The Now TV Smart Stick is one of the most affordable solutions to improve the smarts of your television. If you’re in the UK, there are probably more powerful streaming sticks out there, but the Now TV Stick is so cheap that’s hard not to suggest it for those trying to stream on a budget.
The Now TV Streaming device costs 30.30 USD or £24.99, which is cheaper than the £39.99 Amazon Fire TV Stick and just under the £29.99 Google Chromecast. The main goal is to get you to sign up for one of Sky’s paid-for content subscriptions. However, it’s also a great way to avoid your TV’s weak or slow catch-up applications especially if you’re on a limited budget.
The Previous version of the Now TV streamer could only stream in 720p picture quality. However, this one can stream at 1080p (Full HD) resolution, but you need to pay an extra £3 per month for this feature, which is named “Boast Mode”. It may not be the best streaming device for those who want 4K or above visuals, but it’s a good option if you just want to watch Now TV content or BBC iPlayer.
Now TV Smart Stick: Price and Availability
The current price of this media streamer is 30.30 USD or £24.99. However, it has a previous model with fewer smart features and lower picture quality, costing around £14.99. This device is widely available on all famous retail shops like Amazon store, AliExpress, eBay, etc. But remember that the prices of the device may vary due to various reasons. It may be due to shipping taxes, the vendors you are buying from, or it can also be your region. Still, this media player is the best deal you have at this bare minimum price
Now TV Smart Stick: Ingenious Features
Here are the smart features of this media streamer that make it worth considering to fulfill your daily streaming and entertainment needs. But it is important to mention that don’t get your hopes high, as at this price point there isn’t much a streamer can offer. However, it is the cheapest device with voice control so let’s see what else it has to offer:
Basic Interface and Video Quality
The NOW TV media streamer offers a more straightforward streaming experience when compared to competitors like the Amazon Fire TV Stick. It features a basic interface and delivers video quality that may not be top-tier but still serves the purpose. If you’re looking to explore NOW TV’s movie offerings or access a functional version of BBC iPlayer, this device is still a solid choice.
Improved Resolution
As of 2020, the NOW TV media streamer got a resolution boost, now supporting 1080p (Full HD) streaming, an upgrade from its previous maximum resolution of 720p (regular HD). While it doesn’t offer 4K or HDR streaming, it’s a welcome step up for those not primarily focused on ultra-high-definition content.
Boost Mode
To access the Full HD capability with this streaming stick, you’ll need to opt for the Boost Mode. While the term “Boost Mode” might sound like overclocking a PC, it’s a valuable feature for achieving higher resolutions. It costs an additional £3 per month which may not look much at once but paying every month feels like a liability more of a smart feature.
Hardware
The device resembles a USB memory stick, featuring an HDMI end for connecting directly to your TV or home cinema receiver. However, one potential drawback is the absence of a bridge cable, which could be challenging to plug into certain TV setups. A short HDMI extender cable can be a convenient solution for such scenarios.
Interface and Apps
The smart device features a simple interface, making it user-friendly, especially for those who prefer a straightforward menu system. While it may lack flashy aesthetics, it offers swift navigation. However, loading times for content and videos can occasionally be a bit sluggish.
App Library
Popular UK catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, All 4, Demand 5, and ITV Player run smoothly on the Streaming Stick, offering a lag-free experience. Third-party app interfaces are primarily dictated by the providers. The app library is more limited compared to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, lacking Android games and apps like Spotify. Additionally, it doesn’t support streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Mubi.
Voice Remote Control
The Smart Stick comes with a compact remote that offers Wi-Fi functionality, enabling control from distance without needing a line of sight. It also features a useful voice recognition system. By selecting your TV brand within the Smart Stick’s settings, you can control everything.
Video and Audio Quality
Its streaming quality saw improvement with the introduction of Boost Mode, allowing for 1080p streaming. However, it is important to remember that this gadget does not support 4K, and the video quality varies depending on the TV channels and content providers. It supports Dolby Digital+ and DTS audio formats for a surround sound experience. It also has a Night Listening mode, which adjusts sound levels to minimize sudden volume shifts while watching late at night. Its effect, however, may be restricted, particularly in settings with high-quality speakers or subwoofers.
Now TV Smart Stick: Subscriptions and Content
NOW TV offers four different subscription packages or “passes.” The Entertainment pass at £8.99/month provides access to 15 TV channels and box sets. The Cinema pass, priced at £11.99/month, offers on-demand access to over 1,000 movies from Sky Cinema. The Kids pass, at £3.99/month, is perfect for families and includes TV shows and specific kids’ channels. The Hayu pass, also at £3.99/month, provides access to over 3,000 episodes of reality TV shows. Finally, the Sky Sports pass is the priciest at £33.99/month, granting access to Sky’s sports channels.
Now TV Smart Stick: Apps and Interface
The Now TV interface has been updated, offering customers who used Roku devices a more familiar appearance and feel. It has a simple and user-friendly appearance, so you won’t get lost in complicated menus. The design efficiently displays content suggestions, making it simple to find anything to watch. The left-hand vertical menu provides quick access to various sections: “Home” offers highlights, top boxsets, and recommended content, while “Best of Catch Up” suggests top content from platforms like iPlayer, ITV, All 4, and Demand 5. The “TV Guide” displays live content from your subscribed channels, allowing you to pause and rewind as needed. “My Apps” lists the apps you’ve downloaded, while you can expand your selection in the App Store.
