Canal+ deprives all of its subscribers without commitment to 4K HDR, including its former customers

Canal+ began 2025 by overhauling its offering. This resulted in a price reduction for several subscriptions, but sometimes to the detriment of services. In this regard, subscribers without commitment, i.e. subscribers to a monthly plan, lost access to UHD / HDR (as well as Dolby Atmos): this UHD format is now the privilege of those who are annualized.

Initially, some thought that this depreciation of the monthly formula would only apply to new subscribers. But to their great displeasure, historical subscribers are also affected.

Customers taken by surprise

Subscribers have legitimately expressed their dissatisfaction on the forums. To clarify the above, in a comment on a discussion with the explicit title «La 4k a disparu de mon abonnement», a person named aime_en wrote: «I had read that it would be for new subscribers without commitment, apparently even those who were already subscribers no longer have the right to do so…». Other recent testimonies abound in this sense.

Beyond the lack of recognition shown to historical subscribers, the question of Freebox subscribers also arises. They cannot take out a subscription with a commitment.

A new blow of the plane

Subscribers who feel wronged by Canal's decision see it above all as a maneuver to encourage them to opt for a subscription with commitment, more profitable for the group.

Our colleague from Numériques adds that the operation is also a good way to reduce operating costs. By restricting access to UHD, which is more bandwidth-hungry than FHD (with equivalent codecs), Canal+ is reducing the load on its infrastructure.

That said, a technical imbroglio cannot be completely ruled out. After all, a few weeks ago, the group had indicated that the general increase in prices was bogus; resulting from a "technical malfunction".

Finally, note that the channel also announced the end of access to Lizzie and Izneo via Canal+ subscriptions. The decision will come into effect from March 12. No financial compensation has been granted to subscribers – whether they are captive or not...

Source: Les Numériques