Each year the televisions in stores get better and better. The display technology continues to improve and the software behind them, even more so.
This year Samsung announced even more apps will come to their 2019 range, including iTunes, while LG and Sony also continue to pack more into what their televisions can do. While no one can really afford to replace their TV each year, we can invest less than $300 to completely change the experience.
Foxtel Now Box
If you want seamless access to your Foxtel channels via a Foxtel Now subscription, this is a great option.
It has a fairly intuitive interface and toggles easily between on-demand streaming and live TV channels. You can also Chromecast to it which might be handy for you.
The Foxtel Now box runs on an Android OS with 8GB storage and 2GB RAM, and offers Ultra HD resolution an S/PDIF digital audio output.
It supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections and also includes a TV tuner if you want to run your free-to-air channels through it.
There are a few apps not yet available including SBS On Demand, Netflix and Amazon Prime, however a Netflix app is coming very soon.
If you’ve got a Foxtel Now subscription, this is the box for you.
Telstra TV 3
Recently launched in Australia, this Roku powered box from Telstra not only runs your standard apps like Netflix and Stan, but it also has a traditional antenna connection, making it your perfect one-stop shop for seamless live TV, catch-up services and on demand streaming in 4K resolution.
Telstra also have their own movie store on there and if you don’t mind paying for Foxtel, it’ll manage that too.
Their latest trick on the device is voice commands on the remote control allowing you to search through all of your services so you don’t need to remember where to find the latest episode of Suits.
For those who don’t want to disturb others in the household you can have the audio of your movie or TV show come through headphones connected to your smartphone instead of the TV speakers.
With built in storage you’ll also be able to press pause on live TV or replay 10 seconds at the push of a button. Telstra have it available to their customers for $9 per month or you can buy it for $216.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Basic
When Amazon arrived to Australia they brought their store, their voice assistant speakers, a streaming service and a dongle for our televisions.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small device with high definition (not 4K) that connects to your television and has a very simple remote. It is one of the cheapest options in entering this category but there are some omissions that could scare you away.
Firstly, no local catch up TV services. Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime are available and there is an app store but it is very US focused.
Some will appreciate the ability to play games but the simple remote means it won’t ever replace a gaming console. Available direct from Amazon for $69 it is a bargain, if it meets your needs.
Google Chromecast
Available in a high definition and 4K model the Google Chromecast is an impressive device that connects to your television, has no menu system, no remote and no apps.
The impressive part is that your smartphone or tablet does all of those functions. Open Netflix on your phone and “cast” it to your TV. The same goes for free view channels, Stan, Amazon Prime, SBS On Demand, YouTube and so on.
Chromecast support has become a standard for streaming services and apps in general. Being a Google product it is important to note that all functions mentioned still perform fine from an iPhone or iPad.
For some, the lack of a typical remote control will put them off but in a world where most have a smartphone, this is a massive upgrade at a small cost. Available from $59 for the high definition option and $99 for 4K
Apple TV 4K
For a very long time Apple analysts predicted the company would make a television of its own. But Apple TV essentially does the same thing.
You can save money and buy a low cost TV yet still have a premium experience if you add an excellent smart TV device. The Apple TV 4K is far more advanced than its previous versions. With more power and storage the device enables more apps and greater gaming abilities.
From games to yoga and meditation, and even Tinder, there are more apps on the Apple TV than any other device so it’s easy to find something new.
While the Apple TV does not have an antenna connection like the Telstra TV 3, it does have the Freeview app which enables live streaming of your standard channels along with catch-up services.
The Apple TV 4K also carries Dolby Atmos for improved sound from movies purchased in iTunes but also allows AirPlay to other compatible speakers. Similar to the Telstra TV you’ll also find universal voice search through Siri by speaking into the remote along with controlling your smart devices in the home such as your lights.
If you are an Apple user, it really is the one device that ties the experience together. The experience is seamless and in typical Apple fashion, it just works. The Apple TV 4K is available from $249.
— Geoff Quattromani is a tech commentator. Continue the conversation @GQuattromani
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