Australia’s only news-focused streaming service, Flash brings the world’s best news sources in one place for streaming at home or on the go on your portable device. But while the flexibility of where and when you can use it is a big plus to the service’s overall functionality, what if you just want to watch the news the conventional way on your TV screen? Flash isn’t available on smart TVs yet, but there are ways you can bring every breaking news on the big screen. Find out more below.
Stream Flash on your home TV
Flash has just launched in the country this month. With it comes a new streaming TV service to join Australia’s ever-growing streaming landscape. While there are niche platforms out there catering to a particular type of content ( e.g., documentaries, horror flicks, reality shows, and animations), this is the first time for a streaming app to focus on live news.
If you need your news delivered to you instantly wherever you are, Flash is worth trying out. The only caveat right now is that it’s not available on smart TVs, at least not yet. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the full experience of the service on a massive, shiny screen. Streamotion CEO Julian Ogrin has also revealed that plans are already in place to make Flash available on smart TVs, Android TV, and gaming consoles.
For now, users who prefer watching local and global news, interviews or documentaries on their TV can still do so with the use of some streaming devices that are compatible with Flash.
How to stream Flash without a smart TV
Let’s take a look at some of the streaming devices you can use to stream Flash news on your big screen TV. All of these devices are readily available and easy to install at home. They will allow you to watch multiple streaming providers, including Flash, on your home TV at the touch of a button. Let’s delve a little deeper!
HDMI Cable
One of the ways you can watch Flash on your TV is by using an HDMI cable. It works by connecting a mobile device or your laptop to your television via said cable, which then mirrors your device’s screen to your TV. As long as you have a compatible mobile or laptop, you can watch Flash on your TV using this method. Your television also needs an HDMI input that supports HDCP 1.4. Watching Flash on your TV via an HDMI cable is also the cheapest way available since it only costs $10-$20.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a prominent option in the streaming device area because it does what it’s supposed to do and it does it so well. This sleek device is now in its fifth generation with awesome features and functionalities added such as 4K and HDR streaming. It lets you download every major app there is, so that means Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Stan, BINGE, Foxtel Now, and a lot more. And if you have a Flash subscription, the more your Apple TV can come in handy. Flash supports Apple TV fourth generation or higher. Apple TV 4th gen costs around $209 in Australia while the newer Apple 4K starts at $249.
Telstra TV 3
The new Telstra TV 3 comes equipped with all the solid niceties you’d want in a streaming device. It’s small and simple, but powerful enough to take on your streaming needs. It features a practical remote control that easily gets things done and every app you’d want to get your hands on is also available, from well-known ones like Netflix, Disney Plus, BINGE, Foxtel Now to niche services like BritBox, iWonder, DocPlay, and hayu. Even better, you can choose to have it as a standalone purchase at $216, or add it to your mobile or broadband plan for $9/mth over 24 months.
FeaturedGoogle Chromecast
If the earlier above options are too pricey for you, then Chromecast is your best bet. Starting off as a really tiny device, it has since evolved and generated newer, more advanced versions. To watch Flash on your TV using Chromecast, you will need to have Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast 3rd Generation.
Previous Chromecast versions, and even the latest Chromecast with Google TV, are not supported on Flash. Built-in Chromecasts are also not compatible with the news streaming app. This might change in the near future as Flash continues to develop its app to be more widely available on different devices.
Streaming TV on multiple devices
For your other streaming services like BINGE, Foxtel Now, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and others, they can be accessed on nearly all platforms. The need to be cautious about what device to purchase or use has since been eliminated because these popular streaming apps are literally everywhere. As for Flash, it’s available at launch on PCs, Mac, iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Telstra TV, and Chromecast.
While it’s not yet supported on other key devices like Android TVs, Smart TVs, PS4, and PS5, it will likely change in the near future. Kayo and BINGE come from the same company and Kayo Sports is available on PS4, PS5, and select smart TVs, while BINGE is available on some Samsung smart TVs.
To sign up for a Flash plan, check out the table below:
Flash Plan
14 day free trialStreaming news on Flash
If you know you have the need for it, why not? Besides, Flash goes beyond news with global affairs programs, talk shows, and docos included in its content offering. While providers like Foxtel, Foxtel Now, and Fetch TV include news channels in some of their packages, they’re not as comprehensive as to what Flash offers. If staying informed and connected is a huge part of your everyday routine, the Flash 14-day free trial is at your disposal. Even though it’s not yet available on smart TVs, you’re not out of TV options thanks to Flash’s compatibility with Apple TV, Telstra TV or Chromecast.
