I feel the same way, but there are problems with this method. Especially with the artificial limitations on 4K/HDR content. For example, my PS4 Pro cannot watch Disney Plus in 4K/HDR mode, but my built in TV app can.
Another example: 4K on Netflix on a PC - you can't do it (unless using Intel IGPU > kabylake and Edge on Win 10 only). Mac users need to use a Win VM. But my TV app works.
I might be wrong but I'm fairly certain I've been watching 4k netflix just fine on a HTPC that consists of a ryzen 1500x, geforce 1030 fanless, latest version of Chrome, and windows 10 home. The geforce1030 drivers have the hooks in them for HDPC transport to my home theatre receiver. Chrome has the various DRM software modules in it that keeps Netflix happy. I can definitely tell the difference on a big 4K TV if I toggle the quality setting in the netflix in-browser GUI.
Netflix is available in Ultra HD on Windows computers and tablets. To stream in Ultra HD, you will need:
A Windows 10 computer or tablet with the latest Windows updates installed.
The Microsoft Edge browser or the Netflix app for Windows 10.
A 60Hz 4K capable display (with HDCP 2.2 connection if external display).
NOTE: Every monitor connected to your computer must meet these requirements to successfully stream in Ultra HD.
Intel's 7th generation Core CPU (i3, i5, or i7 models in the 7xxx or 7Yxx series) or newer, or a NVIDIA GPU that meets these requirements.
A plan that supports streaming in Ultra HD. You can check which plan you're currently on at netflix.com/ChangePlan.
A steady internet connection speed of 25 megabits per second or higher.
Streaming quality set to Auto or High. More information about video quality settings can be found in our Playback Settings article.
My configuration meets all of those requirements except I'm using the mainline Chrome browser. Is it really specifically Edge? Because edge is just the chrome browser engine internally now. I certainly do have edge installed on the same PC (kinda hard to have an auto updating copy of win 10 home without it), so I'll have to compare side by side.
Chrome doesn't support PlayReady DRM, which Netflix needs, they support Widevine instead. Right now you need a hardware device (like Roku) or a MS browser. In fact,
Chrome only supports 720p on Windows/Linux.
Are you sure that's up to date? Because I'm sitting here right now with a 75" 4k screen, the PC in question, Chrome, Netflix, and it's definitely not 720p. I would notice if I was watching Altered Carbon in 720p. I can also see that the PC is moving about 23.5 Mbps of traffic from my home router, which matches with one of netflix's 2160p HEVC bitrates.
Another example: 4K on Netflix on a PC - you can't do it (unless using Intel IGPU > kabylake and Edge on Win 10 only). Mac users need to use a Win VM. But my TV app works.
It sucks, it really really sucks.