Streaming your favorite shows and movies has become a central part of modern entertainment, but the experience can often be interrupted by advertisements or limited video quality. For those looking to elevate their viewing experience, understanding the premium features available through NOW Boost is essential. This guide explains how to access high-definition content, remove interruptions, and share your subscription across multiple devices, ensuring you get the most out of your streaming membership.
Understanding the Premium Streaming Experience
NOW is a popular streaming service that offers flexible memberships for entertainment, cinema, and sports. While the standard memberships provide access to a vast library of content, many users seek a more refined experience that mimics a traditional high-end home cinema setup. This is where the premium add-on, known as Boost, comes into play.
Boost is an optional monthly subscription that enhances the technical quality of your stream. It is designed for viewers who prioritize visual clarity, audio depth, and an uninterrupted narrative flow. By adding this feature to your base membership, you unlock several technical improvements that are not available in the standard tier.
Key Benefits of Upgrading Your Membership
Upgrading to a premium tier offers several distinct advantages that change how you interact with your favorite media. Whether you are a film enthusiast or a dedicated sports fan, these features provide a significant upgrade to the standard viewing package.
Full High-Definition Video
Standard streaming often caps video resolution at 720p. While this is acceptable for smaller screens, it can look pixelated on larger 4K or OLED televisions. With the premium upgrade, most content is delivered in Full HD (1080p), providing sharper images, more vibrant colors, and better detail in dark scenes.
Ad-Free On-Demand Viewing
One of the most sought-after features of a premium subscription is the removal of advertisements. With the Boost add-on, you can watch thousands of on-demand shows and movies without commercial breaks. Note that live channels will still contain the ads broadcast by the original network, but your recorded or on-demand library becomes a seamless experience.
Enhanced Audio Quality
For users with a home theater system or a high-quality soundbar, audio is just as important as video. The premium upgrade enables Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. This provides an immersive experience, placing you in the middle of the action during blockbuster movies or major sporting events.
Multiple Simultaneous Streams
A standard account typically allows you to stream on one device at a time. This can cause conflicts in busy households. Upgrading allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously, meaning one person can watch a movie in the living room while another watches a football match in the bedroom.
How to Subscribe and Activate Premium Features
Getting started with an enhanced streaming experience is a straightforward process. Whether you are a new customer or an existing member, you can add these features to your account through the official website or your device settings.
For New Members
- Visit the official streaming service website and choose your primary membership (Entertainment, Cinema, or Sports).
- During the checkout process, you will typically see an option to add “Boost” to your plan.
- Select the add-on and complete your registration.
- Log in to your compatible device to start watching in Full HD.
For Existing Members
- Log in to your account area on a web browser.
- Navigate to the “Memberships” or “My Account” section.
- Look for the “Enhance your experience” or “Add Boost” section.
- Confirm the addition to your monthly billing cycle.
Choosing the Right Membership for Your Needs
The premium add-on works in conjunction with various membership types. To get the best value, it is helpful to understand which content categories fit your lifestyle. You can mix and match these memberships depending on your interests.
- Entertainment Membership: Best for those who enjoy the latest prestige TV dramas, comedies, and documentaries from major networks.
- Cinema Membership: Ideal for movie lovers who want access to hundreds of films, including recent theatrical releases and classic titles.
- Sports Membership: Essential for fans who want to watch live Premier League football, Formula 1, cricket, and golf.
- Hayu Membership: A specialized option for fans of reality TV shows and celebrity culture.
Adding the premium Boost to a Sports membership is particularly beneficial. It increases the frame rate to 50 frames per second on many devices, making fast-moving action look much smoother and more realistic than the standard broadcast.
Compatible Devices for High-Quality Streaming
To enjoy the full benefits of a premium upgrade, you must use a compatible device. While the service works on most modern hardware, Full HD and surround sound require specific technical standards.
Smart TVs and Streaming Sticks
Most modern Smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony support the upgraded features. Popular streaming sticks such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV are also fully compatible, making it easy to upgrade an older television.
Gaming Consoles
If you use your gaming console as a media hub, you are in luck. Both PlayStation (PS4 and PS5) and Xbox (One and Series X/S) support the high-definition and ad-free features provided by the premium add-on.
Mobile Devices and Computers
While you can watch content on your smartphone, tablet, or PC, the benefits of 1080p and surround sound are most noticeable on larger screens. However, the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously remains a major benefit for mobile users who share an account with family members.
Managing Your Subscription and Costs
The premium add-on is usually billed as a monthly rolling contract. This means you are not tied into a long-term commitment and can add or remove the feature as your needs change. For example, you might choose to activate it during a month when a major movie releases and then cancel it later.
To manage your subscription, always visit the account management page. From there, you can see your next billing date, view any active discounts, and toggle your add-ons. It is a good practice to check this section regularly to ensure you are only paying for the features you are actively using.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If you have subscribed to the premium version but are not seeing the benefits, there are a few common things to check. First, ensure your internet connection is fast enough; Full HD streaming typically requires a consistent speed of at least 12 Mbps.
Second, check your device settings. Some televisions or consoles have their own display settings that might be limiting the resolution to 720p. Finally, ensure your app is up to date. Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve compatibility with premium streaming features.
Conclusion
Upgrading your streaming service with premium features like NOW Boost is the most effective way to eliminate ads, improve picture quality, and share your content with the whole household. By following the steps to activate these features and ensuring your hardware is compatible, you can transform a standard viewing session into a high-quality cinematic experience. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on optimizing your home entertainment setup and making the most of your digital subscriptions.