Playing a “company add-on” on your TV usually means watching extra shows, movies, or channels that you get through your TV service provider or by adding a direct subscription. You can often do this right on your main TV, using your cable box, a smart TV app, or a streaming device. This guide will show you the steps.
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Grasping What a Company Add-On Is
When we talk about a “company add-on” for your TV, we mean getting extra entertainment content that isn’t part of your basic TV package. This extra content comes from a specific company, like a movie studio, a sports network, or a streaming service.
Think of it like adding special features to your phone plan. You have your main plan, but you can pay a bit more for extra data or international calls. With TV, you have your main channels, but you can pay more for things like:
- Premium channel subscription: Getting channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, or Cinemax. These show popular movies and original series not found on basic channels.
- Streaming service bundle: This is when a company bundles several of their streaming services together at a lower price than subscribing to each separately (like the Disney Bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). Sometimes, your TV provider offers these bundles too.
- TV channel add-on: This term is broad. It can mean premium channels, or sometimes packages of channels based on interests, like sports channels or international channels, added through your cable or satellite company.
You can get these add-ons in different ways, and how you watch them on your TV changes based on how you get them.
Two Main Ways to Get Add-Ons
There are generally two paths to getting company add-ons on your TV:
- Adding through your current TV Provider: This means getting the add-on (like a premium channel or a specific channel package) directly from your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider (like Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV). You pay them, and the content appears in your regular channel lineup or their app.
- Adding Directly from the Company: This means subscribing to a streaming service (like Netflix, Max, Disney+, Paramount+) directly through their website or app, not through your TV provider. You pay the streaming company. You then Activate streaming service on your TV or device and Watch extra content on TV using their specific app.
The steps to play or watch the add-on on your TV depend on which way you chose. We will cover both ways step-by-step.
Path 1: Getting Add-Ons Through Your TV Provider
This is the classic way to add extra channels. You contact your cable or satellite company, ask to add a Premium channel subscription or a specific TV channel add-on, and they add it to your bill and your service.
Finding Out Which Add-Ons You Can Get
Before you add anything, you need to know what your TV provider offers.
- Visit their website: Go to your TV provider’s website. Look for sections about “Add-ons,” “Packages,” “Premium Channels,” or “Channel Lineup.” They usually list what you can add and how much it costs per month.
- Look at your bill: Sometimes, your bill might advertise add-ons.
- Call them: You can call your provider’s customer service. Ask them about adding premium channels, sports packages, or any other TV channel add-on they offer.
Simple Steps to Add the Service
Once you know what you want and how much it costs, adding it is usually fast.
Method 1: Adding Online
This is often the quickest way.
- Go to your provider’s website: Open your web browser and go to your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider’s website.
- Log in to your account: Find the “Login” or “Sign In” button. Type in your username and password. If you do not have an account, you might need to make one first.
- Find the add-on section: Look for areas like “Manage Service,” “My Account,” “Change Plan,” “Add Channels,” or “Shop.”
- Browse available add-ons: You will see a list of options like Premium channel subscription packages (e.g., HBO, Showtime) or other TV channel add-on groups (e.g., sports tier, movie channels). You might also see Streaming service bundle options they partner with.
- Select the add-on: Click or select the add-on you want to add to your service.
- Review the changes: The website will likely show you how your monthly bill will change. Make sure you understand the new cost.
- Confirm your choice: Agree to the new terms and confirm you want to add the service.
Method 2: Adding by Phone
If you prefer talking to someone or have questions, calling is a good option.
- Find the customer service number: Look on your bill or your provider’s website for the customer service phone number.
- Call and follow the prompts: Call the number. You might need to enter your account number or phone number linked to your account. Follow the voice prompts to reach customer service or a department for changing your service.
- Ask to add the service: Tell the customer service person you want to add a specific Premium channel subscription or TV channel add-on.
- Confirm details: They will likely tell you the cost and any other details. Make sure it is what you want.
- Agree to the change: Tell them you agree to add the service.
Method 3: Adding Through Your Provider’s App
Many TV providers have mobile apps where you can Manage subscriptions and your service.
- Open the provider’s app: If you have your TV provider’s app on your phone or tablet, open it.
- Log in: Sign in to your account.
- Find the service management section: Look for menus or buttons related to managing your account or changing your service.
- Select and add: Find the list of available add-ons and select the one you want, just like on the website.
- Confirm: Review the cost and confirm your choice.
