution on android phone app?

Try to install technical keyboard ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.inputmethod.latin&hl=en_US ). While playing the movie, press the F4 button.

[pmsobrado]

I tried that with my BT keyboard and worked on the Fire TV and Android TV app, but not on my phone. Tried almost all hotkeys, nothing. That app is not compatible with my phone, it seems.

[cichytom]

It works with all resolutions on the Sony TV from 2023 (Android TV 10, security patch level of 01.09.2023). On Google Chromecast 4.0 4k (Android TV 12, security patch level dated 01.01.2024) at resolutions above 960x540 (e.g. 1280x720) it stops after 2 minutes. At resolutions of 768x432, 960x540 it works without problems.

In Kodi 20.3 on the Sony TV from 2023 (Android TV 10) I can set a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p. I do not have a choice of 4K resolution.

[josefede]

It works with all resolutions on the Sony TV from 2023 (Android TV 10, security patch level of 01.09.2023). On Google Chromecast 4.0 4k (Android TV 12, security patch level dated 01.01.2024) at resolutions above 960x540 (e.g. 1280x720) it stops after 2 minutes. At resolutions of 768x432, 960x540 it works without problems.

In Kodi 20.3 on the Sony TV from 2023 (Android TV 10) I can set a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p. I do not have a choice of 4K resolution.

It seems Android TV version may be significant here then. Maybe more people can confirm this. I can't though

[etgecata]

This is beyond scandalous to me. I'm sure Netflix is intentionally hurting Android subscribers with 540p. Here are pictures of all the devices I have at home from the official Netflix app. You pay a subscription for 4k - you get 540p if you watch on Android TV. Samsung TV and PS5 - 2160 p Nvidia Shield 2019 and Sony TV-540 p

[PaulHeyworth]

@etgecata This is not the experience I'm getting with multiple Android devices. Due to the low resolution the Netflix Kodi add-on is now restricted to (540p), I've had to switch back to the native Netflix app, on multiple Android device types, and I'm getting 4K just fine.

The devices I have are:-

• FireCube Gen3
• FireCube Gen2
• Firestick 4K
• Firestick (limited to 1080p of course)
• Shield 2017

[etgecata]

For me, it is as I wrote it and attached the photos. It may also depend on the country, I don't know. I'm from Bulgaria. And I thought the official app was 4k until I connected a keyboard to check. It turned out to be 540p. Have you tried with a keyboard to be sure?

[Paco8]

Did you use the Netflix add-on on those devices restricted to 540p?

My Shield and my Chromecast with Google TV were banned and restricted to 540p because I used the ESN in the Netflix add-on. After 6 months of not using either the Netflix app or the Netflix add-on, my Chromecast has been unbanned, and I can get 1080p again in the Netflix app. However, the Shield is still banned; the difference is that I continued to use the Netflix add-on on this device.

[BBican63]

As I said before, OFFICIAL NETFLIX app on Sony BRAVIA XR-65A75K (location Croatia) still 540p. You can see the screenshot in my previous message. My neighbor uses "TCL Android TV-QLED-4K-UHD" and his OFFICIAL NETFLIX app works at 2160p 4K. So I think the location is not the problem, but the version of Android or the hardware of the device. Why the Sony Bravia doesn't do 4K, I don't know.

[etgecata]

I've written it before. I have not used an ESN in the Netflix add-on. I've had the Nvidia Shield 2019 for a few months now and haven't used ESN in the add-on.

[PaulHeyworth]

@etgecata I haven't confirmed the resolution I'm getting in the Netflix native app, via a keyboard. However, I have a 48" OLED and a 60" screen, and the difference between the quality in the add-on at 540p and the native app is as clear as day. The 540p experience is pixelated and has visible artefacts and the native app is crystal clear and of course reporting HDR/DV.

[etgecata]

I am absolutely certain of one thing. Netflix is brutally harming Android TV subscribers. Maybe not all of them, I don't know. But from what I saw on the Internet, there are many. This is scandalous to me.Hope this gets the word out everywhere. That alone is my hope that Netflix will remove the restriction for Android TV subscribers. It is very difficult for me to write in these forums because I use a translator. I hope more people find out so Netflix can be squeezed.

