
Australians can access free-to-air TV channels through digital transmission on their smart TVs or digital TVs. Streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and SBS on Demand are also available to stream free-to-air TV shows and movies. Freeview Australia is another option, offering over 30 channels with an aerial and an active broadband connection. Channels like ABC, SBS, and Channel 7 provide a range of sports, news, and entertainment programs for free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Streaming services | Freeview, ABC, SBS, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 10, Netflix, Amazon, Youtube |
| Types of content | Classic blockbuster movies, brand new drama, reality TV, documentaries, international TV, sports, kids' shows, news |
| Devices | Smart TVs, analogue TVs, digital TVs, mobile phones, streaming devices |
| Requirements | Antenna cable, WiFi, aerial socket, digital set-top box |
| Cost | Free, or paid monthly fee (e.g. Netflix $10.99/month) |
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What You'll Learn

Streaming free-to-air TV on a smart TV
Free-to-air TV is available for free across Australia, offering programs from three commercial networks (Seven, Nine, and Ten) and two national networks (ABC and SBS). To stream free-to-air TV on a smart TV, you'll need a good internet connection. You can then access free-to-air TV via a variety of platforms, such as Freeview, which can be accessed via any current browser. Freeview offers live streams and catch-up services from over 20 free-to-air channels, an interactive TV guide, and a program recommendation tool.
To get the most out of your Freeview experience, it's advised to create free active accounts with iView, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9 Now, and 10 play. You can also download the Freeview mobile app to access free-to-air TV when you're on the go.
Alternatively, you can use an antenna to pick up digital signals from free-to-air TV channels. All the channels have their own apps, which are usually available on smart TV app stores.
If you're looking for more variety, you can subscribe to internet TV services such as Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube, which offer original programming that can be streamed directly to your smart TV for a monthly fee.
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Streaming free-to-air TV on an analogue TV
Free-to-air TV is available for free across Australia, offering programs from three commercial networks (Seven, Nine, and Ten) and two national networks (ABC and SBS). If you have an analogue TV, you can access these channels with a digital set-top box.
To stream free-to-air TV on an analogue TV, you will need to purchase a "set-top" converter box to be able to tune in to digital channels (analogue channels no longer work). The converter box acts as a digital link between the analogue television and the television aerial. Your existing TV aerial or antenna should not need upgrading to receive digital transmission, but in some cases, aerials more than ten years old may need to be replaced with a digital antenna.
Digital channels offer many advantages over analogue reception, including the ability to stream more channels and, in some cases, offer more than one program at a time. Digital television also offers electronic program guides and additional spoken and subtitled languages. The high-definition service provided by digital transmission means that your picture will be clearer, sharper, and stronger than the picture on analogue television.
You can also stream free-to-air TV via platforms such as Freeview, which offers live streams and catch-up services from more than 20 FTA TV channels. Freeview is available via any current browser and gives users access to the free FV website and a TV guide. To use Freeview on your TV, you will need a Freeview-certified TV, an aerial, and an active broadband connection.
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Using an antenna cable to stream free-to-air TV
Streaming TV services can be expensive, but you can access free-to-air TV by using an antenna cable. Antennas are a one-time purchase and start at $20. Once you have bought an antenna, there are no ongoing fees.
To set up an antenna, you will need to connect it to your TV. Many indoor antennas have a long, detachable coaxial cable. If your TV and antenna are far apart, you may need a longer cable. Connect the spare end of the coaxial cable to the back of your TV or DVR. You can then set your tuner to scan for available channels.
You can use either the tuner built into your TV or an external tuner box. In the Settings menu, you should find a Channel or Tuning section. From there, you can activate an Auto setting. The tuner will then find all the available channels. If your TV has a program guide, it will arrange all the upcoming shows into a grid.
You can also connect an antenna to AirTV to access local channels on any TV. You can then use the Sling app to stream TV to all your devices.
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Streaming free-to-air TV via streaming apps
Free-to-air TV is available for free across Australia, offering programs from three commercial networks (Seven, Nine, and Ten) and two national networks (ABC and SBS). Commercial services are provided by regional affiliates of Seven, Nine, or Ten in some areas, and the name of the network, the programs offered, program start times, and advertisements may be customized based on your region.
To tune into free-to-air TV, you need the right reception equipment, and there are several ways to receive it depending on your location and viewing preferences. One way to stream free-to-air TV in Australia is through Freeview, which provides access to an interactive and up-to-date TV guide and over 30 channels. To use Freeview, you need a Freeview-certified TV, an aerial, and an active broadband connection. While Freeview is free, creating free active accounts with iView, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9 Now, and 10 play is recommended to get the most out of the service.
Another option for streaming free-to-air TV in Australia is through 7plus, which offers movies and TV on demand. 7plus has a wide variety of content, including shows like "One Tree Hill" and "Family Guy," as well as a selection of movies. You can access 7plus for free through their website or by downloading their app on your device. Similarly, 9 Now is another streaming app that allows you to catch up on TV shows that you might have missed.
If you're interested in foreign language shows, Viki is a great option. It offers free streaming of movies and TV shows from countries like Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan, along with original content and K-pop videos. While Viki also has a paid subscription option for higher-resolution videos and exclusive content, the free version provides a substantial amount of content, including many free shows with subtitles in various languages.
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Streaming free-to-air TV without an antenna
Free-to-air TV is available for free across Australia, offering programs from three commercial networks (Seven, Nine, and Ten) and two national networks (ABC and SBS). To tune into free-to-air TV, you need the right reception equipment, which can include an antenna. However, there are ways to stream free-to-air TV without an antenna. Here are some options:
Smart TV
If you have a smart TV, you can stream free-to-air TV channels via the internet. You will need an internet connection and may need to download specific apps for the channels you want to watch. Some smart TVs may have limited app support, especially cheaper models. You can also access streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube, which may require a monthly subscription fee.
Streaming Devices
If you don't have a smart TV, you can use streaming devices such as Chromecast, Apple TV, or a Google dongle to connect to your TV and stream free-to-air channels via apps. These devices typically require a WiFi connection and may need to be paired with your modem. You can also use a device like Nvidia Shield with Kodi installed to stream free-to-air TV.
Foxtel
Foxtel, a hybrid fibre cable (HFC) network, provides access to free-to-air channels in addition to its own programming. You can use Foxtel to watch free-to-air TV without an antenna, although you may need a Foxtel cable box.
Freeview
Freeview is a platform that provides access to live streams and catch-up services from over 20 free-to-air TV channels. It is available via any current browser, giving users access to the free FV website. Freeview also offers a mobile app, an interactive TV guide, and a program recommendation tool.
Mini Antennas
If you're open to using a mini antenna, you can purchase one designed for indoor use. These can be a good option if you have trouble receiving a signal with an outdoor antenna or if you're unable to install one.
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Frequently asked questions
You can watch free-to-air TV in Australia with an aerial socket or by using a streaming service.
Some streaming services that offer free-to-air TV in Australia include Freeview, Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, and SBS on Demand.
On free-to-air TV in Australia, you can watch classic blockbuster movies, brand new drama, reality TV, documentaries, and even movies from around the world.
If you have a smart TV or a digital TV, you do not need an antenna to watch free-to-air channels. However, if you have an analogue TV, you will need a digital set-top box and an antenna to access free-to-air channels.
Some popular free-to-air channels in Australia include ABC, SBS, Channel 7, Channel 9, and Channel 10.











































