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Everything you need to know about Telstra TV

Exclusive to Telstra customers, is Telstra TV a media box worth signing up for?

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Matt Sayer
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What is Telstra TV?

Telstra's Telstra TV set top box is a 4K-capable media streaming device capable of playing movies and TV shows from services like Netflix, 7Plus and Telstra TV Box Office on your TV. Similar to other boxes like Apple TV and Fetch, Telstra TV connects to your home network either through Wi-Fi or via an ethernet cable and streams video from the Internet to your TV over HDMI.

Unlike the competition, though, Telstra TV is only available to Telstra broadband customers. If you don't have a Telstra broadband account, you won't be able to use the device.

How does Telstra TV work?

To stream online content to Telstra TV, you'll first need to download the relevant app from Telstra TV's app store. Services like Foxtel Now and Stan each have their own app, and provided you're already a paid subscriber, you can watch their complete libraries from the comfort of your couch. Apps for catch-up TV services like 9Now and 7Plus work in much the same way, with the added benefit of being free to access, although as with any video streaming services, they will consume data when you're watching programs through them.

In addition to online streaming services, Telstra TV can also access videos, music and photos stored on your home network or on USB devices. By connecting other media devices to your home network, or by plugging them into Telstra TV via USB, you can watch video files, listen to music and view pictures on the big screen.

Controlling Telstra TV is a simple matter, too. Switching apps and searching for content can be handled via the included infrared remote, with a universal remote or through the Telstra TV+ mobile app.

Broadband Offer

$

Monthly

Min. Total Cost of $

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MB

Data

What can I watch on Telstra TV?

Telstra TV supports a wide range of free and paid streaming services through apps on its app store. Some of the most popular services are:

BigPond Movies: Telstra's video service is no couch potato

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Over the years, Telstra has fashioned BigPond Movies into quite a competitive storefront, nabbing the latest blockbusters as soon as six months after release. Read more...

What is Telstra TV+?

Telstra TV+ is the mobile companion app for Telstra TV – basically it's an interactive TV guide for everything you can watch on Telstra TV. Available on iOS and Android devices, the app rounds up the latest movies and TV shows available on services like Stan, BigPond Movies and 7Plus, along with schedules and highlights for select Telstra-sponsored sports like AFL and NRL.

If you're not a fan of the included remote, you can use the Telstra TV+ app to control your Telstra TV instead. The app interface makes it a lot easier to find the shows and movies you're looking for, especially if you need to do any typing. Telstra TV supports full search for content across multiple services, and it's markedly easier to do so from the app with a full keyboard rather than the on-screen display with a remote.

Telstra mobile customers can also use the Telstra TV+ app to redeem special entertainment offers tied to their mobile plan. These offers typically include cheap movie tickets, BigPond Movies rentals and free trials for a variety of entertainment services.

How much does Telstra TV cost?

Since Telstra TV requires a valid Telstra broadband or mobile account to function, it's only available to buy directly through Telstra. If you're not already a Telstra customer, Telstra TV is included with a number of Telstra's broadband bundles. The current bundling offer provides a Telstra TV at no additional cost to any new contract customer on a plan costing $79 per month or higher.

On the upside, using Telstra TV through a Telstra broadband connection gets you unmetered streaming of any content on BigPond Movies and select sports services like AFL Live.

If you're already with Telstra, you can buy Telstra TV outright for $216 from the Telstra website or through your local Telstra store.

Telstra TV review

We've run the 3rd generation Telstra TV through its paces in our comprehensive review:

"The updated Telstra TV does a good job of covering most of the streaming TV essentials, but Telstra's tight grip on additional apps and video casting means that there are still better options."

You can read the full review of the Telstra TV here.

What's the difference between Telstra TV models?

The current generation Telstra TV is technically the Telstra TV 3, because it's Telstra's third generation Roku-powered set top box. While the range of streaming services across all Telstra TV set top boxes is essentially identical, the second generation box added support for 4K video as well as an integrated TV tuner so you can watch live free-to-air television, while the third generation made a few tweaks to voice search and general performance.

Specifications

Product Name
Telstra TV 3
Video formats
2160p 4K UHD / 1080p HD / 720p with HEVC support
Audio support
Dolby Digital 7.1
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual band wireless or 10/100 Ethernet port
Processor
Quad-core MStar C2
RAM
2GB
Storage
512MB Flash NAND
Ports
HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, MicroSD Slot
Size
16x16x2cm (approx)

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77 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    MattJuly 16, 2019

    Hi Again Matt,
    Yes I am a Telstra customer with a Telstra ID. The unit I’m looking at is brand new in an unopened package.
    Regards
    Keith

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattJuly 16, 2019Staff

      Hi Keith,

      If the unit is brand new and you’re a current Telstra customer, you shouldn’t have any issues setting it up. Just be mindful that any original warranty may not apply if you don’t have the original receipt.