[kokobokoroko]

as far as i understand everything is in the hands of netflix

На пт, 1.03.2024 г., 12:45 ч. etgecata @.***> написа:

I am absolutely certain of one thing. Netflix is brutally harming Android TV subscribers. Maybe not all of them, I don't know. But from what I saw on the Internet, there are many. This is scandalous to me.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/CastagnaIT/plugin.video.netflix/issues/1678#issuecomment-1972955470, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BF6NGA5WYWMLVAUTRLQ5MLLYWBL35AVCNFSM6AAAAABCYPY656VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMYTSNZSHE2TKNBXGA . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.***>

[paulison]

Hi, it seems that the Netflix Kodi Add-on works fine for a while, after either first installing it or if it is used for the first time in a little while, but only for a short time.

I have several devices running the Netflix Add-on on Kodi, various Fire TV devices, Nvidia Shield, Mecool KM2, and have found that once used it will stop working properly the following day, and you have to limit the Video quality to 540p for it to play anything beoynd 2 minutes. I can only think that somehow Netflix can track that the service is being used via Kodi and is limiting it to 540p once they have found it, maybe using the ESN but I doubt it as I've changed this, reset it in the Add-on, but it seems to make no difference.

[Bloushiiii]

Nvidia shield Tv Pro 2017 and same problem.. Native app + Kodi both stuck at 540p. After logout on Kodi Netflix add-ons cant login again.

PS5 plays perfect 4k Netflix so it's sad to see Kodi stopped working coz app experience is better on Kodi .. Hope we get a fix soon..

[BBican63]

Bloushiiii - To re-login to netflix Kodi addon: Edit file /.kodi/addons/plugin.video.netflix/resources/lib/services/nfsession/session/access.py Changed line 127 in the access.py file from this: email = email_match.group(1).strip() if email_match else None to this: email = 'your netflix account e-mail address' It's works for me.

[Bloushiiii]

Bloushiiii - To re-login to netflix Kodi addon: Edit file /.kodi/addons/plugin.video.netflix/resources/lib/services/nfsession/session/access.py Changed line 127 in the access.py file from this: email = email_match.group(1).strip() if email_match else None to this: email = 'your netflix account e-mail address' It's works for me.

Yes bro but what's the use if it's not 4K .... I will wait until we get all the options back like before...

[adambomber]

Hi, I believe I've been suffering the same 540p issue since trying the Kodi addon on my Shield TV Pro. I've been going nuts trying different streaming devices to see if there was just something wrong with my Shield, and so far, most of them have the same issue regardless of OS. I'm kind of at a loss on what to do, since this sounds like something Netflix is doing on an ESN or account basis.

[PaulHeyworth]

I noticed an interesting change with this earlier today. In order to get past the dreaded 2 mins playback, I've previously had to force the playback to 540p in the Netflix add-on expert settings. However, I now have it set to 4K, forcing it to ask for the preferred video quality at playback. Regardless of having the maximum set to 4K, it only now offers the option of playing 540p and nothing above this.

This is another change in behaviour, seemingly without anything changing in Kodi or the Netflix add-on. My complete guess it that this is deliberate by Netflix and they are trying to lock down use of their service. Interestingly, I see they have had a record surge in subscribers since locking down password sharing.

[Ferosmyth]

Bloushiiii - To re-login to netflix Kodi addon: Edit file /.kodi/addons/plugin.video.netflix/resources/lib/services/nfsession/session/access.py Changed line 127 in the access.py file from this: email = email_match.group(1).strip() if email_match else None to this: email = 'your netflix account e-mail address' It's works for me.

This helped me a lot, thanks! Still, only 540p reproduction allowed, it is Netflix messing with Kodi Addon

[Bloushiiii]

I know this will work but until it's 4k I won't b using Kodi Netflix add-ons. 540p looks so bad ...

[BBican63]

KODI Netflix addon on Android devices is no longer talked about. Does that mean it's over ? Another thing. I know a lot of people have this problem. On my Sony Bravia Google TV, the Netflix official app only plays movies in 540p. It is interesting that the trailers are played in 2160 (4K). It all started a month ago when the KODI NETFLIX addon stopped working. Is that a punishment ? Have we been put on some kind blacklist ? Does the blacklist get deleted over time ?