How to Watch the Add-On on Your TV
Once you have added the service through your provider, watching it is usually simple.
Using Your Set-Top Box
If you have a cable or satellite box connected to your TV, the new channels should appear in your channel lineup.
- Wait a few minutes: It might take a few minutes (or sometimes up to an hour) for the change to fully activate on your box.
- Restart your box (if needed): If the channels do not show up after a little while, try restarting your set-top box. Unplug its power cord from the wall, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully turn back on.
- Tune to the channel: Use your remote control to go to the channel numbers for the service you added (e.g., the channel number for HBO or ESPN). The content should now be available.
Using Your Provider’s App
Many TV providers let you Watch extra content on TV using their own app, even the add-ons you subscribe to through them. This is common on Smart TV apps or Streaming device setup.
- Find the provider’s app: Look for your TV provider’s app in your smart TV’s app store or on your streaming device (like Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV).
- Install streaming apps (if not already): If the app isn’t there, download and install it.
- Open the app: Start the app on your TV or device.
- Log in: You might need to log in using your TV provider account username and password. Sometimes, the app will give you a code to enter on a website using your computer or phone.
- Find the content: Once logged in, look for the Premium channel subscription content or the specific TV channel add-on channels within the app’s guide or on-demand section. You can now Watch extra content on TV using this app.
This method lets you watch without needing the set-top box, which is handy in other rooms or on the go (though mobile viewing might depend on your plan).
Grasping How to Manage Provider Add-Ons
Managing subscriptions you get through your TV provider is usually done through their platforms:
- Online Account: Log back into your account on their website. Find the “Manage Service” or “My Plan” section. You should see your current package and any add-ons. You can usually remove them here.
- Provider App: Use your provider’s mobile app. Look for account or service management options.
- Call Customer Service: You can always call your provider to make changes or remove services.
Be aware of any agreements you made. Some offers might require you to keep the add-on for a certain number of months. Check the terms when you add the service.
Path 2: Getting Add-Ons Directly (Streaming Services)
This path involves subscribing directly to a streaming service or a Streaming service bundle from the company that makes it (like Max from Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney+ from Disney, etc.). To Watch extra content on TV, you’ll use their specific app on a smart TV or streaming device.
Deciphering What Direct Add-Ons Mean
When you subscribe directly, you are paying the streaming company, not your TV provider. This is how most people get services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and many others.
- Streaming service bundle: Often, companies bundle several of their services together. For example, the Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Paramount+ offers a version that includes Showtime content. These are great ways to get a lot of content from one company.
To watch these, you need a TV that can run apps or a device connected to your TV that can run apps.
Getting Ready: Your Equipment
You need a way to get streaming apps onto your TV screen.
- Smart TV: Many modern TVs are “smart.” This means they connect to the internet and have built-in app stores where you can Install streaming apps directly.
- Streaming Device: If your TV is not smart, or its apps are old, you can use a streaming device. These are small gadgets you plug into your TV’s HDMI port. Common ones include:
- Roku players (Roku Stick, Roku Express, Roku Ultra)
- Amazon Fire TV devices (Fire Stick, Fire TV Cube)
- Apple TV
- Chromecast (requires a phone/tablet to control)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Blu-ray players with smart features
You will also need a good internet connection at home. Streaming uses data, so a stable Wi-Fi or wired connection is important.
Simple Steps to Subscribe Directly
Subscribing is usually done online.
- Choose your service/bundle: Decide which streaming service or Streaming service bundle you want to add.
- Go to their website: Open a web browser on your computer or phone and go to the official website for that streaming service (e.g., Max.com, DisneyPlus.com, ParamountPlus.com).
- Find the sign-up option: Look for buttons like “Sign Up,” “Start Free Trial,” “Subscribe Now,” or “Get the Bundle.”
- Select a plan: Most services have different plans (e.g., with ads, without ads, 4K quality). Choose the plan that works best for you. For bundles, select the bundle option.
- Create an account: You will need to provide your email address and create a password. This will be your streaming account.
- Enter payment information: Provide your credit card or other payment details.
- Confirm subscription: Review the details and cost, then confirm your subscription. You now have a direct subscription to the service or bundle.
Getting the Service Onto Your TV
Once you are subscribed, the next step is to get the content onto your big screen. This involves using Smart TV apps or your Streaming device setup.
Step-by-Step: Install Streaming Apps
You need the specific app for the service you subscribed to on your TV or streaming device.
- Turn on your TV/device: Power on your smart TV or the TV connected to your streaming device.
