Netflix UK vs LoveFilm - Video Quality and Sound Quality

The maxed-out video and sound quality of Netflix UK is far superior to LoveFilm's offering. LoveFilm supplies a standard definition signal of 2Mbps with stereo audio. Netflix, when matched with a good broadband connection and compatible movie, can output 1080p video with 5.1 surround audio.

By our count, there are 725 HD films and TV series available from Netflix. The bitrate is naturally much lower than you'd see from a Blu-ray, with a reported maximum of 8Mbps, but stretched across a 42in television, it looks superb. LoveFilm, by contrast, looks like one of the better-quality Freeview channels. It's very watchable but won't wow you - and this limited quality is especially noticeable when taking in a big-budget action film that would be best-experienced on a cinema screen.


HD vs SD - the difference is clear

LoveFilm has made some efforts to make its humble ~2Mbps stream look the best it can, though. Compared directly with a non-HD Netflix stream, we found LoveFilm's images warmer, Netflix's appearing relatively cold. This is likely due to extra processing on LoveFilm's end, and can cause a slight oversaturation of colour that's not accurate - although equally never marked enough to become destructive.

The approach to aspect ratios is also different. Where Netflix seems to favour original widescreen cinema-style aspects, LoveFilm tends to opt for widescreen 16:9 format, keen to fill users' 16:9 TVs and make the most of the limited resolution the service pipes content out at.

Ultimately, Netflix's approach to ratios, video and audio quality is the only one that's going to please cinema purists. Its HD-quality movies look significantly better than DVD-quality in spite of the limited bit-rate, and compare very well with alternative pay-per-view solutions available in the UK, such as iTunes's HD movies.  
 
However, Netflix UK's HD output doesn't seem to be compatible with all sources at present. Using an iPad 2, we found streams stuck resolutely to SD image quality, where its XGA-resolution screen would make a pretty good stab at relaying 720p content, albeit not at native size.

Netflix has announced that Android tablets with Texas Instruments dual-core processors will benefit from the full 1080p stream, and we imagine Tegra 3 tablets may get similar treatment. An Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime HD and Netflix would make a winning combination.