TV streaming: Your guide to watching television online in India

Internet Television is televised content that is delivered to all sorts of connected devices, from personal computers to smartphones to video game consoles.

Also referred to as “IPTV’ or “streaming”, this technology enables viewers to watch television shows, movies, news and sport in real time over the Internet.

The streamed content is viewed through a website or native application that gives the viewer access to a live stream or library of television shows and movies.

With a steady Internet connection and compatible device, there is little difference from what traditional broadcast options offer.

I’m sold but I don’t know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?

This is a common deterrent for people looking to make the switch to streaming but don’t worry, there are plenty devices you can use to stream Netflix, Zee5 and more. In fact, you’ve probably got one or two in your home already.

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  Computer

  If you’ve got a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, you’re already halfway to streaming most major streaming services. Almost every streaming service in India can be accessed by the web browser you use every single day.

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  Smartphone and tablet

  One of the more popular devices to stream video on, smartphones and tablets allow you to binge TV shows, movies and news on the go. Most major streaming services are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and even offer offline viewing options so you don’t chew through your data.

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  Game consoles

  Why fork out for a new television when you probably own a streaming-enabled device already? Game consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have native apps for Netflix, Prime Video and more. The 4K-ready PS4 Pro and Xbox One X also allow you to stream 4K/UHD content (when connected to a 4K TV).

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  Streaming media devices

  If you’re not looking to fork out for a Smart TV, there is a huge selection of affordable streaming hardware options, like Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Fetch TV that will essentially transform your standard television into a Smart TV.

There’s a whole suite of devices and gadgets you can stream on but device compatibility varies from service to service. Check the details table in the table above to discover which streaming services are compatible with which services.

Why is streaming taking over? Convenience. While you can live stream TV shows and movies as they happen, the main draw of streaming television is the thousands and thousands of classic movies and recent blockbusters available with the press of a button.

The wide selection of compatible devices also means you don’t have to wait until you’re home on the couch to catch up on the latest news and premium TV shows. Streaming and Internet TV can be accessed from your office computer, from your smartphone on the commute home and when you get home, you can continue what you were watching on your Smart TV without missing a beat.

Streaming is also relatively cheap. Netflix charges just INR500 per month at its lowest tier and offers quality original content and options for HD and 4K (Ultra High Definition) streaming at its higher tiers.

Compare the differences in content, pricing and packages from Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, AltBalaji and Eros Now before you decide on one.