Whether you are getting up at 3 am to watch your favourite English Premier league team compete, or putting on the famous black jersey to support the All Blacks quest for a Fourth World Cup - Spark Sport is the newest sports streaming service to get you in the crowd for your team.
Spark Sport is the latest sport streaming service to enter the New Zealand market and it’s bringing top global and local sport to New Zealanders both Live and On Demand. It is $19.99 per month and is available on a monthly subscription basis. Spark Sports offers you access to Football, Rugby, Formula Racing, Tennis, World Rally Championship, NBA, ONE Championship & Hockey with more to be added in the future.
If you are looking to get Spark Sports or not sure where to start - here are a few helpful Enter Tech Tips to get your TV in the game.
Internet Speed Test
Unlike the traditional way of watching sports in New Zealand through Sky TV, Spark Sports requires the use of an Internet connection in order to get access to and watch its sports channels. Because of this, Spark Sports recommends that you have a reliable and quick internet connection to avoid any issues with viewing quality. Spark Sports website says they “recommend that you have at least 15Mb/s download speeds to take advantage of our highest quality content, but if your speed is lower than this, the quality will adjust accordingly. A minimum of 6Mb/s download is required to support a Spark Sport stream.”
The best way to test your speed it to use speedtest.net and run the test on your network speeds, just follow the link and press go to gather all the information you need. As you can see from this example speed test below, this is just below the recommended 15Mb/s download speed for High Quality streaming, however the speed should still be able to support Spark Sports picture quality with minimal issue. Most standard home Internet connections in New Zealand should be fast enough for Spark Sport, but it’s always good to check.
Right Device for You
There are several devices you can use to stream Spark Sports and it all comes down to personal preference and what is available to you. Here is a range of compatible devices with Spark Sports:
Google Chromecast
Apple TV
Android & Apple Smartphones & Tablets
Computers
Smart TVs
If you have a non Smart TV but would like to be able to use it to use Spark Sports, using a Chromecast or Apple TV streaming device is the best way to turn your TV into a Smart TV without the big price tag. If you are using a Chromecast, download the Spark Sports app to your mobile device and when watching something, just click the Chromecast icon to cast the sport to your TV. If you are using Apple TV open the App Store and search for ‘Spark Sport’, from there download the app and it will appear on your Apple TV home screen.
Don't want to leave your bed or got a bus to catch? You can download the Spark Sport app onto most Android & Apple Smartphones & Tablets. Unless you have a big mobile data allowance with your cellphone provider or access to WiFi on the go, it isn't recommended to use your mobile device to stream all the time. To download the Spark Sports app head over to the Google App Store (Android) & App Store (Apple) and search for the ‘Spark Sports’ app.
Better not show the boss this one, Spark Sports is also accessible through your laptop and desktop computer through the Spark Sports website. You can also use an HDMI cable with your Laptop to connect it a second screen or TV as a substitute for a Chromecast or Apple TV.
A Smart TV is an excellent way to get access to all your favourite streaming platforms and applications directly to your TV, including Spark Sports. Samsung Smart TVs, Sony Android TVs (2017 + Models), Panasonic Smart TVs (2017+ models) and LG Smart TVs(2019 models) are among the listed Smart TVs recommended to use for Spark Sports. Depending on your budget and preference this could be the best time to take advantage of upgrading with multiple technology retail stores using Spark Sports promotions to sell their Smart TVs. Not sure if you have a Smart TV at the moment? Best way to check is if you see a port on the back of your TV labeled LAN. This indicates that your TV allows access to the Internet and may provide smart features.
Test before you Pay
Now that you know your internet speed and have the right device for your home, now it's time to try out Spark Sports. We recommend that you take advantage of the 7 day free trial to make sure Spark Sports is going to meet your sporting needs.
The Enter Tech Recommendation
No need to be overwhelmed by all this information. Here are a few recommendations from your IT experts at Enter Tech:
Is your internet running slow? Have a look at what Internet connection you have set up with your service provider, if you have the option to upgrade to VDSL or Fibre now could be the time. Internet Speed can also be effected by the modem that you are using to deliver your internet connection around the house. If you need some advice on a modem recommendation don't hesitate to get in touch with Enter Tech for some advice.
Want the most cost effective and easiest streaming setup? The Google Chromecast is the best device to give you access to a variety of applications through your TV. Simply connect the Chromecast to an HDMI port on your TV and follow the setup instructions on the screen. Chromecast are available from most leading electronic stores. If you run into any problems or would like someone to set up your device Enter Tech is happy to help.
In need of additional IT help? Enter Tech is your go to IT support from Smart Homes to Smart Offices.
To get in touch head on over to https://www.entertech.co.nz/contact and someone will be in touch with you to help you out.