- Go to the app store: Find the main menu on your TV or device. Look for an icon or option labeled “App Store,” “Channel Store,” “Get More Apps,” or a specific name like “Google Play Store” (on Android TV) or “LG Content Store” (on LG TVs).
- Search for the app: Use the search feature (often a magnifying glass icon) and type the name of the streaming service you subscribed to (e.g., “Max,” “Disney+,” “Paramount+”).
- Select the correct app: Find the official app in the search results. Be careful to select the right one.
- Install the app: Select the “Install,” “Get,” or “Download” button. The app will download and install onto your device. This might take a few moments.
- Open the app: Once installed, select “Open” or find the app icon on your home screen or app list and start it.
Step-by-Step: Activate Streaming Service / Link Streaming Account
When you open the app for the first time on your TV, it will likely ask you to sign in or activate. This links the app on your TV to the streaming account you created when you subscribed.
- Open the newly installed app: Launch the app for the service you just subscribed to on your TV or device.
- Look for sign-in or activation options: The app will usually show a “Sign In” button. Sometimes, it will give you an “Activate” option which provides a code.
- If signing in directly:
- Select “Sign In.”
- Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the email address and password you used when you subscribed on the website.
- Select “Sign In” or “Submit.”
- If using an activation code: This is very common and often easier than typing your password with a TV remote.
- The TV screen will show you a website address (like activate.max.com or disneyplus.com/begin) and a special code (a mix of letters and numbers).
- On your computer or phone, open a web browser.
- Go to the website address shown on your TV screen.
- You will likely be asked to sign in to your streaming account on that website. Use the email and password you subscribed with.
- After signing in on the website, you will be asked to enter the code shown on your TV screen.
- Type the code carefully into the box on the website.
- Submit the code.
- Your TV screen should update automatically within a few seconds or minutes, showing that you are now logged in and ready to Watch extra content on TV.
Once you are signed in or activated, the app on your TV is linked to your paid subscription.
Starting to Watch Extra Content on TV
You are now ready to Watch extra content on TV from your new add-on!
- Browse the app: Explore the streaming app’s home screen, menus, and search feature.
- Find shows/movies: Look for the specific shows, movies, documentaries, or live streams that are part of your Premium channel subscription (if you got it through a bundle like Max) or your Streaming service bundle.
- Select and Play: Choose what you want to watch and select the play button.
- Enjoy! The content should now stream on your TV.
Grasping How to Manage Direct Subscriptions
Managing subscriptions that you get directly from the streaming company is done through their platforms, not your TV provider.
- Website: The main way to manage your direct subscription is by going back to the streaming service’s website on your computer or phone and logging into your streaming account. Look for sections like “Account,” “Subscription,” “Billing,” or “Membership.” Here, you can usually:
- View your plan details.
- Change your payment method.
- Switch to a different plan (e.g., upgrade or downgrade).
- Cancel your subscription.
- App (sometimes): Some streaming apps might have limited account management options within the app itself, but the website is almost always the place for full control.
It is very important to Manage subscriptions directly with the streaming service if you want to cancel or change your plan. Contacting your cable company will not cancel a Netflix subscription you got directly.
Comparing the Two Paths
Let’s look at the differences quickly.
| Feature | Path 1: Through TV Provider | Path 2: Directly from Company |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Added to your regular TV bill. | Bill from the streaming company. |
| How you watch | Via cable box channels or provider’s app. | Via specific streaming service app. |
| Content type | Often specific channels (TV channel add-on, Premium channel subscription). | Specific streaming libraries, Streaming service bundle. |
| Setup | Provider turns it on; maybe restart box. | Need smart TV/device, Install streaming apps, Activate streaming service. |
| Managing | Through provider’s website, app, or phone. | Through the streaming service’s website. |
| Equipment needed | TV provider’s box (usually). | Smart TV or Streaming device setup. |
Both paths let you Watch extra content on TV. The best choice depends on how you already watch TV and which specific add-on you want. Sometimes a Streaming service bundle is cheaper direct, other times a Premium channel subscription might be bundled nicely by your TV provider.
Getting Started With Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes things do not work perfectly right away. Here are simple tips if you have trouble playing your new add-on content.
For Provider Add-Ons:
- Check your channel lineup: Make sure the new channels are listed in your provider’s guide.
- Restart your cable box: Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This fixes many issues.
- Check your bill: Make sure the add-on shows up on your bill or in your online account as active.