      I hope this help!

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    MattJuly 16, 2019

    Hi again Matt,
    I propose to buy a new Teslta TV through ebay rather than paying full price buying direct from Telstra. I’m assuming that this will be OK and the system will ask me to register it when I start setting it up.
    Do you see any problems with that?
    Thanks
    Keith

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattJuly 16, 2019Staff

      Hi Keith,

      Assuming the device is in working order and has been deregistered by its original owner, you shouldn’t have any issues setting it up with your Telstra ID. Just to confirm, though, are you a current Telstra customer? You will need a valid Telstra ID to go through the initial set-up process for the Telstra TV unit.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    MattJuly 16, 2019

    Hi Matt,
    Thanks for this very informative website. I’m hoping you can assist me. I currently have a Telstra T-Box connected to a Plasma TV. And of course cannot get Catch-Up TV programs etc.. I’d like to acquire a Telstra TV and connect the HDMI output to a HDMI/RCA converter. This works fine with the T-Box but there’s no internet. Question: Can I use any of the Telstra TV models to do this?
    Thanks and regards
    Keith

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattJuly 16, 2019Staff

      Hi Keith,

      Thanks for your question. You shouldn’t have any issues connecting a Telstra TV unit to your Plasma TV via your HDMI/RCA converter. To watch catch-up TV via Telstra TV, you will need Internet access – the Telstra TV box supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet (cable) connections, so as long as you have an Internet connection at your house, you should be able to connect the Telstra TV box to it.

      I hope this answers your question!

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    ShaneMarch 15, 2019

    Hi, I want to do some live streaming to Facebook of an event.
    Whats the best plan and connection setup so its very reliable.
    Its not for profit just hobby so im concerned about download/upload usage and speed.
    Thanks

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ValMarch 18, 2019Staff

      Hi Shane,

      Thank you for leaving a question. It seems like you are looking at the correct page. Telstra does have plans that have unlimited data. You may start getting options from that. Also you can check how many mbps you might need. If this is live streaming, it can depend on how long you will be doing the stream for the Facebook event.

      Once you have selected a plan you may click on the Go To Site to get additional information for the plan. Please make sure to check the T&C prior to subscribing.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Val

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    KyleDecember 29, 2018

    Is the 10 all access app available on telstra tv? I have checked the app store on telstra tv but can’t find it. Will it be added?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeniDecember 29, 2018Staff

      Hi Kyle,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

      Kindly contact Telstra directly on this matter via call or online chat so they can provide you step by step guide on the apps that you’re unable to get through your Telstra TV’s app store.

      I hope this helps.

      Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    PaulJuly 13, 2018

    I am trying to find a list of exactly what channels I would get on Telstra TV. For example, my wife likes several programs that are on the Lifestyle channel and I would need to know whether that is available on Telstra TV.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      ArnoldJuly 13, 2018

      Hi Paul,

      Thanks for your inquiry

      One of the great new features of the new Telstra TV is the ability to access Live Free-to-Air TV. Here is a quick guide to help you scan for free to air channels that are available to your Telstra TV.

      Using your Telstra TV remote:

      – Open the menu by selecting the home button
      – Select Settings
      – Scroll down to Channel scan
      – Select Scan again for channels
      – Select Start finding channels.

      Please make sure your antenna cable is connected firmly to the back of the Telstra TV, and to the wall socket. For more information about this, you may want to check out Telstra’s Website and click on the Telstra TV link for everything you need to know about the device.

      Hope this information helps

      Cheers,
      Arnold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    MaryJune 29, 2018

    How much per month for telstra tv for 4 tvs

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      JoelJune 29, 2018

      Hi Mary,

      Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

      Since Telstra TV requires a valid Telstra broadband or mobile account to function, it’s only available to buy directly through Telstra. If you’re not already a Telstra customer, Telstra TV is included with a number of Telstra’s broadband bundles. The current bundling offer provides a Telstra TV at no additional cost to any contract customer on a plan costing $99 per month or higher. On the upside, using Telstra TV through a Telstra broadband connection gets you unmetered streaming of any content on BigPond Movies and select sports services like AFL Live. If you’re already with Telstra, you can buy Telstra TV outright for $192 from the Telstra website or through your local Telstra store.

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    PeterJune 5, 2018

    We currently subscribe to Foxtel for internet, phone and Foxtel entertainment plus sport, but are no longer on a contract. The service is connected to two TVs but only one IQ. It is not HD.
    Nbn has been connected to our street, and we are considering purchasing a Telstra bundle for internet, phone, Telstra TV , Foxtel entertainment and sport.
    Does Telstra manage the handover from Foxtel?
    What equipment would we need to buy from Telstra? What cost?
    Can the Telstra connection include two TVs?
    Is the Telstra connection HD? What cost?
    Does the Telstra connection include a recording device/programme selection/preset similar to the Foxtel IQ?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      NikkiJune 7, 2018

      Hi Peter,

      Welcome to Finder! Thanks for leaving us a message.

