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Compare the latest streaming hardware

Having a streaming account is only the half the story. The device you use is arguably more important to deliver you the best experience.

Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall

Updated

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When Netflix launched in Australia, it did so with a massive head start over its local competitors. After years of growth and expansion in the US, the streaming giant already had partnerships with hardware manufacturers all over the world. So all it needed to do was flick a switch and Australian users would be able to watch on their streaming device of choice.

However, since then, the local players have been fighting hard to catch up. Game consoles now offer access to many of the leading streaming platforms in Australia, as do devices like the Apple TV and Fetch TV. Smart TV manufacturers have been working hard to get the local players on board as well, to try and offer another incentive to upgrade to a better flat panel.

But what's the best way to access streaming services these days? While the convenience of watching on your phone can never be understated, if you want 4K Netflix, is it better to get a Smart TV with integrated support, or a Chromecast Ultra dongle?

We'll be comparing all the best streaming hardware here, so you can always get the best possible access to the streaming entertainment you want to watch.

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K beefs up Apple's streaming device with support for 4K resolutions and HDR lighting.

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV

The 4th Generation Apple TV combines Siri control with streaming platforms and downloadable games for a compact streaming device.

Apple TV

Chromecast 2

Google's second generation streaming dongle brings the power of streaming apps to the big screen, without blowing the budget.

Chromecast 2

Fetch TV Mini

The miniature Fetch TV box offers access to streaming services such as Netflix and digital sports offerings such as the EPL.

Fetch TV Mini

Chromecast Ultra

Streaming 4K content on your Ultra HD TV has become much simpler with the launch of the Chromecast Ultra.

Chromecast Ultra

Fetch TV Mighty

Fetch TV's premium set-top box offers pay TV channels through the Internet plus access to streaming services and digital movie rentals.

Fetch TV Mighty

Foxtel Now Box

The Foxtel Now Box makes it easy to watch Foxtel Now on the big screen, as well as other streaming apps, but stability issues are a big drawback.

Foxtel Now Box

Nvidia Shield TV

We've had to wait for the Nvidia Shield TV to formally launch in Australia, but the wait has well and truly been worth it.

Nvidia Shield TV

Telstra TV

Telstra's rebranded Roku box offers access to a comprehensive suite of Aussie streaming services and catch-up TV.

Telstra TV

Vodafone TV

The Vodafone TV streaming box is surprisingly open and easy to use if you need extra smart TV features.

Vodafone TV

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3 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    ShelleyMarch 30, 2018

    How do I instal Hayu on my smart tv ive downloaded and installed it but cant find the app

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeniMarch 30, 2018Staff

      Hi Shelley,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
      You can watch on their partner platforms such as Apple TV, Fetch TV (Australia) and Telstra TV (Australia).Please make sure you have updated your browser to the following version numbers (or better) for the best experience Safari v8.0, Chrome v46, Mozilla Firefox v41.0, Internet Explorer v10. To access your hayu account with via your Telstra TV box, you will need to pair your hayu account with your Telstra TV box by following the steps below.

      To claim your one month free trial, simply visit hayu.com/telstra and subscribe. Once you have signed up, you will need to pair your device to begin watching via the Telstra TV hayu app. To do this, simply follow the steps below.

      1. Open the hayu application on your Telstra TV box and click ‘Sign in’ in the top right hand corner of your screen.
      2. You will see a page containing a unique code. This is your pairing code, so please make a note of this.
      3. To pair your device with your hayu account, navigate to hayu.com/user/settings and sign in using your login details. Click ‘Pair TV App’ and enter your pairing code.
      4. Your Telstra TV box will now refresh and you will be signed into your account.

      Please note, your pairing code will expire after 15 minutes, so if you do not complete the pairing process within that time, you will need to exit the app and sign in again to receive a new pairing code.

      Already have a hayu account? Follow these steps to log in on your Telstra box.

      1. Open the hayu application on your Telstra TV box and click ‘Sign in’ in the top right hand corner of your screen.
      2. You will see a page containing a unique code. This is your pairing code, so please make a note of this.
      3. To pair your device with your hayu account, navigate to hayu.com/user/settings and sign in using your login details. Click ‘Pair TV App’ and enter your pairing code.
      4. Your Telstra TV box will now refresh and you will be signed into your account

      I hope this helps.

      Have a great day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayMarch 30, 2018Staff

      Hi Shelley,

      Thanks for your question.

      Hayu can be streamed on web at hayu.com and on mobile via iOS App or Android App. Aside from that, you can also watch it on their partner platforms:

      Apple TV
      Amazon Fire TV
      Amazon Kindle Fire
      Fetch TV (Australia)
      Telstra TV (Australia)
      TV2 Sumo (Norway)
      Roku (UK only)

      So if your smart TV is not compatible with Hayu, I’m afraid you may not be able to watch it on your device even if you’ve downloaded the app on it. If you have Fetch or Telstra TV, you should be good.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
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