Some people may want to watch TV on their smartphone when they have free time at home or when they are out. It would be very convenient to be able to watch TV on your smartphone, which you always have with you.
In this article, we will introduce four ways to watch TV on your smartphone and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The advantage of watching TV on a smartphone is that it is easy to carry around, unlike a fixed TV.
You can watch TV programs whenever and wherever you want, such as during your free time during your commute or while waiting to go out. Watching TV on your smartphone is very convenient for people who want to enjoy live sports broadcasts while on the go, or who want to frequently check the news about incidents and disasters.
Some people want to watch TV while they are out and about, even at home, for example, while taking a bath or cooking. Or, in a bedroom without a TV, they can watch TV while they wait to go to sleep.
If you can watch TV on your smartphone, there's no need to have a TV set in your home. Each family member can watch TV on their own smartphone, which also helps avoid channel disputes.
What are the methods for watching TV on your smartphone? Here we will explain the methods for watching TV on your smartphone and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
| How to watch | Main benefits | Main disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| One-segment and full-segment compatible smartphones | ・There are no communication charges for receiving video and audio ・Commercial broadcasting is available for free |
・There are no compatible models for iPhone or iPad ・Android models are also limited |
| Connection to a hard disk recorder, etc. | ・Can be used without connecting to an external device Real-time viewing is also possible |
・A recorder with smartphone connectivity is required ・When accessing and watching from your home recorder while away from home, data usage will be consumed. |
| External Tuner | Real-time viewing and recording possible ・Does not consume communication data capacity |
・If it is a type that is attached directly to the device, it may be a little difficult to hold. ・Wi-Fi connection types may cause other communications to be interrupted |
| Missed broadcast/video streaming service | ・Available on PC and smartphone apps ・Missed broadcasts are generally free ・Some video streaming services have a wide selection of original content. |
・Catch-up streaming apps are limited in the number of programs that can be viewed in real time -Delivery period is limited ・Some apps require registration or monthly fees, which can incur running costs. |
Back when Galapagos phones (multi-function mobile phones unique to Japan, also known as feature phones) were in circulation, many people probably watched TV on their mobile phones using the OneSeg function.
Since smartphones became mainstream, the number of models with OneSeg functionality has been declining, and as of 2021, there were no OneSeg or FullSeg compatible models released by major manufacturers. Some Android models are equipped with OneSeg or FullSeg tuners, but these are aimed at seniors. If you have a smartphone with a OneSeg or FullSeg tuner, you can watch TV without having to register as a member.
The one-segment and full-segment tuners built into smartphones receive terrestrial digital television broadcast signals in the same way as regular televisions. Therefore, as long as you are within an area where terrestrial digital television broadcast signals can be received, you can watch TV without consuming data capacity.
There is no need to register as a member, and no fixed costs such as monthly fees. However, regarding NHK reception fees, a 2019 Supreme Court ruling stated that "if you have a mobile phone capable of receiving OneSeg broadcasts, you are obligated to enter into a reception contract with NHK." If you already have a reception contract with NHK, such as if you own a television, you do not need to enter into a new contract for a smartphone with built-in OneSeg.
Smartphones with built-in OneSeg or FullSeg tuners allow you to watch TV without the hassle of registering as a member, but unfortunately there are only a limited number of models available.
First of all, there are no iPhone models that come with OneSeg functionality. The number of compatible Android models has also been decreasing in recent years, and no smartphones released in 2021 came with OneSeg functionality. In February 2022, only one model of smartphone for seniors was released with OneSeg functionality. The downside is that you can't choose a model unless you're someone who doesn't care about the model as long as you can watch TV on your smartphone.
Some HDD recorders that can record TV programs and Blu-ray/DVD recorders that also have disc playback functions also come with smartphone connectivity.
Recorders with smartphone connectivity allow you to watch not only currently recording programs but also currently broadcasting programs on your smartphone.Since they can be used both outside and inside the home, you can watch TV on your smartphone even in rooms without a TV.
Because the recorder receives radio waves using a tuner, it is not affected by signal conditions like an external tuner. There are no running costs, such as monthly fees.
Another benefit is that you don't need to connect an external device to your smartphone. You can charge your smartphone while watching, so you don't have to worry about running out of battery.
By using the smartphone app, you can schedule recordings immediately when you notice it, such as when you're out or before going to bed. Depending on the model, with just one recorder, the whole family can enjoy TV on their smartphones.
You will need a recorder that is compatible with smartphones, which will incur an initial cost. There are also restrictions on the smartphone models that can be used, so please check before purchasing.
You do not need data to watch recorded programs downloaded to your smartphone, but if you access your recorder while you are out and about to watch TV, you should be aware that this will consume data.
Also, you will not be able to watch programs that you forgot to record.
To watch TV on your smartphone, you can also attach an external OneSeg or FullSeg tuner.
