Three things you’ll need to be ready for the Netflix Australia launch

March 16th, 2015

TV, Audio & Electronics TVs

Netflix, the streaming service that’s been changing the way people enjoy TV, will finally be touching down on Australian shores on 24 March 2015.

Haven’t heard of Netflix? In short, it’s kind of like joining a library, but for TV shows and movies. Pay a subscription, and legally stream anything in the Netflix library straight to your TV, whenever you want. No more waiting until a show’s scheduled timeslot on a particular channel – watch what you want, when you want!

So if nigh-unlimited access to entertainment on demand sounds like something you’d like to be part of here’s what you’ll need to start using Netflix Australia as soon as it hits the ground:

A fast internet connection with unlimited downloads

If you’re currently on an internet package with limited downloads, it won’t take long for a Netflix Australia addiction to gobble up those metered gigabytes.

Think about contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and upgrading to an Unlimited Downloads package, if one is available. Though some of these services can get a little pricey, especially if you don’t otherwise spend a lot of time online.

For an interesting alternative, some ISPs have started offering special Netflix Australia internet packages, which provide regular metered downloads for everyday internet usage, but unlimited downloads of Netflix content.  So even if you don’t spend all day every day online, you’ll still be able to watch what you want, when you want, without having to cough up big bucks for going over your download limit.

A Smart device

As a service that mashes up the worlds of television and the internet, Netflix is pretty much what Smart TVs and other Smart devices were created for.

With the right apps in place, you’ll be able to effortlessly browse between a wide variety of different shows and movies, queue up your old favourites and discover brand-new offerings, from international smash-hits to locally-grown talent.

With a Smart TV, you’ll be able to manage your Netflix Australia alongside regular broadcast TV, plus much more. Also, Smart TVs can be easily linked to other online services and compatible devices via your home’s wireless network.

LG BP440 Smart 3D Blu-ray player

Though if your current TV is doing perfectly fine and you’d rather not replace it alltogether, you can still access smart functionality with an appropriate Smart device.

LG BH9540TW 9.1 Channel Blue-ray Home Theatre System

A range of Smart devices are available that will be compatible with Netflix Australia, including Blu-ray players, home theatre sound systems, and PVRs.

Check with our team to make sure the model you choose will be compatible with Netflix Australia.

A 4K TV

Okay, this isn’t an essential purchase, but it could still be a valuable one, as Netflix Australia plans to roll out selected programs in glorious 4K Ultra HD resolution.

TCL U65E5691FDS 65 inch 165.1cm 4K Ultra HD Smart 3D LED LCD TV

This is good news to owners/wannabe owners of 4K TVs, as native 4K content can be a bit thin on the ground.

While you can still get a lot of great use out of a 4K TV with upscaling functionality, there’s nothing quite like watching a show or movie in the staggering level of detail in which it was meant to be enjoyed. And Netflix Australia should soon be able to start sending these shows your way…

Stay tuned!

As with any new technology, it’s going to be interesting seeing how Netflix comes together for Australian audiences. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few teething problems, but hopefully the convenience it promises will be well worth it.

And remember, Netflix Australia isn’t the only option if you want to enjoy streaming content – locally-grown alternatives Stan and Presto are also available.

Do you plan to become an early adopter of Netflix Australia? If so, tell us how you go!