Watch your favourite TV shows and movies on your terms. Streaming allows you to watch video content on-demand through the internet whenever you want on a range of devices like TVs, computers and gaming consoles.
What are the services available?
There are a range of services available that vary from free to monthly subscriptions - including Netflix, Quickflix, Lightbox, TVNZ OnDemand, 3Now On Demand, Neon and more.
What is Streaming?
Streaming means listening to music or watching video in ‘real time’ (also known as Video on demand), instead of downloading a file to your computer or any other internet connected device and watching it later. With the increase in High Speed Broadband Internet Connectivity at home and 4G through your mobile providers, video streaming is quickly becoming a feasible replacement or addition to the traditional TV services available. The major benefit of online video streaming is having control of what content you want to watch and having the convenience to watch on your own time (and increasingly, on the device of your choice).
How can I stream video?
There are a number of different ways to stream video:
1. Directly onto your steaming enabled SMART TV by connecting to the internet.
2. Onto your TV using a media player. This really means that you could connect to the internet by using either your computer, table or smartphone and stream the content through a media player onto your TV.
3. Watch it directly on your connected device i.e Smartphone, Tablet anywhere you have internet access.
Important things to know
Data Usage – Streaming video content can use large amounts of Data, so it’s important you check your internet plan to make sure you don’t go over your allocation data “cap”. Each service can use a different amount of data, so it’s best to check out the video streaming provider site for more details.
Broadband Speed – To receive the best quality picture and in some cases High Definition, it’s an benefit to have high speed broadband or you could get “buffering” where the video may freeze and jump as your internet connection plays catch up with the video. Internet connection above 5Mpbs is recommended for most service video services – check with your internet provider to make sure you meet this requirement for the best experience.
Need help setting up your new streaming environment or device?
Let us take care of it.
Our team can provide a range of services to make setting up your home entertainment system hassle free. They can deliver, install and show you how to get the most out of your new streaming solution. Give us a call, see us in store today or see our Tech Solutions page for more information.
We have created a simple table to help you select the service that is right for you and will also help you to select/identify devices you may need.
AVAILABLE STREAMING SERVICES | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available content | TV Shows Only. | TV and Movies | TV and Movies | TV and Movies | TV Shows Only. | TV Shows Only. |
Compatible devices | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems | Selected Samsung Smart TV, Smart Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray Theatre Systems |
Gaming consoles | PS3 and PS4 | PS3/PS4 Xbox 360 and Xbox One | Xbox 360 (coming soon) | PS3/PS4 Xbox 360 and Xbox One | ||
Media player | Chromecast | Chromecast | Chromecast | |||
Airplay for Apple TV | Apple TV using Airplay or using the built in App | Apple TV via Airplay | Apple TV via Airplay | |||
TiVo | ||||||
Apple Device | iPad | iPad/iPhone | iPad/iPhone | iPad/iPhone | iPad/iPhone | |
Computer | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC |
Android Smartphones and Tablets | Selected Samsung Android Tablets and Smartphones | Android Smartphones and Tablets | Android Phone and Tablets (coming soon) |
Selected Android Smart Phones. Selected Android Tablets |
Selected Samsung Android Tablets and Smartphones | Selected Samsung Android Tablets and Smartphones |
Monthly Subscription | $12.99 for 30 Days | From $9.99 a Month or $12.99 a month (High Definition) | $20 a Month | $12.99 a month | Free | Free |