Internet TV: Streaming Video On Demand (SVOD) Comparison
Compare on-demand internet streaming media services in Singapore. Our comparison can help you find the best streaming service for your needs.
See the differences in content, pricing and packages from Amazon Prime, Netflix Singapore, iTunes, and HBO. If you can’t seem to find one that you like, you may want to consider a combined entertainment bundle. Compare a range of on-demand Internet television (TV) sources on finder Singapore now so you can choose the one that best suits your entertainment needs. Whether you need Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black or just something for the kids, you’ve come to the right place.
What are the main sources of Internet TV? How can I watch it?
Source
Description
Free to air
These are channels on your television offering online (and some free) streaming services to your device. One example is Mediacorp’s Toggle app.
Pay per view
These are companies who have developed their own streaming system and charge you per item that you’d like to stream including TV shows, movies and music.
Subscription services
These are providers that charge you on a monthly basis for certain privileges on their service. You get access to a range of premium TV shows and movies and there are different package options you can opt for. Be mindful that in most cases you’ll need an internet connection or a reliable ISP (see below) to stream the content. Some notable players in the space are Netflix Singapore and Amazon Prime.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Internet service providers can offer their own streaming services too. Offering both movies and TV shows, players like Starhub TV and Singtel TV all offer their users the option to download these for a price per content.
Smart TVs
Even consoles are jumping on board Internet TV. Payers like Sony, Play Stations are offering Freeview shows, plus pay per view content.
Foreign services
Typically these are providers who are based in the US. There’s been a lot of debate regarding how cheap internet TV and the range of content available when comparing Singapore to the US.
Understanding your options: your guide to streaming video services in Singapore
What’s the main advantage when it comes to streaming for Singaporeans? Now, there are no long delays to view international content at a genuinely low price. The table above shows some of the cheapest entry points, with Netflix Singapore starting at $10.98 per month though you can only watch on 1 screen at a time in Standard Definition. Downloads are also limited to 1 phone or tablet. Other providers such as Amazon Prime and Starhub Go also boast extensive libraries. In terms of viewing quality, Netflix Singapore is the only one who offers Ultra higher definition (not just high definition). Even better, most shows are available on one or more of the platforms, though bigger shows like Game of Thrones are available on Starhub Go instead. Accessing TV and movies has never been easier and more diverse for Singaporeans, but at the same time, more complicated. With so many internet TV sources available, how do you pick the best one for your needs? Not to mention any data upgrades you may need to support your streaming.
What is Internet TV?
Internet Television is able to broadcast televised content to all forms of computer devices, from personal computers (PC) to your mobile phone. Also referred to as ‘web TV’ or ‘streaming’, this technology enables viewers to watch programming in real time. The programming is viewed either through a website or application that is connected to a facility where television programming is being converted into internet packets. Your viewing device is then able to decode the imagery for display. With a good Internet connection and viewing device, there is little difference between what your cable provider can do compared with your computer.
Research and compare on-demand internet streaming media services available in Singapore.
Pay per episode, no free trial, limited accessibility.
Data not available
Compatible with all Apple deices
Most expensive
What types of technologies can be used for Internet television?
The type of technology used for Internet television can vary depending on the source and purpose. These include:
Technology
Description
Internet Protocol TV (IPTV)
IPTV is the most common method used in Singapore to stream TV. This is where the programming is delivered through the internet using a broadband or other type of connection.
Live television IPTV
This is where the programming sent to the computer device is in direct competition with what is being broadcast by that network at the same time.
Video on-demand
Also known as pay per view, this is programming sent over the internet to a box that is connected to your television.
Online video sites
These sites store various pre-recorded programming to allow it to be viewed online.
Streaming
Streamed videos do not need to be downloaded by the viewer, instead they are watching it directly through the Internet.
Downloadable videos
This type of technology allows you to store the movie or show onto your computer device to watch multiple times.
In addition to these different types of Internet television, there are a variety of devices available to make viewing easier. All of the following are equipped with the computer technology needed to take advantage of internet television:
Technology
Description
Internet-enabled TV
This type of television has built in everything necessary to view Internet TV. You only need to provide it with the Internet connection. It is important to note that older model televisions may not have the inbound connections necessary for some of these devices. You might have to purchase special wiring or conversion devices to make your existing TV capable of being connecting to one of these video streaming devices.
Set-top box
Sometimes called an Internet TV media streamer, these connect to the TV and Internet to allow for you to watch Internet TV.
Video game console
Many popular game consoles, such as the Xbox, have been designed with the capability of streaming video.
DVD players
Certain DVD players, DVR and Blu Ray now offer the technology needed to connect with the Internet to stream video and television programming.
Computers
Both a PC and laptop can be connected to a television to access Internet TV.
What are things to consider when choosing an Internet and Cable TV service provider?
The price variations amongst the providers are indicative of a number of features that you should investigate and consider before making a choice:
Shows offered. Not all of the providers will have current popular TV shows available. If you have a preference for a particular program, such as Game of Thrones, check its availability first.
Compatible devices. Not all of the providers are able to be accessed with gaming consoles or DVD players.
Portable device capability. If you want to be able to view movies and programs from a smartphone, tablet or other handheld electronic, check first that the provider offers an app for that function.
Quality. Prices also vary depending on the quality of the video being streamed. A movie in HD, for example, will cost at least one dollar more than the same movie in SD.
When making the switch to Internet television you also need to consider how well your devices and the platform are able to stream videos. If your Internet connection is too slow, TV shows and movies will not stream to your device continuously. Instead, you will be left waiting while the device struggles to catch up. Some content, like HD, also requires a higher speed connection than others.
Frequently asked questions
A geo block disallows certain content, like TV programming, to be viewed from other countries. It is able to track who is accessing a web site from the IP address. Geo-blocking is what is used by popular Internet TV service providers such as Netflix to make sure that an international service is not being used in Singapore.
These are the laws which govern what content may be viewed from where. These rights vary depending on the restrictions the distributor has placed on the content as well as the country it is originating from. In some instances, broadcasting rights will allow for a limited online distribution of a movie or TV program or control when it is released. It is for this reason that many international television shows streamed to Singapore are episodes, or even seasons, behind the country where the show is originating from.
It’s already here. But it should be noted that the packages and programs offered differ from what Netflix offers in other countries.
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