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The Magic of Foxtel Go
Foxtel Go is a popular streaming application that offers a plethora of premium channels, live sports events, popular shows, and movies. It is a companion app to the Foxtel or Foxtel Now services, providing you with a ton of viewing content at your fingertips.
Bridging the Gap Between Foxtel Go and Apple TV
Regrettably, Foxtel Go does not natively support Apple TV. This is an unfortunate oversight, considering the vast array of smart TVs, consoles, and streaming devices that Foxtel does support.
Fear not, as I have two workarounds that I recommend to get Foxtel Go up and running on your Apple TV.
Workaround 1: AirPlay Mirroring from an iOS Device
AirPlay is a proprietary protocol stack/suite developed by Apple that allows wireless streaming between devices. By leveraging AirPlay, you can effectively stream Foxtel Go from your iOS device to your Apple TV.
Hereโs how to do it:
- Ensure both your iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Control Centre on your iOS device.
- Tap on โScreen Mirroringโ and select your Apple TV from the list of devices.
- Open the Foxtel Go app and play the content you wish to view.
Note:
Itโs important to remember that streaming quality is dependent on your Wi-Fi networkโs stability.Workaround 2: Plex Media Server
Plex Media Server is a freemium software that can help bridge the gap between Foxtel Go and Apple TV. By hosting Foxtel Go on Plex and streaming it on Apple TV, you can enjoy Foxtelโs content on a larger screen.To use Plex, follow these steps:
- Download and install Plex Media Server on your computer.
- Open Plex and navigate to โChannelsโ in the sidebar.
- Click โInstall Channelsโ and search for โFoxtel Goโ.
- Install the Foxtel Go plugin and sign in to your Foxtel account.
- Now, on your Apple TV, download and open the Plex app.
- Navigate to the โChannelsโ section to find Foxtel Go and enjoy your viewing.
Note:
The Plex method can be a bit tricky to set up and requires a computer running the Plex Media Server.Exploring Alternatives
If youโre looking for a more direct streaming solution, Foxtel Now is an option to consider. Unlike Foxtel Go, Foxtel Now supports Apple TV directly. It offers similar content but with a different pricing structure.
Understanding the Constraints and Opportunities
The issue with Foxtel Go not natively supporting Apple TV could come across as a hurdle to many prospective and existing users. This omission becomes more glaring considering the popularity of Appleโs device in the streaming market and Foxtel Goโs prominence as a premium content provider.
However, the mentioned workarounds do provide a semblance of a solution, but not without their respective caveats.
Reflecting on AirPlay
The AirPlay solution is elegant in its simplicity. Users can quite easily mirror their iOS device screens onto their Apple TVs, thereby allowing the Foxtel Go app to be โstreamedโ onto a bigger screen. However, while the method is straightforward, itโs not without its disadvantages.
The most obvious one is that it requires an iOS device. Not all users might have an iPhone or iPad at hand. Also, during AirPlay, the iOS device in use essentially becomes tethered to the streaming, thus hampering its usage for other tasks.
Lastly, the streaming quality depends heavily on the strength and speed of the Wi-Fi connection. If the Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable, you could experience lag or buffering.
Delving Deeper into Plex
On the other hand, Plex Media Server, while a more technologically demanding solution, offers a workaround that doesnโt necessarily need an iOS device. By turning your computer into a media server, Plex allows you to add Foxtel Go as a channel and stream it onto your Apple TV.
However, it requires a constant running computer, which might be an inconvenience for some. Additionally, setting up Plex and adding channels could be technically challenging for the less tech-savvy users.
Looking at Foxtel Now
If youโd rather not deal with these workarounds, Foxtel Now emerges as an intriguing alternative. Foxtel Now is Foxtelโs standalone streaming service, which natively supports Apple TV.
If youโre looking for direct streaming on Apple TV without having to use another device as an intermediary, Foxtel Now might be the ideal solution. However, be aware that Foxtel Now has a different subscription model and pricing structure than Foxtel Go.
Other Tips and Considerations
When considering using Foxtel Go on Apple TV, itโs crucial to evaluate the quality and speed of your internet connection. Streaming services like Foxtel Go require a steady and robust internet connection for an optimal viewing experience.
If you experience persistent buffering or lagging issues, it could be due to your internet speed, not necessarily the streaming method youโve chosen.
Additionally, while exploring these workarounds and alternatives, remember to consider your specific viewing needs and technological comfort level. Do you need the mobility of an iOS device with AirPlay, or would you prefer the more stationary but potentially higher-quality option of Plex?
Does Foxtel Nowโs direct support of Apple TV make it a more appealing option despite its different pricing structure? Itโs essential to weigh these considerations before making a decision.
Conclusion
While the lack of direct support for Apple TV is an oversight on Foxtel Goโs part, itโs by no means a deal-breaker. With a bit of tech-savviness, you can still enjoy Foxtel Goโs rich content library on your Apple TV via AirPlay or Plex.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your circumstances. If youโre an Apple household, the AirPlay solution might suit you best.
If youโre tech-inclined and have a computer to spare, Plex could offer more flexibility. Regardless, with either method, Foxtel Go becomes a viable option for Apple TV users.
FAQs
Is Foxtel Go free with Foxtel?
Yes, Foxtel Go is included for free as part of your Foxtel package. It allows you to stream live TV and catch up on demand on your devices.
Can I use Foxtel Go on multiple devices?
Yes, you can register Foxtel Go on multiple devices, but you can only watch it on one device at a time.
Whatโs the difference between Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now?
Foxtel Go is a companion app for Foxtel customers, while Foxtel Now is a standalone streaming service that works without a Foxtel subscription.