Berlin.
The program of the private TV broadcaster RTL can be followed not only on television, but also online in the live stream. That’s how it’s done.
“Jungle Camp”, “Let’s Dance” and “Ninja Warrior Germany”: TV shows regularly give RTL dream ratings. But not only with them, but also with various series and films, the Cologne TV station lures its audience in front of the screens. Viewers can watch the program from RTL not only on TV, but also online in the live stream. We explain how this works. More on the subject: We have summarized all information about the history and the program of RTL for you here.
RTL in the live stream: No free option in Germany
The bad news right at the beginning: In contrast to the competition from ProSieben, Sat.1 and the public TV channels, RTL does not offer free in Germany live stream on the internet. There are various portals through which such a stream can be accessed. However, they usually use the RTL content without the broadcaster’s consent and are therefore illegal.
The only way to watch the RTL program for free is to receive TV via satellite. Because there are also fees for cable television and reception via antenna. It’s worth taking a look at online alternativeswhich can sometimes be cheaper.
RTL+: The RTL program in live stream
The broadcaster offers an opportunity to follow the live stream from RTL online with its own streaming portal “RTL+“. This is sometimes also known under the names “RTLnow”, “nowtv” or “TVNOW”, which it used to have. In the meantime, the platform has developed from a pure media library to a complete streaming service that also offers content that were not broadcast on the TV channels of the RTL Group.
A small selection of content previously broadcast on TV is also available for free, but you can usually only watch the series, shows and films with one paid subscription regard. This also applies to the live stream from RTL. Depending on the subscription, the price is between 4.99 and 9.99 euros per month.
RTL in the live stream on “RTL +”: The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
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“Waipu.tv” and “Zattoo”: Follow the live stream from RTL on other providers
As an alternative to “RTL+”, there are also various other providers who have specialized in internet television. The most well-known are “Waipu.tv” and “Zattoo“. Both require a paid membership in order to be able to access the live stream from RTL. The advantage: the subscription also includes other streams, for example from ProSieben or Sat.1.
However, a little more money is due for this than with “RTL +”: “Waipu.tv” currently charges 5.99 euros a month for the cheapest subscription, with “Zattoo” even 9.99 euros are due. Both TV streaming platforms can be used in the browser and via apps.
RTL in the live stream on “Waipu.tv” and “Zattoo”: The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
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Watch RTL via Chromecast and Fire TV Stick: what are the options?
Watching TV over the Internet no longer means watching the program on a small laptop or PC screen. Because now there are many TV devices “smart”. That means they can access the internet and be extended with apps. In this case, you can simply install the “RTL+”, “Waipu.tv” and “Zattoo” applications on your TV to access live streams through them.
Who none smart tv owns, can make his normal television “intelligent” relatively easily with TV sticks or boxes. The best-known providers of such devices include:
The principle is simple: the sticks or boxes are attached to the normal TV connected and serve as a “smart” extension. They can then be used to access the Internet. Apps can also be installed on the devices.
You can find more articles from this category here: Television