External One-Seg and Full-Seg tuners come in two types: those that connect to a smartphone's USB Type-C or Lightning port, and wireless types that connect via Wi-Fi by placing the tuner near a window, so it's best to choose one based on your usage environment.
External one-segment and full-segment tuners receive signals directly from broadcast stations, so they do not consume data capacity. Although there is an expense involved in purchasing the tuner, there are no fixed costs such as monthly fees.
Not only can you watch programs in real time, but some tuners also allow you to record them.
During emergencies such as disasters, it is often difficult for smartphones to connect to the radio waves, so an external tuner that can directly receive radio waves from broadcasting stations can be useful for gathering information in emergencies.
Although external OneSeg and FullSeg tuners are not particularly bulky, some people may find it inconvenient to have to carry them around with them at all times.
There are models that don't require a battery, but they use up a lot of your smartphone's battery because they power the tuner. Also, models that connect to your smartphone's terminal cannot charge while watching TV, except for models that support wireless charging, such as the iPhone 8 and later.
Depending on the environment in which you receive OneSeg or FullSeg signals, reception may not be possible or viewing may not be comfortable.
Each broadcasting station has its own catch-up streaming service and video streaming service. Examples include portal services such as TVer, which are joint ventures between commercial broadcasters, and paid video streaming services specializing in sports such as DAZN.
In addition to being able to watch on a computer, there are often apps available for smartphones as well, so you can easily watch TV programs on your smartphone.
With catch-up streaming services, you can watch programs you missed for free by simply downloading the smartphone app.
In addition to paid video streaming services that specialize in sports, such as DAZN, there are also services that focus on original content, such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. The wide variety of content is one of the major attractions of paid video streaming services.
Catch-up streaming services generally only provide programs after they have finished airing on television, and real-time viewing is limited to a very small number of programs, such as popular programs that are mainly aired during TVer's golden prime time slot.
Please note that not all programs are available for streaming. Also, each program has a streaming period. For example, in the case of TVer, it is available for one week from the end of broadcast until the next broadcast. Please note that this is not a viewing method that allows you to go back in time and watch programs "whenever you want."
Video streaming services generally require payment, and most are set at a monthly fees. While you can enjoy a wide variety of video content, the downside is that you have to pay a monthly fee even if you just want to watch a certain drama.
For those who want to enjoy watching TV on their smartphone without worrying about data usage, we recommend povo2.0.
povo2.0 (*1) is au 's online-only brand, and all procedures from application to start of use can be completed online. With a basic fee of 0 yen (*2) (*3) (*4), users can choose only the data capacity, calling charges, and content they need with "paid Topping."
povo2.0 offers two types of video streaming services (content Topping): the "DAZN Unlimited Pack" and the "smash. Unlimited Pack." Neither of these plans is a monthly fees, so you can use them whenever you want.
"DAZN" is a video streaming service specializing in sports, and povo2.0 's "DAZN Unlimited Pack" (*2) costs 1,145 yen (tax included) for 7 days. For 7 days (*5) after purchase, you can use DAZN and your data while using DAZN as much as you like (*6).
"smash." is a vertical video streaming service specialized for smartphone viewing, distributing a variety of video content, mainly entertainment such as music and dramas. The "smash. Unlimited Use Pack" costs 220 yen (tax included) for 24 hours (*1). For 24 hours (*5) after purchase, you can use smash.'s paid plans and smash.'s communication data as much as you like (*6).
Both plans have a fees structure that allows you to use as much as you want, whenever you want. Another major benefit is that you don't have to worry about data usage during the subscription validity.
In this article, we have explained how to watch TV on your smartphone. We hope you will enjoy a comfortable video life with povo2.0.
*1: This is an online-only plan, so all procedures and support are online. povo2.0 Please contact us through the application or the official website.
*2: 5 lines under the same name (*) For the cumulative sixth line and thereafter, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged.
*In the event that you have not purchased a paid Topping service for more than 180 days, your subscription may be suspended or terminated.
Reference: "povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo)
*3: For Data Only, initial Topping purchase is required at the time of contract. Calls＋Data For domestic calls: tax included 22 yen/30 seconds Some calling charges may differ, such as calls to satellite phones. For more information The company will charge a specified rate for calls to the following numbers. In addition, designated call charges will apply to phone numbers set by other companies to fees. Sending domestic SMS: tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters) Receiving: Free Up to 670 full-width characters can be sent depending on the model. However, up to 134 characters will be charged for two SMS, and after that, one SMS will be charged for every 67 characters.
*4: At 0 yen 0 GB, the maximum sending/receiving speed is 128 kbps.
*5: For the time being, validity will be available until 23:59:59 on the expiration date.
*6: Communication speed may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc.
*1: "smash. all-you-can-use pack" will be discontinued as of April 30, 2024.
2: "DAZN All-You-Can-Use Pack (7 days)" will be discontinued on November 30, 2024.
