Issues with TVNZ+ and Three Now

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tweake

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#3476872 1-Apr-2026 19:53

freitasm:

If the TV has an expired certificate (big IF) an app update wouldn't fix it. This would still be a firmware update.

a problem i ran into years ago was the auto update would say there is no update. you need to do a manual update before it would work.

Eva888

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#3477090 2-Apr-2026 09:27

morrisk:

Thanks Eva888

My brother in law had looked at doing something like this so it is good to get your endorsement of this approach to solving the issue.

I have two Dish Tv. Also an Apple TV which is great picture but not as simple to use for seniors as the Dish with the dedicated buttons. One is the dongle above and the other is the square box, Dish TV smart vu A7080. Prices vary a lot so keep checking out for specials.

If you can afford it go for the box because it gives channel numbers on the remote and there are more +channels on it. Eg 2+ bravo+ etc. The box can also be connected to an aerial or satellite dish so in times when your broadband is down you have back up and can still watch TV.

The other two dongles are Wifi connected so make sure there is a decent wifi signal where the TV lives as they can’t be connected via cable to a router or switch. The mid range one can if you buy an adapter, Dish sells,them for around $25.

I’ve set up a number for people and they are thrilled now having a smart TV and with the addition of free Plex App and other streaming apps there’s heaps of free content to watch. You Tube also has a dedicated button on all the remotes.

There’s a lot of alternative brands of dongles that may be slightly cheaper and are fine for people that are comfortable with tech. Some years back to save her money, I set up a Google one for an old lady and she just couldn’t figure out how to use it no matter how many times I showed her with picture instructions. The remote was very minimalist. I regretted not getting her the Dish one with all the buttons.

Basil12

128 posts

Master Geek
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#3477103 2-Apr-2026 10:10

We have several Samsung smart TVs of various ages from a Series 6 'M' (circa 2018) to more recent. We have had Chromecast with Google TV dongles plugged into all of them for some time. The newest one can still run Plex, all can still run the Freeview app, but the Google dongles are so easy to use (and required for F1 TV which doesn't run on Tizen) and highly recommended.

Quik internet referral link

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#3477109 2-Apr-2026 10:30

Does the TV have a clock? It's set correctly?

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

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germankiwi

4 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#3478572 6-Apr-2026 20:48

I have the same problem since 14 March. I contacted TVNZ and had the following reply:

Our testing and feedback from some viewers have identified an issue with certain Samsung TV models where on-demand content does not play, although live channels work normally. This issue appears to have started following the release of the latest firmware version 2730.6 by Samsung for certain 2020 models and seems to impact other streaming apps such as ThreeNow.

Our technical team is actively investigating the issue and is working closely with Samsung to identify the root cause. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we work towards a resolution.

An FAQ is available here on our help site. Please check this FAQ regularly, as we will update it once the issue is resolved.

That firmware 2730.6 was released on 13 March, so that tracks. Unfortunately no update yet 3 weeks later.

Edit: the link to the FAQ page was posted before in this thread, it's this page: https://helptvnz.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/55959815813785-Trouble-playing-on-demand-content-on-your-Samsung-TV

germankiwi

4 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#3481707 17-Apr-2026 23:30

ThreeNow appear to have resolved this issue.

About a week ago I noticed issues with playing some of my home media through the Plex app. I am not sure if it's related. I thought it could be a codec issue, but haven't been able to narrow it down.

I followed up with TVNZ and it appears the ball sits with Samsung to release a fix:

Regrettably, we are still awaiting Samsung to release the update necessary to resolve the issues with TVNZ+. We acknowledge the frustrations of our viewers; however, this matter is beyond our control.