[grapenose]

Kodi Netflix still works on my Sony Bravia at more than 540. As I reported before I have a DNS and have set it to USA. I'm in Australia and used to share a sub, this stopped working on the android TV version but worked on Kodi for a while. It seems if I switch between between USA and Australia with my DNS the Kodi app continues to work. It does not work with my Amazon Cube 3rd gen. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[nroets1]

Today I've noticed an update in kodi on my MiBox 4K for inputstream adaptive. I thought let's try netflix addon again. It now plays back 1080p (my tv is only 1080p) flawlessly without the 2 minute issue. I'll test later on my 4k tv with Hako android tv box and report back.

[paulison]

Today I've noticed an update in kodi on my MiBox 4K for inputstream adaptive. I thought let's try netflix addon again. It now plays back 1080p (my tv is only 1080p) flawlessly without the 2 minute issue. I'll test later on my 4k tv with Hako android tv box and report back.

I can also confirm that the Netflix Kodi addon is working perfectly again, tested on several Fire TV devices, Android & Android TV boxes. The Inputstream Adaptive update seems to have resolved the problem

[krzychuw88]

Working only 1080p

[adambomber]

I'm glad to hear the issue seems to be resolved.

I think I realized my Netflix issue wasn't related to Kodi after all, but to one 1080p show having its bitrate locked by Netflix to 0.85 mbps on my Shield for some reason (my LG TV's native app plays it fine). I don't know who to complain to hah

On Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 10:43 AM krzychuw88 @.***> wrote:

Working only 1080p

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/CastagnaIT/plugin.video.netflix/issues/1678#issuecomment-2028143671, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AHYTKEW4FQBQKXJQRCHB44DY23FSLAVCNFSM6AAAAABCYPY656VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDAMRYGE2DGNRXGE . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.***>

[DAndersen81]

On my shield unfortunately I still have the 2 minute bug. The inputstream adaptive has updated, I've tried restarting Kodi, rebooting, but no luck. Are there any specific settings maybe I should check?

[josefede]

On my shield unfortunately I still have the 2 minute bug. The inputstream adaptive has updated, I've tried restarting Kodi, rebooting, but no luck. Are there any specific settings maybe I should check?

Do you use Kodi Nexus or Omega? AFAIC the InputStream Adaptive patch has only been released for Omega.

Also doesn't work for me because I'm using Nexus

[DAndersen81]

On my shield unfortunately I still have the 2 minute bug. The inputstream adaptive has updated, I've tried restarting Kodi, rebooting, but no luck. Are there any specific settings maybe I should check?

Do you use Kodi Nexus or Omega? AFAIC the InputStream Adaptive patch has only been released for Omega.

Also doesn't work for me because I'm using Nexus

I'm using omega... The inputstream adaptive plugin updated already.

[CastagnaIT]

there are no changes on ISA about the decrypter so i don't understand how it should have "solved" the problem, this is more a coincidence, it depends on the n€flix website server maybe they are finally trying to solve the problem?! IDK...

[CastagnaIT]

i have tried closing my account for a month, to see if my account web page change with the new interface for the "auth" key login problem, yesterday i tried reopen with new subscription but same old account webpage and the "auth" key login still works as expected, then i have no idea what happens on accounts that have this "new" interface

if someone want that i try to add a kind of fix instead to hack the addon, you have to send to me the html page, this can be easily obtained by coping the output of page_response var from login_auth_data method in access.py

but if that page dont have the email anymore, then you will have to point to me a better website endpoint/page with his html

[nroets1]

there are no changes on ISA about the decrypter so i don't understand how it should have "solved" the problem, this is more a coincidence, it depends on the n€flix website server maybe they are finally trying to solve the problem?! IDK...

You are right. I've tried on my other Android tv box (Hako) and problem still exists. On my MiBox 4k it's working. Both use omega rc2 with latest ISA addon. It seems like an intermiitent problem from the Netflix side.

