It’s time to get your TV onto fibre
Us Kiwis use on average 234GB of data every month to stream our favourite movies, TV shows, sporting events and everything else we use our broadband for. So when it comes to watching all that great content, there’s nothing better than seeing it on your biggest screen. If you want to do that buffer-free without any interruptions, you’ll need to connect your TV to fibre.
So, stop squinting at the small screens and stream big New Zealand! Check out below for all you need to know about getting connected to fibre and making sure you’re set up for the best streaming experience.
Why you need fibre?
Quite simply, fibre is the best internet connection available. It consistently rates highest for satisfaction over other technologies*, and gives you a dedicated, fast and consistently reliable connection so everyone can watch, listen, play, post and chat without interruption or slowing down. Even with multiple devices online (TV, phones, printers, smart fridges, and more), there’s no having to deal with slow speeds or interruptions.
*Based on Colmar Brunton Chorus Consumer Monitor 2018.
Capacity
Dedicated capacity for multiple devices to watch, listen, play, post, work, and chat all at the same time, without any loss of quality.
Fastest speeds
The faster your connection, the more you can do and the less time it takes from downloading movies to uploading images, browsing web pages and streaming sports.
Reliability
Fibre provides a great experience with consistent speeds and no buffering even when everyone is online.
Can I get fibre at my address?
5 steps to getting fibre at your place
Step 2
Ask to get connected to fibre broadband
Step 3
When selecting plans opt for a 100mbps (Fibre100) or above plan with unlimited data for worry-free streaming
Streaming devices
Freeview Streaming Device
The Dish TV SmartVU X is the first-ever Freeview Streaming Device. Stream your favourite Freeview channels without the need for an aerial or satellite dish. It comes with a Chromecast built-in, can output 4K HDR content and this compact device magnetises to the back of your TV to stay cleverly concealed. Plus explore YouTube and other apps on Google Play, as well as Lightbox and Netflix.
Priced at $139 and available from Freeview-accredited retailers across New Zealand.
Casting sticks
Controlled by a smartphone or tablet, casting sticks plug straight into the back of your TV — no box required. This makes it an easy option for secondary TVs around your house.
Streaming boxes
A small box that plugs into your TV that you control with an included remote. They typically have the most features and widest selection of streaming services, and receive the most frequent software updates.
Smart TV
Smart TVs don’t require any extra hardware. With a Smart TV, all you need to do is turn it on and use the included remote control. They are easy to use and support a wide range of streaming apps.
Casting sticks
Chromecast from $68.99
Chromecast Ultra from $109.99
Streaming boxes
Apple TV from $250
PlayStation 4 from $489
Xbox One S from $728
Connecting your TV
How to set up your TV
Our resident tech expert Kurt Rodgers will show you how to set up your TV for the best streaming experience.
What you’ll need
For the best viewing experience, you should connect your Smart TV or streaming device directly to your modem. Together, they provide a strong connection, so you can stream high-quality content with minimal disruption.
Casting stick
- Connect your casting stick to your TV with an HDMI cable
- Connect your casting stick to your modem with an Ethernet cable
- Hint: The Chromecast Ultra’s Ethernet port is on the power adapter
Streaming boxes
- Connect your streaming box to your TV with an HDMI cable
- Connect your streaming box to your modem with an Ethernet cable
Smart TV
- Connect your smart TV to your modem with an Ethernet cable
Need help? Check out our FAQ’s
What to watch
Top streaming services
Once you’ve got a broadband connection that can handle your streaming needs, the next choice to make is what content service (or services) to subscribe to.
If you’re new to streaming content, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Check out the list below for some of the major players
All of these platforms have the rights to a different selection of music, shows, movies and events, so make sure you do your homework and check that your preferred service has your favourite titles.
Blogs
The case for 100Mbps (or more…)
Traditionally, you may have chosen your broadband plan based on the amount of data you need each month. With fibre you’ll also need to consider the speed of your connection…
Three ways to make your TV smarter
If Santa’s not likely to bring a new TV this year don’t worry. You need not miss out on the latest Netflix sensation or Spotify album as it’s really easy to make your current TV smarter. Check the back of your TV…
Welcome to the Horizon Festival of Speed
If you’re a parent we’re willing to bet there’s a 99.9% chance your children have used a connected device...
Content to keep the kids entertained this summer
Summertime and the living is easy – especially if you can find plenty of entertainment to occupy the smaller citizens in the house. First things first. On most streaming apps you can set up profiles for your children…
Upcoming streaming events
FIH Pro League Womens: CHN v ARG (Spark Sport)
March 21st
FIH Pro League Womens: CHN v NZ (Spark Sport)
March 22nd
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves v Charlotte Hornets (Spark Sport)
March 22nd
Murder, She Wrote, Seasons 1-5 (Amazon Prime)
April 1st
SpongeBob Squarepants (Lightbox)
April 1st
A Quiet Place (Amazon Prime)
April 2nd
9-1-1 (Lightbox)
April 2nd
Good Girls Revolt (Lightbox)
April 3rd
Mad About You (Lightbox)
April 4th
The Act (Lightbox)
April 4th
Feud: Bette & Joan (Lightbox)
April 4th
The Tick (Prime Original Series), Season 2 (Amazon Prime)
April 5th
Our Planet (Netflix)
April 5th
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 2 (Netflix)
April 5th
Finding Your Feet (Amazon Prime)
April 8th
Bug Diaries (Prime Original Series), Season 1 (Amazon Prime)
April 12th
Diablo Guardian (Prime Original Series), Season 2 (Amazon Prime)
April 12th
Overboard (Amazon Prime)
April 17th
Mid90s (Amazon Prime)
April 18th
Bosch (Prime Original Series), Season 5 (Amazon Prime)
April 19th
Book Club (Amazon Prime)
April 21st
Humans, Season 3 (Amazon Prime)
April 27th
The Hole in the Ground (Amazon Prime)
April 27th
The Americans (Lightbox)
April 28th
Vikings, Season 5 (Amazon Prime)
April 30th
Stranger Things 3 (Netflix)
July 4th
Mindhunter: Season 2 (Netflix)
Coming Soon
The Crown: Season 3 (Netflix)
Coming Soon
Black Mirror: Season 5 (Netflix)
Coming Soon
13 Reasons Why: Season 3 (Netflix
Coming Soon
Ozark: Season 3 (Netflix)
Coming Soon
Frequently asked questions
- What is fibre?
- Can I get fibre at my house?
- Do I need to prepare anything for my fibre installation?
- What is Fibre pro and how does it work?
- Why do some areas get fibre before others?
- Fibre isn’t available at my place, when can I get it?
- How much will my installation cost?
- What is an ONT and where should I install it?
- What can affect my broadband performance?
- I don’t have a broadband provider, how do I get one?
- Why is 100Mbps or more the best option for streaming?
- How much data do I need for streaming?
- Is streaming legal?
- How does fibre improve the streaming experience?
- How do I stop streams from buffering?
- How do I get set up for streaming?
- How can I make my normal TV a Smart TV?