I could be wrong, but I get the impression that 3db is streaming Netflix via his cable box, perhaps as part of a cable bundle. If so it's very possible that the client is limited to stereo.
I do agree that Streaming, whether it's via a HTPC, streaming appliances such as Roku or Fire TV, or an Android device such as a ShieldTV, or even some of the better supported clients bundled within modern TVs, are the future. The exception are places with speeds and/or caps too low to support streaming. Since I'm not in Canada I have no clue how good his speeds are or how low his caps are.