[etgecata]

I was thinking of canceling my Netflix subscription. I had put my subscription on pause for a month. But after reading here that there is a change today I reactivated the subscription. Unfortunately, there is no change in the supplement for me. I can't play 4K content at all. 1080 plays for 2 minutes. I tried on Nvidia Shield pro 2019, Nvidia Shield 2015, Sony TV. I have Kodi 21 Omega installed on all devices. If it matters, I'm from Bulgaria.

[Bajjmm]

And when will we see the InputStream Adaptive update for Kodi Nexus (android Sony smart TV)?

[pmsobrado]

And when will we see the InputStream Adaptive update for Kodi Nexus (android Sony smart TV)?

I would also like to know this :S

[grapenose]

Just updated Kodi to Omega on my Amazon Cube and some videos now play in HD. However I'm still getting a message that some are not available ie3 Body Problem, The Gentlemen. These play on my Sony Bravia in HD

[MauriceW67]

but if that page dont have the email anymore, then you will have to point to me a better website endpoint/page with his html

I just checked and my e-mail is now visible on the main "YourAccount" page again. A few months ago it was only visible on the sub-page called "Security" I believe. So I guess Netflix has been playing with the layout again.

I didn't try logging on yet with the orignal access.py. Will let you know later.

Edit:

And WOW! I just fired up the addon, reset the ESN and 4K is working again on the Shield Pro 2019! Not sure how long it will last, but at least some good news for now 😄

[NoneCreator]

hi all,

so it perfectly works for me, inclduing true 4k and DV. I upgraded Kodi to 21 Omega a couple of minutes ago. According to previous posts here that shouldn't fix it. However, a couple of days back I also installed the "InputStream Helper (Slyguy Wrapper)" from the "SlyGuy InputStream Helper Repository". Maybe that did the trick. Anyway, works perfectly for me.

I'm running Kodi Omega on an NVIDIA Shield (2019) with said SlyGuy addon. Hope this helps you good folken as well.

PS: BTW, I did not make any changes to my NF account whatsoever.

[t4e-dev]

On FireTV Stick and FireTV the issue is, at least for me, not fixed. InputStream Adaptive works only for 640p max.

[NoneCreator]

On FireTV Stick and FireTV the issue is, at least for me, not fixed. InputStream Adaptive works only for 640p max.

did you try the SlyGuy "InputStream Helper (Slyguy Wrapper)"?

I had a Shield 2015 and bricked it by using the original ESN (my device got blacklisted). Ever since I've been using a randomly generated ESN (advanced addon settings). Maybe that's what happend with your FireTV and stick.

[etgecata]

I installed "InputStream Helper (Slyguy Wrapper)" from the "SlyGuy InputStream Helper Repository". Nvidia Shield Pro 2019- Kodi Omega There is no improvement.

[NoneCreator]

I installed "InputStream Helper (Slyguy Wrapper)" from the "SlyGuy InputStream Helper Repository". Nvidia Shield Pro 2019- Kodi Omega There is no improvement.

sorry to say this, but if your Netflix App on the same device does not work either, your device is probbaly bricked in regards to NF.

[NoneCreator]

so yeah, as of today, it's not working anymore

[josefede]

so yeah, as of today, it's not working anymore

Definitely something on their side. Was good while it lasted

[MauriceW67]

so yeah, as of today, it's not working anymore

Can confirm, doesn't work anymore So strange. Don't understand what Netflix is doing ☹️

[giddybitty]

@CastagnaIT , do you think there is a chance you can add an option to the addon, to use the Netflix app to watch content? That way we‘d still be able to export stuff to the Kodi library. However, when a movie is started the Netflix app opens and plays the video. Is that possible with Netflix?

I‘m asking, because there is an option like that for the Amazon Prime VOD addon (Sandman). But Amazon may work differently altogether.

either way, thank you for your great work!!

[CastagnaIT]

@giddybitty Because of the many problems that Netflix is causing, and since after months no one has been able to help me in any way to improve the situation, i decided to keep the addon working as much as possible, from my part i will not invest time to introduce new features

for those wondering what is going on and what the problem is, I again point out that the Issue #1627 has been open for some time now that explains things in detail, so updates, if any, will be posted on Issue #1627