      Does Telstra manage the handover from Foxtel?
      — You can ask this from Telstra and arrange this with them.

      What equipment would we need to buy from Telstra? What cost?
      — You’d need a Telstra TV Box, with the Telstra TV box, you can watch Live TV, catch-up TV and streaming Apps, all in the one place, search for specific titles across live TV, free-to-air catch-up and major streaming services like Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now and BigPond Movies. You may compare Telstra’s NBN plans and bundles using our comparison table and search filter to help narrow down your options.

      Can the Telstra connection include two TVs?
      — This is dependent on the Telstra Bundle you get. There are Telstra broadband plans that include Telstra TV on the offer and if should you need an extra TV you may request for an additional device for $192.

      Is the Telstra connection HD? What cost?
      — This is dependent on the Telstra Bundle you get. The basic package including Sports, Entertainment and HD channels for $39 per month standalone.

      Does the Telstra connection include a recording device/programme selection/preset similar to the Foxtel IQ?
      –The T-Box is a digital set-top box and personal video recorder which combines access to free-to-air TV channels in your area with features and applications, delivered by your eligible broadband service.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    KathleenMarch 13, 2018

    I’m watching Netflix on my lounge TV which is a smart TV, but with it getting close to winter I wouldn’t mind watching netflix on my bedroom TV, I have heard that I need a media box, I have just upgraded to a new package and it’s costing enough but just need to know about your media box. Thanks and also costs involved.

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 13, 2018Staff

      Hi Kathy,

      Thanks for your enquiry.

      If you have purchased a broadband package through Telstra, the Telstra TV media box is bundled for free with certain plans. Standalone is available to purchase for $192. If you’re only going to be watching Netflix and other services you are already subscribed to, there are no ongoing costs for Telstra TV.

      That said, if all you want to do is watch Netflix on a separate, non-starter TV, Google Chromecast offers a cheaper way to do that. You may want to consider that as an alternative.

      If you have any more questions, please let me know.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
      Default Gravatar
      KathleenMarch 13, 2018

      Hi thanks for your response, obviously my telly in my bedroom is a normal telly so want to be able to watch netflix on there, I’m going through WiFi to watch my netflix on my smart telly, just also wondering if it’s not cheaper to buy a media box on eBay

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 13, 2018Staff

      Hi Kathy,

      Purchasing a media box from eBay can be a cheap solution, but you’ll want to make sure that the specific model you buy supports Netflix. Also be aware that cheaper, generic media boxes may have weaker Wi-Fi chips, which could affect their ability to stream Netflix depending on how far away they’re situated from your Wi-Fi router.

      As I mentioned, Google Chromecast offers a relatively cheap (usually around $50-$60) option if you don’t want to go the eBay route.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
      Default Gravatar
      KathleenMarch 13, 2018

      How is google chromecast going to let me watch Netflix on my TV in my bedroom?

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 13, 2018Staff

      Hi Kathy,

      Google Chromecast plugs into the HDMI port of your TV (like most media boxes) and lets you “cast” video from apps on your phone or from your web browser on a computer. With a Chromecast plugged into your bedroom TV, you could boot up the Netflix app on your phone and select the “Cast” option to watch Netflix on that TV. This way, your phone functions like a remote. You can also do the same thing from a computer, if you don’t have a smartphone.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
      Default Gravatar
      KathleenMarch 13, 2018

      Shooo now I’m confused lol how much does that cost?

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 13, 2018Staff

      The retail price is $59, but you can often find it cheaper if you shop around. If you want to know more, I recommend reading our guide to Google Chromecast.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
      Default Gravatar
      KathyMarch 13, 2018

      So is that a once off price?

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 13, 2018Staff

      Correct. Other than your Netflix subscription, there are no ongoing costs.

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    RobertFebruary 28, 2018

    We have just subscribed to Foxtel $29 per month plus sports and not to Telstra TV. Should we have gone for both Telstra Tv and Foxtel (plus sports) instead.? The option of both together was not mentioned and we were not aware we could have both. Is Telstra Tv going to be available after 12 months. Will ring the store tomorrow to find out before it is too late to see what was the better option. Up in the air!!!!.

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattMarch 1, 2018Staff

      Hi Robert and Carole,

      Thanks for your enquiry. May I ask whether you’re a Telstra broadband customer? Telstra TV is only available to those who have a Telstra broadband connection. Also, the offer that includes both Telstra TV and Foxtel is available when purchasing a new broadband bundle through Telstra – if you’re just looking to get Foxtel by itself, I’m afraid you won’t be able to take advantage of it.

      Let me know if you have any further questions!

      Regards,

      Matt

      Reply
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