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Fetch TV is taking some big strides to become the Australian set-top box of choice. Unlike its biggest subscription TV competitor, Foxtel, Fetch is welcoming the streaming competition with open arms, fostering a symbiotic relationship between popular on-demand streaming services and Fetch's convenient content hub. Fetch is more interested in lounge room real estate than becoming the next Netflix. With that goal in mind Fetch is releasing the new lite version of its Mighty set-top box, the Fetch Mini.
The Fetch TV Mini is essentially a scaled down version of the Mighty. Not just in size, but in video output, storage and free-to-air tuners. Check out the table below for a complete comparison between the Fetch Gen2, Fetch Mighty and Fetch Mini.
Model | Gen2 | Mighty | Mini |
---|---|---|---|
Hard drive | 1TB | 1TB | None |
Hours of SD recording | Up to 585hrs | Up to 585hrs | None |
Free-to-air tuners | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Simultaneous recording | 4 | 6 | 0 |
Simultaneous viewing | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Pause and rewind | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4K capable | No | Yes | No |
Wi-Fi enabled | No | Yes | Yes |
RAM | N/A | 3GB | 2GB |
USB ports | 2 | 2 | 1 |
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) | No | Yes | Yes |
The Fetch Mini is best suited for those looking for a slim profile set-top box that can pause and rewind live TV and provide access to Australia's various streaming services. However, it's even more relevant if you're signed up with an Optus mobile plan.
When the Fetch Mini launched on 4 July, Optus mobile customers will have the option to bundle it with their plan for an additional monthly cost. If you're a Telstra customer, your best option is almost definitely the Telstra branded Roku 2, Telstra TV. If you're not interested in marrying your phone and entertainment services, you can always opt for the Apple TV Gen 4 ($269) if you want something with some storage capabilities or the Chromecast 2 ($59) if you're after something cheep and cheerful.
It's worth noting that die-hard free-to-air fans will get no love from Apple TV, Telstra TV or Chromecast. Those who can't bear the thought of waking up without Karlos and Kochie should certainly set their sights on the Fetch.
The Fetch Mini will go on sale 4 July 2016 through Optus (branded as Yes TV by Fetch), Harvey Norman and JB HIFI. While Optus (and presumably other telcos) will be bundling the Fetch Mini with a plan, JB HiFi will be selling the device outright.
The Fetch TV Mini retails at $149. It is worth noting that Fetch TV comes with its own subscription costs if you opt for the additional channels. The Entertainment Pack (37 additional channels) will set you back $15 per month and each special interest channels (sport and world) can cost anywhere between $2.00 and $49.95 per month.
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I’m having problems with my fetch box, I can’t get any free to air channels. I have emailed and explained the problem, and have done everything that has been suggested, I have now bypassed the box and are able to get the channels I watch, I’m extremely disappointed.
Hi Vikki,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
I understand your frustration and apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. If you do get problems with the system again, please do not hesitate to contact Fetch TV technical support for assistance. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I have fetch mini but would like to change to fetch mighty. How can I do it?
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment.
You can get Fetch Mighty with a new broadband package, or add to your existing package. If you are getting Fetch from your broadband or phone provider, you should check with your Service Provider for inclusions, terms, conditions, any applicable fees and details of minimum total cost.
The Mighty box is currently available on selected plans from Optus, Dodo, iPrimus and iiNet. Check with your service provider to confirm which model Fetch box is included on the plan you subscribe to.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I have a SAMSUNG PDP Model PS42P4H1X/XSA TV and I’m getting a Fetch Mini set top box. The Samsung does not have a HDMI input. How can I connect the devices?
Regards John
Hello John,
Your TV unit has component cables. You may use an HDMI to component adapter so you can connect the set top box to the TV.
Cheers,
Gru
Thanks Gru
I cant get Fetch to fit my TV screen properly. For example football scores are cut off. I play around with the settings but cant seem to find an easy solution. Its a 42 inch tv.
Hi Richo,
Thanks for your question.
The problem could be in your TV settings. Please try to change the display to “fit to screen.”
Please do let us know how it goes so we can assist you further.
Cheers,
Anndy
was told the mini can work with a mobile phone . Does the mobile become a hot spot for that purpose. As there is no 4g capabilities how does that work?
Hello Sylvio,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You can download the Fetch Mini App to watch shows, buy and rent contents, download, or even use it as a remote control. Once you have downloaded the app, you need to put the PIN or activation code on the set-up box or given by your Fetch TV provider to synchronize them.
Fetch TV box has wifi that you can connect if you hotspot your phone. But this is not recommended as it eats data and may not be stable. We suggest you discuss it with your mobile provider to know how you can manage data charges.
Please go to the Fetch TV website and download the User Guides for both Mobile App and Fetch TV Mini to know more.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi there, I have Fetch TV and internet. How come I don’t have the Freeview channels installed into the Fetch box? I pay $140 plus entertainment pack but can’t access the normal Freeview channels like Foxtel?
Hi Henrietta,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with Fetch or any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
As I have checked on Fetch TV, they offer Catch-up TV which includes: ABC iview, SBS On Demand, TENplay, PLUS7, and 9Now. They don’t have Freeview/Freeview Plus itself. They also offer TV packages so you can add certain channels.
I suggest contacting your Fetch service provider to inquire about your package and check what are the features that you are paying for.
Cheers,
Rench
Hi. I have a Fetch TV box from a previous Optus broadband account. Rather than returning the Fetch TV box, I’m thinking of paying the fee and keeping it to use with a different ISP. Will the box still work? Or is it locked somehow to my previous Optus account?
Hi Raz,
Thank you for your enquiry.
According to Fetch TV, It is not possible to move a Fetch TV box from Optus to another ISP. The Yes TV by Fetch STB remains property of Optus. In the event that the associated Optus service is disconnected or discontinued, the Fetch TV STB needs to be returned to Optus. It wouldn’t work at other locations or ISP as the serial number and MAC address are linked to the specific Optus account or service.
Kind regards,
Jason
Hi I was given a fetch mini by my provider- Will it work with internet speeds of only 2.5
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your question.
You’ll need a minimum broadband speed of 3Mbps to access Fetch TV.
Cheers,
May
Hi JLaw,
Thank you for your inquiry.
To activate your Fetch TV box, you will need to create an online account by going to fetchtv.com.au/activate. You will receive an activation code, which you will need to enter on the Welcome Screen when setting up your Fetch TV box.
Cheers,
May
Hi
I recently purchased both a mighty and mini box. The guy at the shop advised I could access recorded tv on the mighty from the mini. When I try to activate the mini the activation code fails. I can’t find anywhere on the fetch tv site to activate a second box. Can you advise please?
Thanks Jw