This is more than a clash of content.
We live in an age where it’s hard to tell where there are more TV opportunities.
Not just on air – but also online. Some modern TVs have already jumped the gun and have special apps already built in. Stan, Netflix – you can have them in your living room.
But for the rest of us without Smart TVs, there are two new offerings available – both with their pros and cons.
Introducing the 4th-gen Apple TV and the Telstra TV
In this review, we’re not just going to examine what you can watch. We’re also going to examine how the controls you use impact the viewing experience itself.
Foxtel from Telstra
Cheapest way to get Foxtel
is through Telstra. Start watching the
best sport, TV, and movies now.
Telstra broadband bundles
Get Telstra TV + Google Home Mini +
Unlimited data & watch shows & movies
from Netflix, Foxtel Now, Stan,
free to air & more.
What qualifies Apple and Telstra to deliver streaming TV?
Apple is well known for its range of innovative consumer electronics. Most notably the iPad, iPhone, iPod – and if you go back far enough the iMac. They have been making digital media available online since they brought out the iPod back in 2001 while the Apple TV has enjoyed a popular following since the 1st gen model was introduced in 2007. So, chances are that they know a thing or two about streaming content online, and have put that knowledge to good use today with the 4th-gen model.
Telstra is one of the largest contenders in the Australian telco field. Since its renaming in 1995, they continue to maintain a strong presence across both the telecommunications and consumer media markets. For example, Telstra has been making Foxtel packages available for years. Not to mention the inception of the T-Box in 2010 – a set top box that included access to Bigpond Movies. This time, the company has opted to leverage an existing US product – known as the Roku 2 – and rebranded it as the Telstra TV so users can experience the same connectivity and ease of use enjoyed by their compatriots in the States.
Which one comes out ahead?
We’ve examined both the Apple TV (2015) and the Telstra TV offerings to see which one works best across a range of categories.
Here’s the breakdown
 |  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Apple TV: $209 | Telstra TV: $109 |
| Processor | Apple TV: Apple 8 dual-core 1.5Ghz | Telstra TV: Dual Arm A9 1Ghz |
| Memory | Apple TV: 2GB | Telstra TV: 512MB |
| Storage | Apple TV: 32GB | Telstra TV: 256MB |
| HDMI | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| USB | Apple TV: No (service and diagnostics only) | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Memory Card Slot | Apple TV: No | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Netflix | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Stan | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Foxtel Now | Apple TV: No | Telstra TV: Yes (HD) |
| iTunes | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: No |
| App Store | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: No |
| ABC iView | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Plus7 | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| 9Now | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| TenPlay | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| SBS OnDemand | Apple TV: Yes | Telstra TV: Yes |
| Local Streaming | Apple TV: AirPlay, local network (iTunes home sharing) | Telstra TV: Memory card, local network |
What’s in the box(es)?
Apple TV is a streaming and gaming top box from Apple. It offers a swipe-friendly remote, and voice recognition in the form of Siri. The 2015 model features an Apple 8 dual-core processor, 2GB of memory, and 32GB of NAND Flash storage. Only purchased content and games take up storage. In contrast, when streaming content, the unit downloads files as needed, then deletes them to free up space when finished. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, a HDMI port, remote control infrared receiver, built in WiFi, a 10/100 Ethernet port and a USB-C port (which is used mainly for service and diagnostics).
Telstra TV is a streaming platform that offers easy access to a huge range of content delivery options. Not to mention that it lets you access your own videos, music and photos right from your TV. Essentially, Telstra TV is a rebadged Roku 2 – a popular streaming device in the US and beyond that Telstra has licensed for use here in Australia. It’s powered by a Dual Arm A9 1Ghz Processor, has 512MB of DRAM, and 256MB Flash NAND storage. Connectivity-wise, it features an HDMI port, USB 2.0 port, a MicroSD Slot, and a Roku Standard infrared (IR) Remote. Oh, and WiFi.
Anything else?
Since this review was initially written, Apple has launched a revised version of the Apple TV that supports 4K video streaming. The 4th-generation Apple TV is still current, though it’s now only available with 32GB of storage. This review was last updated in October 2017.
Featured Recommendations
How much do they cost?
The 4th-generation Apple TV is available for $209 (the newer 4K model, not reviewed here, sells for $249 or 279). All of the content from iTunes still costs the same, and premium SVoD service charges remain unaffected.
Telstra TV is much cheaper, available for only $109. It’s FREE for customers signing up or upgrading to Telstra’s “Best Bundle Ever” or L internet bundles. As with the Apple TV, the subscription viewing services do not change when viewed via Telstra TV.
What’s available?
Both gadgets offer easy access to your favourite entertainment apps. Photo: Compare TV
On Apple TV, you get a huge range of content. While nothing comes pre-installed, you can access everything you need from iTunes and the App Store. This means that Netflix, Stan and more are all available directly. Plus YouTube and anything else the developers in the App store make available.
And what’s more: the games. It seems obvious that developers are set to port the vast library of digital distractions from iPhone and iPad to the new TV offering. Currently you can download and play a range of challenging games including Minecraft and Guitar Hero Five. Plus, if you have purchased a gaming app on iTunes for iPhone or iPad, Apple will let you access the port when it becomes available – for free. And as with the previous iterations of Apple TV, if you can Airplay content, you can get it on your big screen from any compatible device.
On Telstra TV, you get almost the same deal. Foxtel Play, Stan, and Netflix all come pre-loaded, along with all the free-to-air apps and subscription documentary service DocPlay. You also get access to content from the Wall Street Journal, GoPro, Vimeo, CrunchyRoll, Dropbox, YouTube – and Roku’s own Media Player. They’re all baked into the box, so you can start watching stuff as soon as you get connected.
Happily, Telstra TV also lets you stream content from BigPond Movies right in your living room – a precious feat for anyone without the much-loved T-Box. And speaking of precious, you can call up your own treasured videos, photos and music by simply casting from a compatible Android or Windows smartphone or tablet thanks to Miracast. And if your own files aren’t on your mobile devices? Dig them up from your home network via WiFi or Ethernet networking, or plug n play the old fashioned way via USB or microSD.
Pros and cons?
Who should get what?
It really depends on you, the viewer. Both Apple TV and Telstra TV offer solid choices for Australian viewers. If I received either as a gift, I would definitely not be offended (*Hint hint*).
For me, the Apple TV suits users who are already Apple fans. They are at least slightly invested in the Apple ecosystem. These customers will have movies, music and more from iTunes and the App Store. And they want to extend their enjoyment of their content to the big screen. However, the price points make Apple TV less of a casual purchase and more of a considered decision. While it might not be the only gaming device in their living room, it will probably become the mainstay for streaming.
On the other hand, the Telstra TV has three obvious use cases. The first is for the casual watcher who already has Telstra broadband. At only $109, Telstra TV can be picked up on an impulse. Maybe you already have a Stan or Netflix subscription – this box makes it easy to get it on the big screen with a minimum of fuss. The second case is for the new users. I can easily see me picking up a set for my parents and helping them get set up with online streaming in the lounge room for the first time. They love Australian content, and don’t always get to watch what they want, when they want it. This little box changes that. The third is for people switching broadband providers, or upgrading a Telstra broadband package. It comes free with the “Best Bundle Ever” and L bundles – making it a no-brainer to get streaming content.
The question is, which one are you?
Compare streaming TV | plans + prices
