Telstra TV is shutting down – what are your replacement options?

If you’ve got a Telstra TV box connected to one or more of your TVs at home then you should be aware that on November 1 it will stop working – completely.

Nine years since Telstra launched the Telstra TV, replacing their original set top box the Telstra T-Box (that one only lasted five years), the end is near for this little streamer that could.

Plenty of people are rightly up in arms that a box that works well could simply be decommissioned remotely and rightly so, you bought the box (either outright, on a monthly plan or through long-term loyalty), so why won’t it keep working?

My best answer to that is that Telstra didn’t make the box, they licensed it from a company called Roku which is big in the states, and I’d say that licensing deal is over and they are required to brick the device on that date.

It’s shit, let’s be honest. The thing still works fine, so why should the end user have to endure so much change just to watch their favourite apps.

Leaving that aside, because there’s no way around it – here’s what you need to do.

Firstly, please recycle the old Telstra TV box. Take it to a Telstra store (put a sticky note with your thoughts on it if that helps you get it off your chest, but don’t abuse the staff, this wasn’t their decision), and they will ensure it’s properly recycled. Alternatively take it to your nearest e-waste recycling facility – many councils have these across Australia.

Secondly, what do you replace a Telstra TV with?

There are a bunch of options, but it depends mainly what you’re watching!

Alternative to Telstra TV – Fetch TV

Telstra started preparing for this shutdown over two years ago when they announced they had acquired a majority stake in Fetch.

Fetch is a set top box that can do pretty much everything Telstra TV can do, in fact much more – but there are some limitations.

Telstra is offering Fetch on a deal until Early November so if Fetch is the right solution for you, I’d be getting on the phone to Telstra to secure the best deal possible. You should pay no more than $96 for a Fetch Mini, the small streaming box that should plug and play replace your Telstra TV.

Pros and Cons of Fetch as a Telstra TV replacement.

Is Chromecast with Google TV an alternative to Telstra TV

If you need to watch Kayo or Binge, run – do not walk – to JB HiFi and buy the Chromecast with Google TV.

The HD version is just $59, and the 4K version is $99 (often discounted).

This thing is the greatest streaming app device ever made. Sadly, Google is discontinuing it (it will still work) and replacing it with more of a “set top” version later this year at a higher price.

Every single app works on it.

But, you don’t get the migrated movie purchase library from Telstra TV, you don’t get IP Streaming channels like ESPN and there’s a few other little thing that do appeal to me about Fetch.

However the number of people who just use Telstra TV for Kayo is big, so those people – get a Google TV device!

Caution, at the time of launch, don’t expect the “Google TV Streamer” to be a solution as it doesn’t have Kayo or Binge!

Consider Amazon Fire TV as a replacement for your Telstra TV

Honestly, the Amazon Fire TV is underrated – $79 – 4K and it does all the same stuff as the Google TV on Chromecast.

Great if you are into the Amazon ecosystem for sure.

Again, it works with Kayo also!

Should I buy Hubbl to replace Telstra TV?

No. Sorry to the team at Hubbl who love their product, but I can’t think of a single user who it’s suited to in the Telstra TV replacement argument.

Ok, if you use your Telstra TV to open the 9Now app and watch Channel 9 live, or the ABC iView app to watch ABC live because you don’t have an antenna, the Hubbl is great.

But if you watch Kayo – the Kayo app on Google TV is far better than the Kayo experience on Hubbl. It will frustrate you.

When is Telstra TV shutting down?

Your last day watching Telstra TV will be October 31. So, make a plan now!