There’s no denying it – the world of television and the way in which we consume it has changed (and is continuing to change) drastically. Gone are the days of DVD rentals, waiting each week for the latest episode to air and pesky advertisements throughout a show. Now we have everything at our fingertips, and it’s all thanks to streaming services. Whether it’s subscription-based services such as Netflix, Stan and Foxtel, or free-to-air catch-up platforms such as ABC iView, 10Play and 9Now, there’s something out there for everyone, with Australia not short of options.
We’re becoming an on-demand society, and all it takes to fulfill our needs is a streaming platform, a quick search – oh, and an internet connection of course. So, to put it simply, the internet is increasingly becoming the default for our home entertainment. 20 years ago, who would’ve thought?
It’s understandable if you’re feeling a little confused or overwhelmed – there’s been a lot of changes, and it can be hard to keep up, especially with the streaming space becoming more competitive by the day. However, you’ve come to the right place to get the 411 on all things streaming, whether you’re looking to add a service to your home entertainment set-up, or you’re just looking to learn a bit about the technology.
To put it very simply, streaming = sharing. When you want to watch a movie on your television or computer, streaming technology is used to transmit said media from its origin device/platform directly to your screen, via the internet. Not to be confused with downloading (where you’ll actually have to wait for the content to be saved in entirety to your device), streaming allows you to start the content almost immediately, buffering and loading as you watch. The content also isn’t saved to your personal device after you finish watching, meaning you won’t clog up your hard drive with old movies and tv shows.
Streaming can be tricky idea to wrap your head around at first, but trust us, the hardest part is the set up – once you’re ready to go, streaming content is a breeze! Follow this list below for everything you need to do before you can kick back, relax and stream.
These services all require some form of payment, usually billed to your account on a monthly basis. You’ll generally have a choice on what type of plan you sign up to, with some offering additional perks, and may even be available through your phone or internet providers.
See Canstar Blue’s Pay TV Comparison to find out which services are rated best by Australians.
If you’re a fan of the traditional TV channels but can’t seem to get to the couch in time for your favourite shows, you can sign up to the free-to-air on-demand service. These services are all free to enjoy and feature replays of their respective channel’s programs.
Here are some of the best streaming articles and guides on our website:
How to watch the EPL in Australia
How to watch the Champions League
How to watch Grand Slam tennis
How to watch National Geographic
Free streaming trials and services
If you’re looking to get the best value from a streaming service, here’s some tips to avoid blowing your budget:
Got a show or movie lined up but aren’t sure if your internet can handle it? Test your NBN Speed below!
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