What is streaming video?

Streaming video also known as video-on-demand allows you to watch your favourite movies and TV shows any time you like. Streaming video services like those pictured above use your home internet connection to deliver you movies and TV shows in real time.This means you simply select what you want to watch when you want to watch it - no waiting to download or missing an episode.

What do I need?

A streaming device - All streaming video services are accessed through a streaming device. This could be your computer at home, tablet, smartphone, gaming console or smart TV. Each service can be used through a web browser and some also offer dedicated apps for certain devices to make finding and playback of your favourite shows much quicker and simpler.

A broadband internet connection - Streaming video uses the internet to deliver you content. A high speed broadband connection is required so the video is smooth and playback is in the best quality available. It also pays to have a high or unlimited monthly data allowance as streaming video uses much more data than simply browsing the web or sending emails.

Smart TV

Smartphone

Laptop

Tablet

PC

How do I watch?

Website - Once you've signed up with any streaming service provider, you can login using their website (eg. netflix.com) via your computer, tablet, smartphone or Smart TV and watch it directly on that device.

Smart app - Most streaming video services have an app that you can download onto your smartphone, tablet, gaming console or Smart TV to make navigating and playback much simpler.

Media player - A media player plugs into your TV and can either stream the video directly from the internet or receive a stream from a smart device, allowing you to watch your favourite shows on the big screen.

What are my choices?

Currently in NZ we have a number of streaming video providers, each with a different range of TV shows and movies available. Below are a few of the options available as well as a quick outline of their features to help you choose the right one.

US-based provider Netflix has finally arrived in NZ and currently offers the biggest selection of movie titles. A large collection of TV shows are also on offer, including a number of exclusive TV series. A free 1 month trial is available and monthly subscriptions start at $9.99 per month.

Content available - Movies & TV shows
Pricing - Starting from $9.99 per month
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Apple TV, Chromecast, PC, Mac
Netflix app available for - Selected Smart TVs, selected Android devices, iOS devices, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
High Definition - Available on premium subscriptions
Trial Period - 30 Day free trial

Lightbox offers TV shows only and provides a huge back catalogue of classic NZ and international TV series, as well as a number of recent and exclusive shows. A free 30 day trial is available and the subscription is $12.99 per month.

Content available - TV shows only
Pricing - $12.99 per month
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, PC, Mac
Lightbox app available for - Selected Smart TVs, selected Android devices, iOS devices, PS3, PS4
High Definition - Yes
Trial Period - 30 Day free trial

TVNZ OnDemand offers a great way of catching up on TV shows from TV1 and TV2 that you might have missed during the week. Features a range of both local NZ and international content available for viewing for up to a month after the show has aired on TV. Registration is required but there is no monthly subscription fee.

Content available - TV shows only
Pricing - Free (registration required)
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, PC, Mac
TVNZ Ondemand app available for - Selected Samsung Smart TVs, selected Samsung devices, iOS devices, PS3, PS4
High Definition - No
Trial Period - N/A

Neon offers a world of movies and TV based on content found on a number of Sky channels. WIth a sizeable collection of recent movies and a range of popular new and older TV series, Neon also features a number of classic and arthouse titles other services don't offer. Monthly subscriptions are $20 with a free 30 day trial.

Content available - Movies & TV shows
Pricing - $20.00 per month
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PC, Mac
Neon app available for - iOS devices
High Definition - No
Trial Period - 30 Day free trial

3Now OnDemand is similar to TVNZ OnDemand in that it allows your to catch up on episodes of TV series you have missed during the past week. Shows from TV3 & TV4 are on offer and episodes are usually available for up to a month after they are on TV. There is no monthly subscription fee and no registration required.

Content available - TV shows only
Pricing - Free
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, PC, Mac
3NOW app available for - Selected Samsung Smart TVs, selected Samsung Galaxy devices, iOS devices
High Definition - No
Trial Period - N/A

Quickflix offers both movies and TV shows from NZ, Australia and abroad with most also available in high definition. Like Netflix, it is supported across a wide range of devices but only allows streaming of new release content with an additional premium purchase. Monthly subscriptions start from $9.99 with a 1 month free trial.

Content available - Movies & TV shows
Pricing - Starting from $9.99 per month
Compatible devices - Smart TVs, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows Phone, Chromecast, PC, Mac
Quickflix app available for - Selected Smart TVs, Android devices, iOS devices, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows Phone
High Definition - Yes
Trial Period - 1 month free trial