Live tv without arial

[CaptainSlow]

Quick question please. I'm looking to be able to stream live tv .... just the basic channels....via the internet. Is this possible and if so which platform is best to go for? Looks like Sony have Android smart tvs which may be the best option to download a player app?

[FlossyThePig]

What equipment do you have?

I have a Roku streaming stick plugged into an HDMI socket on my TV, power from a USB port on the TV. Wireless connection to router. I know it will do BBC live but I've not tried the other channels (ITV, C4 and C5). BBC does ask if you have a licence but there is no checking if you are truthful at the moment. A NowTV box should provide the same functionality as it is Roku inside. Both are cheaper options than a "smart" TV.

No need for me to stream live as I have Freesat built into the TV and a dish outside.

[gareth_r]

The original white NowTV box is probably the cheapest option, but it's slow. All NowTV boxes are restricted unless you unlock them into full Roku boxes (not a problem if you do not want to use subscription services).

IME, Roku (Roku2) is a good compromise between flexibility and ease of use, and has apps for all the streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, and NowTV.

I don't have any experience of Android boxes, but I assume that there are apps for BBC/ITV/ALL4/Demand5.

However... only BBC and ITV seem to have official "live" channel streams.

Presumably there are apps which stream other channels, but I have not had cause to find out.

Edited by gareth_r on Tuesday 15th November 01:18