Suboptimal viewing experiences on the streaming platform manifest as pixelation, blurring, or buffering interruptions. These issues detract from the intended high-definition or ultra-high-definition presentation of films and television shows. For example, a user may experience a scene with noticeable artifacts, rendering fine details indistinct and diminishing overall visual clarity.
The existence of this phenomenon is significant because it impacts user satisfaction and the perceived value of a paid subscription service. Historically, content delivery networks and internet infrastructure have struggled to consistently provide bandwidth adequate for seamless streaming. This problem can lead to a negative perception of the service and potentially impact subscriber retention.