How to watch Amazon Prime Video on TV: Your complete guide
Amazon's video streaming service has become almost a different beast since it was rebranded from Lovefilm in 2014. Amazon Prime Video is now the main global rival to Netflix and like its peer, it offers TV shows and movies to watch instantly on an internet connected device.
Amazon also invests fortunes in original TV content, with the likes of The Grand Tour, while Amazon Originals are exclusive to the platform, so you need a subscription to access them.
So should you want to watch those or any of the thousands of other programmes or films, this is all that you need to know - including how to get it on your TV.
What is Amazon Video and how much does it cost?
Amazon Video is the name given to Amazon's TV show and movie streaming application and service available on multiple devices. It comprises two elements: there are thousands of films and TV box-sets to rent or purchase digitally, which you pay for on an ad hoc basis; there is also Amazon Prime Video, a subscriber service that offers thousands of other TV shows and movies to watch as part of a Prime membership.
Prime content is clearly marked as such, and much of the TV programming available is homegrown. Amazon Originals is the name of the many series made by Amazon itself, plus localised exclusives, such as Vikings and Mr Robot, that are screened on TV in the States but are first available to Prime members in the UK.
You can either gain access to Prime Video through an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $119 ( or £79 in the UK) a year or $12.99 (£7.99) a month. Or can pay $8.99 a month (£5.99) in the UK for just Prime Video access. A 30-day trial of Amazon Prime is available for new users.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV
Amazon Video apps are available for many Smart TVs from multiple manufacturers. These include, but are not exclusive to, TVs from LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. You just need to download the app onto your set, open it, enter your Amazon account details and away you go.
Many TVs are also able to playback 4K Ultra HD content too, with some supporting Dolby Atmos. You can find compatible models here.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on a set-top box or streaming stick
Amazon Video apps are also available for a selection of set-top boxes, although its not as widespread as Netflix in support.
Amazon's own set-top boxes - the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube - have access hardbaked into their operating systems, so you see the content as part of the home screen menus and search results. They are compatible with Alexa and offer a direct route to Amazon content.
Amazon Prime Video is also available on common streaming sticks and boxes:
- Apple TV
- Roku devices
- Google Chromecast
- Nvidia Shield
- BT TV set-top box
- Virgin Media TiVO
- Many Blu-ray players
4K Ultra HD and HDR support is available through the latest Amazon Fire TV set-top-box, along with Dolby Atmos sound. Some other devices only support sound up to 5.1 surround sound. It requires a HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP 2.2 copy protection enabled on your TV to work.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on a games console
There are Amazon Video apps for all the major games consoles: PlayStation 4, PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360.
All consoles are capable of streaming HD content, however, only the PS4 Pro, Xbox One S and Xbox One X are currently able to stream Amazon Video in 4K with HDR.
On all devices, you just need to navigate using a gamepad or optional dedicated remote control. There is no support on Nintendo Switch.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on a smartphone or tablet
Android and iOS devices, such as iPhone and iPad, have their own Amazon Video apps, available from the respective app stores.
Naturally, Amazon also fully supports all of its own Fire tablets. They all have the content accessible from a dedicated section of the Amazon Fire OS.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video on a PC or Mac
Amazon Video content, Prime or otherwise, can be viewed on a PC or Mac through an internet browser. Just head to the Amazon Video section of its website and you can choose between Prime shows and movies or the retailer's digital video store.
Video played on a computer can be viewed in either SD or HD, but will only have stereo sound.
Does Amazon Video offer downloads?
Rentals and purchases through Amazon Video can be downloaded, as well as a lot of the subscription covered content on Amazon Prime Video.
Just head to the content you want to download on a mobile device and hit the download button.
What broadband speed do I need for Amazon Video?
Amazon streams video using adaptive bitrate technology, which adapts the image quality depending on your device and internet connection. Its subscription includes 4K Ultra HD streaming. You also need to be able to attain decent broadband speeds.
These are the minimum broadband speeds that are recommended for different resolutions:
- 900Kbps - recommended for SD quality.
- 3.5Mbps - recommended for HD quality.
- 15Mbps - recommended for 4K Ultra HD quality.
In most cases, bar mobile platforms, audio is offered in 5.1 surround sound and in some cases with Dolby Atmos.
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