[Explanation] Recently, the topic of "iQiyi App restricts screencasting" has been on the hot search. Netizens reported that gold VIP members previously supported TV screencasting with the highest resolution of 4K, but now they can only choose the lowest resolution of 480P.
If you want to cast a higher resolution image quality, you need to purchase a platinum membership.
[Explanation] The reporter learned from the official website of iQIYI App that the continuous annual subscription of gold VIP members is 118 yuan per year, and computers, mobile phones, and tablets are available, while the continuous annual subscription of platinum VIP members with TV privileges added to the gold VIP membership is 118 yuan per year. It needs 218 yuan/year, and the price has nearly doubled.
In this regard, the reporter took to the streets to conduct random interviews. Most of the interviewees said that this operation made their experience very bad and they would not continue to upgrade.
[Concurrent] Beijing citizens
It’s a screen projection itself. If you want to watch TV, you just want to watch it on a big screen, and then you limit my picture quality.
[Concurrent] Beijing citizens
Just like when we go to eat, if I go to an expensive restaurant, I have to pay a high price, but I know in advance and I am mentally prepared, instead of going to a restaurant that I think I can afford, For example, I want to drink soup, and then he tells me that if you want to use a spoon, you have to pay separately. This is not a good experience for me.
[Concurrent] Beijing citizens
The intuitive feeling is quite annoying to be honest. Although I am already a member, I still have to pay to enjoy a more upgraded service. I think it is also a bad experience for consumers.
I will use it, but I will not continue to upgrade.
[Explanation] Did iQiyi's move infringe on the rights and interests of consumers?
In this regard, Zhu Wei, deputy director of the Communication Law Research Center of China University of Political Science and Law, said that if the agreement to purchase a gold member has clear regulations on the clarity of the projection screen, the sudden change of the agreement will violate the rights of consumers.
[Concurrent] Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of Communication Law Research Center, China University of Political Science and Law
In the first case, the user is not notified in advance, then the consumer’s right to know is violated, and the consumer can choose to refund the fee. If it is (the TV can only cast the screen) 480p he has clearly informed, then at this time, the consumer confirms With the knowledge of the situation and completely voluntary, iQiyi can charge extra for 4k at this time, but judging from the current situation, it seems that iQiyi has not done so.
[Explanation] Zhu Wei believes that what consumers enjoy on video platforms is content services, and there should be no additional restrictions on terminals.
[Concurrent] Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of Communication Law Research Center, China University of Political Science and Law
In the process of choosing to watch, consumers actually enjoy a kind of service. The service has nothing to do with what the terminal is. Buying a membership is mainly to watch the content. Then how to view the content, what kind of terminal and content service provider to use? or has no relationship.
Therefore, iQiyi forces users to cast screens, whether through mobile phones, TVs, or various mobile devices. It adds an additional mandatory requirement, which undoubtedly violates consumers. The right to free choice.
[Explanation] With the enhancement of people's copyright awareness, the domestic video industry has entered the era of membership system, but the "matryoshka-style" charging items that continue to appear on various platforms make consumers exhaust the good user experience accumulated in the early stage.
Zhu Wei said that in the absence of fundamental changes in the quality of platform content, it is not a long-term solution to obtain benefits through channels.
[Concurrent] Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of Communication Law Research Center, China University of Political Science and Law
The core of real copyright protection is to encourage innovation, but at present, it seems that there is not much improvement in innovative content and good quality (aspects). Another charging model is to obtain benefits through channels without fundamental changes in the content. This is the behavior of "cutting leeks", which is not a long-term development.
(Reported by Li Jiali from Beijing)
Editor in charge: [Fang Jialiang]