The Three Ways to Launch a Streaming Channel
There are three main approaches to launching a streaming TV channel, each with very different cost structures, time requirements, and ongoing commitments.
Option 1: Build It Yourself (DIY)
Building a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV channel from scratch requires hiring developers with platform-specific expertise (BrightScript for Roku, tvOS/SwiftUI for Apple TV, Fire TV SDK for Amazon). Development costs typically range from AUD $15,000–$60,000 per platform for a custom build, plus ongoing developer fees for updates, platform OS changes, and certification renewals. This option is only viable for organisations with significant technical resources and budgets.
Option 2: US-Based Self-Serve Platform
Platforms like TvStartup offer a self-service approach where you configure your channel through a dashboard. However, the costs are significant and billed in US dollars:
| Item | TvStartup (USD) | Approx. AUD |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee (per platform) | USD $1,899 | ~AUD $2,940 |
| Setup fee (3 platforms) | USD $5,697 | ~AUD $8,820 |
| Monthly fee (per platform) | USD $149–$349 | ~AUD $231–$541 |
| Monthly fee (3 platforms) | USD $447–$1,047 | ~AUD $692–$1,623 |
| Support | US business hours only | No Australian support |
| Currency | USD only | Exchange rate risk |
The self-serve model also requires significant time investment from your team to configure the channel, manage content feeds, and troubleshoot platform issues — without Australian-based support.
Option 3: Australian Managed Service (Launch TV Channels)
Launch TV Channels is an Australian-owned managed service that handles the entire channel lifecycle — build, submission, certification, and ongoing management — for a transparent AUD fee. There are no per-platform setup fees stacked on top of each other, no currency conversion surprises, and no requirement for technical knowledge on your part.
See our current pricing at launchtvchannels.com/pricing.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing streaming channel providers, watch for these often-overlooked costs:
Platform Certification Fees
Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV all have certification processes. Some providers charge separately for re-certification when platform OS updates require channel updates. Ask whether this is included in your monthly fee.
Content Hosting & CDN
Your video content needs to be hosted on a CDN (Content Delivery Network) that meets platform performance requirements. Some providers include this; others charge separately based on bandwidth usage.
Currency Conversion
US-based providers bill in USD. At current rates (1 USD ≈ 1.55 AUD), a USD $349/month plan costs AUD $541/month — and that cost increases if the AUD weakens. Australian-dollar pricing eliminates this risk entirely.
Support & Maintenance
Platform updates (new Roku OS versions, Apple tvOS releases, Fire OS updates) require channel updates to maintain certification. Ensure your provider includes these updates in the monthly fee rather than billing them as separate projects.
Cost Comparison: 12-Month Total
| Approach | Year 1 Cost (3 Platforms) | Ongoing Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Custom Build | AUD $45,000–$180,000 | AUD $10,000–$30,000/yr |
| TvStartup (USD, 3 platforms) | AUD $17,124–$28,296 | AUD $8,304–$19,476/yr |
| Launch TV Channels | See current pricing | AUD, transparent, all-inclusive |
What's Included with Launch TV Channels?
- ✅ Full channel build for Roku, Apple TV, and/or Amazon Fire TV
- ✅ Platform submission and certification management
- ✅ Branded channel design with your logo and colours
- ✅ Content management and updates
- ✅ Platform OS update compliance
- ✅ Australian-based support in AEST business hours
- ✅ AUD pricing — no currency surprises
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a setup fee to launch a channel with Launch TV Channels?
Yes — there is a one-time setup fee that covers the channel build, branding, and platform submission. See our pricing page for current rates.
Are prices in Australian dollars?
Yes. All Launch TV Channels pricing is in AUD. There are no USD invoices, no exchange rate surprises, and no international transaction fees.
What happens if Roku or Apple TV updates their platform?
Platform updates are included in your monthly management fee. We monitor platform changes and update your channel to maintain certification at no additional cost.
Can I launch on just one platform to start?
Yes. Many organisations start with Roku (the largest platform) and add Apple TV and Fire TV as their audience grows. Our pricing is structured to make this easy.
Get a Clear Quote in AUD
No hidden fees. No USD surprises. Australian-owned and operated.
Ready to Launch?
See Our AUD Pricing — No USD Conversion
Fully managed Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV channel launches. Australian-owned, AEST support, GST invoices. Packages from AU$1,499.