How to stream TV shows and movies on your non-smart TV

Here are 7 cheapish ways to watch Showmax/Netflix/Prime Video that don’t involve squinting at your smartphone or tablet, setting your laptop up on the coffee table, or upgrading to a smart TV.

Because, let’s be real, the beauty and cinematography of shows like Euphoria and Game of Thrones won’t be done any justice on your smartphone screen. 

Connect your laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable

If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI-in port, it probably came in with the Ark and it’s time to get a new one.

Pros: Cheap, you just need an HDMI cable.

Cons: You’ll need to position your laptop close to your TV and may need to get out of your seat to pause GoT while you get more popcorn. That’s unless you have a remote app on your smartphone or a super-long HDMI cable.

iPhone or iPad? Find a second-hand Apple TV box and AirPlay direct to your TV

With the imminent launch of new streaming service Apple TV+, rumours are swirling about the possible launch of a new Apple TV box to coincide. Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but with die-hard Apple fans having upgraded to the latest generation box towards the end of 2017, you should be able to pick up an earlier model through the likes of OLX and Cash Converters. You can AirPlay any video streaming app from your smart device via the Apple TV for the big-screen experience.

Pros: With the Apple TV, even the older models offer plenty of other apps to choose from, such as YouTube, so you can also stream all the latest trailers for upcoming Netflix and Showmax series straight to your TV.

Cons: Your TV still needs an HDMI-in port for the Apple TV to be plugged into and you’ll need a Wi-Fi network set up at home. For AirPlay to work, both your smart device and the Apple TV need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Android smartphone or tablet? Get a Chromecast

Google Chromecast is a media-streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port. You can then open up the Netflix, Showmax or Prime Video app on your phone and “cast” the shows you want to watch from the app straight to the TV. They cost around R1 000, so it’s not as cheap as some of the other options on this list, but not as much of a splurge as a new TV.

Pros: Simple to use and works with pretty much any Android smart device.

Cons: Google Chromecast devices are as rare as hen’s teeth in South Africa. Best to ask a friend to buy you one as a gift the next time they’re overseas.

Plug your smartphone or tablet straight into the TV

Did you know that many phones and tablets can connect direct to the HDMI port on a TV via Mobile High-Definition link (MHL)? You’ll need to do some Googling about your device to see if it supports MHL and then get yourself an MHL cable (again, this will set you back about R1k). If it does support MHL, you’re in luck. You can just plug in your phone and your screen will be mirrored on the TV. Some older Android phones have a micro-HDMI output which makes life even easier as they usually come with the cable in the box.

Pros: Simple to start using – just plug and play – plus no Wi-Fi network is needed.

Cons: You may struggle to find the right cable, and/or your device may not support it.

Got an Explora decoder? You’re in luck – Showmax is now on the Explora, and Showmax subscriptions are totally free to DStv Premium subscribers

To get Showmax on the Explora, just press the blue DStv button on the Explora remote, scroll to Watch Now, and select Showmax. Take note though, you’ll need to connect your Explora to the internet to be able to access the full Showmax catalogue. For that you’ll need to buy an ethernet cable to connect your Explora or a DStv Wi-Fi Connector.

Pros: Quick and easy. Just sign up for Showmax, add it to your DStv bill, and start watching. If you’re a DStv Premium subscriber, you get Showmax at no extra cost.

Cons: You will need to connect your Explora to the internet to access Showmax.

Not keen on using your phone, laptop or tablet to stream to your TV? Get an Android TV set-top box.

Android TV boxes are media players that connect to the internet and let you “cast” 4K (that is, super-HD) content directly to your TV screen. They work similarly to Chromecast, but there are two main differences: one, you don’t need to use your phone or tablet (meaning you can choose to not actually be holding your smartphone while you’re watching TV); and two, the set-top box is more expensive than a Chromecast stick. There are a few different models available in South Africa at the moment and the cheapest one will set you back upward of R1 000.

Pros: You can use a remote instead of your phone or tablet to stream content to your TV.

Cons: It’s more expensive than a Chromecast device.

Gamer? Get the Xbox One or the Sony PlayStation 4

Showmax and Netflix both have apps for the Xbox One and the PS4, which means you can now stream from these services on your TV through your gaming console. Both the Xbox and the PS4 act as media players – all you have to do is install the Netflix and Showmax apps from the Xbox or PlayStation Store, and then get your binge on.

Pros: They’re gaming and video streaming consoles all in one. 

Cons: If you don’t already own an Xbox One or PS4, this isn’t a cheap solution – but it’s cheaper than upgrading to a smart TV and getting a new gaming console!