No pleasant surprises for Canal+ non-commitment subscribers: the broadcaster has decided to remove their access to 4K HDR. This applies not just to new subscribers but also to long-standing customers, without any prior notice. Understandably, this decision has irritated many.
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Update added on February 24, 2025 with Canal+’s response at the end of the article
An Unwelcome Surprise
At the start of the year, Canal+ had already set expectations: new non-commitment subscribers would no longer have access to 4K, HDR, or Dolby Atmos. At that time, it was assumed that only new customers would be affected. Wrong. Even long-time subscribers have found that they can no longer enjoy Ultra HD.
Social media and forum reactions were swift. Some subscribers, especially those using operators like Free, found themselves suddenly deprived of 4K channels, with no prior notification. For many, this seems like a roundabout way of forcing subscribers to switch to a commitment plan. It’s not very subtle, but it seems to be deliberate.
A Hidden Sales Tactic?
This decision appears to be purely financial. Commitment subscriptions assure Canal+ of more stable revenue, whereas flexible plans are less profitable, especially when intermediaries are involved. Limiting access to 4K could be a strategy to encourage subscribers to sign up directly, thereby avoiding the need to share profits.
The technical argument is less persuasive. Indeed, Ultra HD is expensive in terms of bandwidth and infrastructure, but that is surely not the only reason for this decision.
This service reduction is part of a series of changes that began in January. Paramount+ was removed from the offerings, and access to multiple streams at the same time was limited for non-commitment subscriptions. The only good news is a partnership with Apple Music, which offers a discounted rate.
A Decision That Might Cost Canal+ Dearly
By continually cutting benefits, Canal+ may be shooting itself in the foot. Removing 4K without notice, especially from long-time payers, is frustrating, especially since Canal+ has historically been a platform favored by cinephiles who value video quality. In a market where streaming platforms are proliferating and users readily switch subscriptions based on current deals, Canal+ is playing a risky game.
Canal+’s response added on February 24, 2025:
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Existing non-commitment subscribers retain access to 4K UHD, with a few exceptions related to specific offers.
4K UHD and Dolby Atmos sound are reserved for new subscribers who opt for a commitment plan. This is part of the benefits that subscribers can enjoy if they commit long-term (they also get an additional stream and a six-month promotion). This is clearly stated at the time of subscription. And all our subscribers have a choice.
New non-commitment subscribers receive HD quality and Dolby 5.1, which still represents good image quality and meets market standards for an entry-level option.
Soon, non-commitment subscribers who wish to can opt for an additional feature in their client space to enjoy 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos.
Since January, the price of new CANAL+ non-commitment offers has become even more accessible, CANAL+ at €24.99 and CANAL+CINE SERIE at €34.99.