- Contact your provider: If it is still not working, call their support. They can check the service status on their end.
For Direct Streaming Add-Ons:
- Check your internet: Make sure your TV or streaming device is connected to your home Wi-Fi and the internet is working. Try loading a webpage on your phone or computer using the same Wi-Fi.
- Check the app: Make sure you opened the correct app for the service you subscribed to.
- Check your login: Go back into the app and make sure you are still logged in with the streaming account that has the active subscription. Try logging out and signing back in.
- Restart the app: Close the app completely and open it again.
- Restart your TV/device: Turn off your smart TV or streaming device, wait a minute, and turn it back on.
- Check your subscription status: Go to the streaming service’s website on your computer or phone and log in to your account. Make sure your subscription is active and your payment information is correct.
- Contact the streaming service: If you still have trouble, contact the customer support for the specific streaming service (e.g., Netflix support, Max support).
Interpreting Your Viewing Options
Whether you go through your TV provider for a Premium channel subscription or directly for a Streaming service bundle, adding company add-ons lets you tailor your TV watching. You can get more of the shows and movies you love, right on your biggest screen at home.
By following these steps for Streaming device setup (if needed), Install streaming apps (if needed), Activate streaming service, and knowing how to Manage subscriptions, you can easily Watch extra content on TV from many different companies.
It is all about finding the right content and setting up the easiest way for you to play it on your television. The steps are simple once you know if you are getting the add-on through your existing TV provider or subscribing directly to a streaming service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people ask about adding content to their TV.
Is a “TV channel add-on” the same as a “streaming service”?
Not always. A TV channel add-on usually refers to adding a traditional linear channel (like HBO or a sports channel) through your cable or satellite provider. A streaming service (like Netflix or Disney+) is usually accessed through an app over the internet. However, some services offer Streaming service bundle options that might include content from things that used to be only traditional channels (like Max having HBO shows). Also, some TV providers now offer streaming services or bundles as add-ons you pay for through them. So, they can overlap, but the way you access them on your TV might differ.
Can I get a streaming service like Netflix through my cable company?
Sometimes. Some cable companies partner with streaming services and let you subscribe through your cable bill. They might even integrate the streaming service’s app into their cable box menu. However, you can almost always subscribe to these services directly as well, often giving you more flexibility.
What is the difference between adding HBO through my cable company versus subscribing to Max directly?
HBO is the premium channel. Max is the streaming service that includes all HBO shows plus much more content (movies from Warner Bros., shows from other companies, etc.).
* If you add HBO through your cable company, you usually watch the live HBO channels via your cable box and might get access to their on-demand content through the cable box or the Max app by linking your streaming account using your TV provider login.
* If you subscribe to Max directly, you watch everything through the Max app on a smart TV, streaming device, or other supported device. You do not need cable TV to watch Max directly.
Often, subscribing to Max directly gives you access to more content than just having the HBO channel through cable, and how you watch extra content on TV changes.
Do I need a smart TV to get these add-ons?
For TV channel add-on via your cable provider, no, you just need their cable box. For direct streaming services or Streaming service bundle, yes, you need a smart TV or a Streaming device setup (like a Roku or Fire Stick) plugged into your TV. These devices let you Install streaming apps and connect to the internet.
How do I cancel a company add-on?
It depends on how you added it.
* If you added it through your TV provider (Premium channel subscription or TV channel add-on), you need to contact your provider or Manage subscriptions through their website or app.
* If you subscribed directly to a streaming service or Streaming service bundle, you need to go to the streaming service’s official website and log in to your streaming account to find the cancellation option.
Why won’t my streaming app load after I installed it?
Check your internet connection first. Make sure your Wi-Fi is working well. Try restarting the app, your TV, or your streaming device. Make sure the app is updated to the latest version through the app store. If problems continue, check the streaming service’s website for known issues or contact their support.
Can I watch a Streaming service bundle on more than one TV?
Yes, usually. Most streaming services that offer bundles allow multiple streams at the same time on different devices, often including TVs using Smart TV apps or Streaming device setup. The number of simultaneous streams depends on the specific plan you choose. You just need to Install streaming apps and Activate streaming service by logging into the same streaming account on each device.
Is Linking a streaming account safe?
Yes, as long as you are on the official website or app of the service you are trying to link. The process of linking usually involves signing into your account through a trusted method (like entering email/password or using an activation code on the service’s official site) to connect your device to your paid account. Be wary of unofficial apps or websites asking for your login details.