Streaming Services

To watch streaming TV, you need to have the capability to stream content via your internet connection. Streaming content is relatively new to NZ and is quite different from the traditional methods of viewing Free View – which has been connected to an aerial, satellite or through a Sky Box.  We can work through the requirements to help you stream content as we realise this can be quite confusing.
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There are 3 things that you need to stream and watch content online.

Internet Connection

The best internet connection for streaming is Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB). About 35% of NZ homes now have UFB.  If your broadband connection is not UFB, it would likely be ADSL, VDSL or Wireless – all of which are fine for streaming content. Factors such as the level of internet traffic in your immediate suburb or street can impact service.

Test your Internet Connection

Also, check what plan you have – it is best to have an Unlimited Bandwidth plan. Many ISP’s cap their plans and there may be additional charges if you are not on an unlimited plan.

Internet plans range from $69 to $95 per month. It is best to shop around for an internet plan that suits your streaming needs. You can compare providers with Broadband Compare.

A Device to Stream Content

Most people want to watch streaming content in the comfort of your own home.  If you already have a Smart TV, we recommend connecting the tv to the internet via an ethernet cable. If this is not possible, a wireless connection from your modem will also work.

If you do not have a Smart TV, there are options to install devices to make it smart. If your TV has an existing HDMI socket that is not in use, we can connect an HDMI cable to your laptop or computer which also has an HDMI socket. HDMI cables start from $40

Another option is to use Chromecast – Chromecast is a low-cost option starting from $69. Chromecast can turn your non-smart TV into a Smart TV avoiding the need to replace your existing TV. Your TV, however, will need a spare HDMI port. Chromecast requires you to stream and cast content using your smartphone or laptop/computer.

For those not confident in using their Smartphones or Computers to cast, another solution we can offer is Freeview SmartVu. This device comes with all the free to air channels and apps like Netflix, Lightbox and built-in Chromecast. Chromecast uses an HDMI port and wireless internet. It comes with a handy remote control and is $139

If you require extra features that the other devices don’t have, then try the Dish TV Freeview Recorder – this is first PVR powered by Android TV™. It brings you great TV and movies you can watch, record and stream – all subscription-free. It has Chromecast built-in, so you can still cast Netflix from Android, iOS, Mac, Windows or Chromebook to your TV.

Gaming consoles such as Playstation and Xbox also have apps you can install to stream content.

Our recommended devices

Google Chromecast

Stream from your phone, tablet or laptop to your TV. Just like that. Plug Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV and to power and stream your favourite entertainment right from your phone, or other compatible devices with just a tap. Watch shows, listen to playlists, and more. And while streaming, you can still use your device as you normally do.

  • Up to 1080p 60fps
  • Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
  • 5 V, 1 A power supply
  • HDMI to plug directly into the TV, Micro-USB power
  • Android 4.2 and higher, Mac OS X 10.9 and higher, Windows 7 and higher, iOS 9.1 and higher
  • Compatible Devices – iPhone, iPad, Android Phone and Tablet, Mac and Windows Laptop
  • Requirements – TV with a HDMI port, Wi-Fi network, Wi-Fi-enabled supported device

Google Chromecast Ultra

Stream up to 4K Ultra HD & HDR picture quality over your WiFi network with the Chromecast Ultra, a streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. Chromecast Ultra provides fast, reliable performance with minimal buffering and smoother streaming.

  • 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
  • 1 x Ethernet
  • 1 x micro-USB
  • 1 x HDMI
  • 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, 1×2 SIMO
  • Supported Operating Systems – Android 4.1 and higher, iOS 8.0 and higher, Windows 7 and higher, Mac OS X 10.9 and higher

SmartVU 4K Ultra HD TV Dongle

Experience outstanding online entertainment. The SmartVU X is a Freeview Streaming Device powered by Android TV™. Blockbuster movies and TV shows. Streaming apps and multiplayer games. Android TV delivers a world of content, apps and games to your living room.

  • Android TV
  • 2.4GHz/5GHz (802.11 ac)
  • 4K ULTRA HD + HDR
  • Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR
  • Quad Core CPUI
  • 1GB DDR3 Memory
  • Power 5V, 1A
  • WiFi: Dual-Band Wireless
  • HDMI: Up to 4K UHD
  • Micro USB: DC IN (5V)

Dish TV Freeview Satellite & Terrestrial Recorder

The New Freeview Recorder is Dish TV’s first PVR powered by Android TV™. It brings you great TV and movies you can watch, record and stream – all subscription-free; plus extra content you’ll be free to explore on Google Play.

  • Digital Tuners: 2x DVB-T/T2 and 4x DVB-S/S2
  • Wireless: 2.4GHz/5GHz (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
  • Hard Drive: 1TB Internal (Approx. 500 Recording Hours)
  • Resolution: 4K ULTRA HD + HDR
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 + EDR
  • CPU: Quad Core ARM Cortex A53
  • Memory: 2GB DDR4 RAM
  • Dimensions: 180 x 220 x 47 mm (HxWxD)
  • Weight: 0.58 kg
  • Power: 12V, 2.5A

Streaming Content Providers

Netflix

The worlds most popular streaming service for Movies and TV– requires a subscription – Spark Customers get free Netflix on their Entertainment Broadband plans. –https://www.netflix.com/

Neon

Offers a world of TV shows and Movies, no ads, for a monthly subscription. – https://www.neontv.co.nz/

Sky Go

Pay per view – you need to be a Sky customer to use Sky go for live sports, news, box sets and catch up on movies, shows and entertainment. – https://www.skygo.co.nz/

TVNZ

FREE – watch your favourites, whenever, wherever with TVNZ on demand – – https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows

ThreeNow

FREE  – all your favourite TV3 shows – https://www.threenow.co.nz/

Google Play

Pay per View – Rent your favourite movies and TV shows. https://play.google.com/Movies

How can AB Electrical Help

We appreciate much of this is new to most households with new concepts, new terminology and can cause confusion and frustration. We want to de-mystify streaming services and ensure our customers have an affordable solution to stream TV, Movies and Sport. As well as registered electricians, we are tech geeks and online experts.

We can come onsite and check the following:

  • Walkthrough your internet connectivity
  • Check your home network and Wi-Fi performance and optimising it where possible
  • Review your ethernet cabling
  • Recommend and advise your streaming device options
  • Configure Streaming Devices
  • Guide you through Spark Sport App and Subscription
  • Installation of Smart TV
  • Supply streaming devices
  • Ethernet Cabling if required
  • Recycling your old TV
  • Mounting your TV
  • Home Automation/Home Theatre integration
  • Concealing cabling
  • Other Electrical Work.
Contact Us

We can work through the requirements to help you stream content.

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We are often asked what is the difference between AB Electrical from others

Our unrelenting focus on service & unequalled experience
We only bring on team members who truly understand how to deliver the service standards that you are looking for.  

Being a great communicator, turning up on time, being friendly & presentable, explaining what is involved, cleaning up at the end of the job, respecting your home or business.  

After having completed nearly 20,000 jobs across Auckland our experienced team of electricians, there is not much they have not seen or experienced.  We are adept at applying our knowledge and experience in addressing your job to your satisfaction.

Check out our Google Reviews and you will see what our customers have consistently said over the years.

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