Google Play video quality

[JeffUSA]

Does anybody know what the video quality of Google Play movies is? I looked everywhere and couldn't find info on that. I got a $3 credit in my email so I will probably try renting a movie soon to see how that is.

[bfett9]

Most movies and TV shows on Google Play are available in high definition (HD). HD video displays with a higher resolution than standard definition (SD) video, which results in a sharper picture. Typical HD display resolution will be 1,280×720 pixels (720p) or 1,920×1,080 pixels (1080p).

https://support.google.com/googlepla.../2528768?hl=en

It does not let you pick your definition though. If you have any Disney titles google is a DMA provider just connect to them, better than paying to test. Plus im sure there is some free video content if you search.

[bigjim25]

I'm not sure about the quality of Google Play on the phone but I use it on my youtube account to watch on TV and it's not bad. That's where I watch alot of my HBO shows including Game of Thrones because those codes are so much cheaper on here than UV or itunes codes.

[JeffUSA]

Originally Posted by bfett9

https://support.google.com/googlepla.../2528768?hl=en

It does not let you pick your definition though. If you have any Disney titles google is a DMA provider just connect to them, better than paying to test. Plus im sure there is some free video content if you search.

I see that when you check out it will give you an option for SD or HD. Usually the HD is $1 more. However, it doesn't specify what HD is. From the help article you linked I can see HD means either 720p or 1080p. Not liking how it is not clearly defined as that could mean a huge difference in video quality.

[bfett9]

Originally Posted by JeffUSA

I see that when you check out it will give you an option for SD or HD. Usually the HD is $1 more. However, it doesn't specify what HD is. From the help article you linked I can see HD means either 720p or 1080p. Not liking how it is not clearly defined as that could mean a huge difference in video quality.

I mean I assume HD is always 1080p if a 1080p source exists for the title. ie. if anyone made it in 1080p it will be 1080p. The question of definition then is solely based upon your playback device and internet speed.

But I can't really think of any titles that are only available in 720p other than niche older releases. Every title 2011 till today on there should be 1080p.

You can always ask support for the relevant title in question before you rent or buy if you are concerned.

If its a rental amazon also has $.99 HD rentals for all titles this weekend
Promo Code MOVIE99, they also pick your definition for you though.

[steve_dave]

HD - up to 1080p

SD - up to 480p

You can not pick your resolution, it is dependent on the connection. HD streams can bounce between 720p and 1080 but can fall into SD quality. So sometimes video will look a little janky if a connection is not stable. SD streams can dip as low as 240i, could be even lower depending on congestion then max out at 480p.

[GuyIncognito]

It seems to me that Youtube streams higher quality that directly through Google Movies. I am watching Deadwood and it looked like SD on Google Play but it is definitely HD when viewing through the Youtube app on my Roku. Is that common?

[talkingpictures]

Originally Posted by GuyIncognito

It seems to me that Youtube streams higher quality that directly through Google Movies. I am watching Deadwood and it looked like SD on Google Play but it is definitely HD when viewing through the Youtube app on my Roku. Is that common?

Yes, for some reason Google Play has bad bitrates and is bad quality. The same movie in YouTube is much better quality but only stereo audio. I only use Google for the occasional rental which I watch through the YouTube app.

[vsleisures]

Does Google offer 4k quality playback and anyway to check how?

[IronSoldier]

Originally Posted by vsleisures

Does Google offer 4k quality playback and anyway to check how?

Yes but you need a Chromecast ultra or a specific android TV. How to check? Erm. Err. No idea. All mine show up as 4k titles despite some being SD and I have no way of playing 4k on Gplay atm.

[IndyMLVC]

Originally Posted by IronSoldier

Yes but you need a Chromecast ultra or a specific android TV. How to check? Erm. Err. No idea. All mine show up as 4k titles despite some being SD and I have no way of playing 4k on Gplay atm.

So you can't watch 4k on an Apple TV or Roku?

[IronSoldier]

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

So you can't watch 4k on an Apple TV or Roku?

Apple TV doesn't have the VP9 support required and that's the same for roku. So neither support it. It honestly sucks and their argument of it being lack of hardware support is nonsense since you can add support via software support for, if a little more cpu intensive.