Cheapest device to watch Netflix and Showmax

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Scary_Turtle

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Aug 13, 2015
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I'm looking for a device (That kinda looks like a DSTV decoder) to run Netflix and Showmax for my parents at their house. Basically make their old HDMI TV a smart TV.

I remember seeing a R400 Box somewhere on these forums and people said it worked great but can't find it.

I don't really wanna fork out 2 grand for a ROKU if I can pay R400 for the same thing.

Any help will be appreciated.
 
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Azgard

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Feb 16, 2004
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As far as I know the Roku doesn't yet have a ShowMax app.. So rather try something else if you need ShowMax.

I have the Roku 3 and a Streaming Stick for my family, but you get what you pay for.. The 3 is far superior, but for now still stuck with having to use the PC for ShowMax.
 
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Sokum

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Azgard said:
As far as I know the Roku doesn't yet have a ShowMax app.. So rather try something else if you need ShowMax.

I have the Roku 3 and a Streaming Stick for my family, but you get what you pay for.. The 3 is far superior, but for now still stuck with having to use the PC for ShowMax.
Click to expand...

THAT IS TRUE...then try a Apple TV the only device with Netflix and Showmax.
 
chrisc

chrisc

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I got a used Apple TV3 off Carbonite for my neighbour for R600. It works a treat, is easy to set up. She uses my wi-fi connection and in the 4 months she has had it, has not spent 1c on content. The news channels and YouTube are free and have an amazing variety of stuff to watch
 
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phoenix55

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Jun 22, 2007
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I'm also looking for something cheap to be able to watch Showmax on.

I have an older smart Samsung Blu-ray player, which works pretty well and I can watch all sorts of things like Youtube, Plex, IPTV, etc. on it but the Showmax app only works on smart TVs and blu-rays after 2012 I think.

Not wanting to fork out too much just to be able to watch Showmax there

Any options?

Looking for something under R600 or there about
 
dualmeister

dualmeister

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Think we should have a competition to see who can come up with the cheapest Showmax compatible system from items that are readily accessible (i.e. not second hand items off Gumtree ect.)

Go ... :D
 
NeonNinja

NeonNinja

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chrisc4290 said:
I got a used Apple TV3 off Carbonite for my neighbour for R600. It works a treat, is easy to set up. She uses my wi-fi connection and in the 4 months she has had it, has not spent 1c on content. The news channels and YouTube are free and have an amazing variety of stuff to watch
Click to expand...

She uses your WiFi free of charge? How does she pay you?
 
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phoenix55

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Jun 22, 2007
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Google Chromecast seems a bit scarce here, can't seem to find it other than BidOrBuy and the cheapest seems to be R832 + R85 shipping.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/2262...ual_band_2_4GHz_5GHz_support_Triple_Adap.html

If I have Showmax on my Android smartphone and have a device on my TV to cast to such as AnyCast, would that work?

I found this on Manality for R395 but not sure if it will work
http://www.mantality.co.za/anycast-wifi.html

Another option is an Android TV stick but those are even scarcer and pricer than Google Chromecast (may then just go for TV box instead at those prices)
R500 + R100 shipping
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/228739513/Mini_PC_Android_TV_stick_With_Built_in_WIFI_HDMI.html
Only thing is that although it's Android 4.2, I'm not sure how good the WIFI reception is on it and then you'd need to get a separate mouse and keyboard (+/- R250 for a cheapie)

Other option is to just plug in my old laptop to the TV and use the VGA - TV set up but that's a bit of a mission plus with little kids about who like pushing buttons, may not end well ;-D

Any other ideas?
 
dualmeister

dualmeister

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This Android TV box specifically mentions that it supports Widevine which is what Showmax requires so it might work.

$29.99 Inc Shipping + possible VAT payable on delivery
 
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