How to get showmax/netflix streaming to my "stupid" TV?

[Shrike]

I dont have a SMART TV, it has no internet access. It has HDMI ports etc. How would I get it connected to the WIFI at my home to be able to use streaming services like Showmax and Netflix?

Is there some kind of feeder box I can use?

[marco79]

I'll be following this thread closely. Also interested in Showmax.

I do have a DSTV Explora with Wi-fi connector that still need installation. I wonder if this will work with Showmax?

[DieGrootHammer]

So, [MENTION=9591]Strike[/MENTION], there are the whole host of Android devices that you can buy and plug into your TV that will turn it into a smart device. I personally have a Remix Mini, but there is always the Chromecast or the Rasberry Pi that will work as well. These types of devices are becoming rather commonplace, and both Netflix and Showmax has apps that works great on these devices. I use mine to stream Showmax onto my TV with no problem at all

Then, [MENTION=8412]marco79[/MENTION], the new innovation from DSTV is that you can get the Showmax app installed onto your DSTV Explora decoder, and you'll be able to stream Showmax onto your TV via your Explora decoder. You will need to have it connected to the internet though

[Solitude]

I currently watch Neflix on the XBox One. With ShowMax I have to go sit in front of the pc. I will most likely not renew my ShowMax (which I won from MyGaming) when it expires until they have an XBox One app.

I am saving up for a smart tv though but that will still take a couple of months.

[Shrike]

So how does the chromecast work? You buy it, plug it into your TV through the HDMI port? How do you set it up, do you connect to it through another device like your PC on the wifi network?

[DieGrootHammer]

So how does the chromecast work? You buy it, plug it into your TV through the HDMI port? How do you set it up, do you connect to it through another device like your PC on the wifi network?

The Chromecast was built in Wifi. Pretty much all the Android devices, including the Chromecast, connects via HDMI to your TV. Each device has a different manner of input, for example the Chromecast can be used with your Android compatible phone, and my Remix Mini can be controlled by mouse and keyboard, or even controller. You can also cast many different outputs to the Chromecast. So lets say you are watching Showmax on your PC, you can cast the output to your Chromecast with no problem at all.

I find that using a wireless m&k input in the Remix Mini is incredibly handy, and I can install all the apps on the device, and it is used just like it's a normal PC, just running on Android. All these devices you setup as per the normal Android setup process.

[marco79]

Then, [MENTION=8412]marco79[/MENTION], the new innovation from DSTV is that you can get the Showmax app installed onto your DSTV Explora decoder, and you'll be able to stream Showmax onto your TV via your Explora decoder. You will need to have it connected to the internet though

Thanks, I only have 20Gb mobile data currently p.m. I'll try to get it working. What speed data connection would be needed for Showmax or Netflix streaming? Will a 2meg line be sufficient?

[DieGrootHammer]

Thanks, I only have 20Gb mobile data currently p.m. I'll try to get it working. What speed data connection would be needed for Showmax or Netflix streaming? Will a 2meg line be sufficient?

I'd say 2meg show teoretically be enough. That is the minimum speed as stated by Netflix. But I'd rather say for enjoyable streaming without any buffering rather look at at least 4 Mbps connection. In terms of cap, it would completely depend on the amount of streaming you will do. At the moment I stream everything, and I use about 100 to 200 GB per month, including downloads and Youtube and everything else I do on the line.

[PsychoFish]

I have a media center PC running Ubuntu that I use to display video content on my non-smart TVs

[marco79]

I'd say 2meg show teoretically be enough. That is the minimum speed as stated by Netflix. But I'd rather say for enjoyable streaming without any buffering rather look at at least 4 Mbps connection. In terms of cap, it would completely depend on the amount of streaming you will do. At the moment I stream everything, and I use about 100 to 200 GB per month, including downloads and Youtube and everything else I do on the line.

I'm considering an Amobia 2Mbps or 4Mbps subscription later in the year. A small Xmas present to myself.