Although it primarily focuses on catch-up services and Now TV’s own app, you can find additional options, including YouTube and the Sky Store. A significant update has introduced Netflix integration, offering a more traditional media stick experience for accessing Netflix content at up to 1080p resolution, as the Streaming Stick doesn’t support 4K.
Sky Q, on the other hand, easily integrates Netflix content into its primary user interface, whereas the Now TV Device offers an entirely different experience. You launch the app, sign in, and begin streaming to watch Netflix on the TV Stick. While it does not support 4K, it does deliver material in up to 1080p quality. Netflix’s addition to the TV Stick complements its previous offers, giving it a diverse option for streaming all kinds of videos.
Now TV Smart Stick: Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the NOW Smart TV Streamer to give you a complete overview of its features and functionalities.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | NOW TV |
| Connectivity technology | USB |
| Supported Internet services | Netflix, Disney, NOW, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Controller type | Remote Control, Voice Control |
| Form factor | TV Stick |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 21L x 11W x 83H millimeters |
| Compatible devices | Television |
| Memory storage capacity | 16 GB |
| Batteries required | 2 AAA batteries |
| Discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | 9 Mar. 2018 |
| ASIN | B07BBJV9NJ |
| Item model number | NTVSC1-ASDA |
Now TV Smart Stick: What’s in the Box?
The package contains all the necessary items you possibly need to begin your streaming right away. The NOW TV media streamer package includes the following items:
NOW TV Smart Stick
The central device that allows you to access streaming content on your TV. This device is plugged into your TV’s HDMI port for high-quality signal transmission.
Power Plug
A powerful power adapter is also included in the package for providing the necessary power to the TV Stick.
HDMI Cable
This cable is used to connect the Smart device to your TV or home cinema receiver. It’s one end is connected to the TV stick and the other end to your television.
2 x Batteries
These batteries are for the remote control that comes with the device, ensuring you can start using it right away.
See More: Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation (Review)
Now TV Smart Stick: How to Set Up?
Setting up a device is no big deal. Anyone with basic knowledge of tech can do it effortlessly without needing any guide or manual. However, if you are a newbie, here’s how to set it up:
Unbox the NOW TV Smart Stick
Open the package and take out the NOW TV device, the remote control, and the power cable.
Connect the Stick to your TV
Plug the NOW TV Stick into an available HDMI port on your TV. Connect the included power cable to the TV Stick and plug it into a power source. This will provide the device with the necessary power.
Turn on your TV
Use your TV remote to turn on the television and select the HDMI input where you plugged in the Smart Streaming device.
Pair the Remote Control
The remote control should automatically pair with the Smart device, but if it doesn’t, press and hold the ‘Pair’ button located inside the battery compartment on the remote.
Follow on-screen Instructions
When you turn on your TV, you should see instructions on how to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Use the remote control to navigate through the setup process.
Sign in or Create an Account
If you already have a NOW TV account, sign in using your credentials.
If you don’t have an account, you can create one during the setup process.
Activate and Customize
Once you’re signed in, follow any additional on-screen instructions to activate your device and customize your preferences.
Install Apps
The NOW TV Smart device allows you to access a variety of streaming services like Netflix, Disney, NOW, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. You can install these apps from the NOW TV app store.
Once you’ve completed the setup and installed your preferred apps, you can start streaming your favorite content. Use the remote control to navigate through the apps and select what you want to watch.
Now TV Smart Stick: Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and drawbacks of Now streaming stick. Evaluate them to get an idea of the downsides and capabilities of the media streamer.
- Highly Affordable.
- Compact and portable.
- Voice control.
- TV volume control.
- Access to popular streaming apps.
- No long-term contracts.
- Limited video quality (1080p)
- Additional subscription costs for HD.
- Picture quality issues in some apps.
- Incomplete app library.
Now TV Smart Stick: Alternates
Now media streaming device is an affordable yet pretty basic device. It offers decent performance with basic functionality. But, if you are looking for something more, to improve your regular TV sessions with an abundance of smart features; well, here are some promising substitutes you can opt for instead of Now TV Stick.
Roku Streaming Stick
The Roku Streaming device is like a magic wand for your TV. It’s a small device that you plug into your TV’s HDMI port. Once it’s connected, it can turn your regular TV into a smart TV. What does that mean? Well, it can play all sorts of shows and movies on the internet. Whether you like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, or hundreds of other apps, Roku has them. And the best part is, it can make everything look super clear because it can show videos in 4K quality, which is like the super sharp version of HD.
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV is a streaming device for your TV that’s incorporated by Apple, the company that makes iPhones and iPads. If you have an iPhone or another Apple device, it can work really well with them. With Apple TV, you can watch all sorts of shows and movies. There’s this cool thing called Apple TV+ where you can see exclusive shows and movies made by Apple in 4K resolution. Plus, it plays videos in really high quality, even better than HD. It’s like watching stuff with super clear pictures.
Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast with Google TV is like having a little assistant for your TV. It’s a tiny device that plugs into your TV, and it’s made by Google. What’s cool is it can help you find what to watch. If you’re not sure what movie to pick, it can give you suggestions. And it’s great with apps like Netflix, YouTube, and lots more. Even better, it can make everything look super sharp with 4K quality. It’s like watching things in the best way possible. So, you’ll see all the details and colors really nicely.
Conclusion
While the Smart Stick offers affordability and diversity of content passes, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in terms of app selection and picture quality. It seems the basic purpose of this streaming stick is to just sell the channel subscription of their services, otherwise, it does not serve much. However, It’s a practical choice for those looking to stream on a budget, but it may not satisfy videophiles or those with specific content preferences.
