The amount of digital information consumed while streaming video content through Netflix directly correlates with the quality and duration of viewing. Higher resolution settings, such as Ultra HD, necessitate significantly more data transfer compared to standard definition. For instance, an hour of Ultra HD streaming can consume several gigabytes, whereas standard definition uses considerably less.
Understanding consumption is beneficial for several reasons, including managing internet bandwidth, avoiding overage charges from internet service providers, and optimizing the viewing experience based on available resources. Historically, as streaming services became prevalent, the demand for higher bandwidth and the awareness of data caps increased concurrently. This awareness prompted Netflix to offer adjustable settings to cater to diverse user needs and network capabilities.
