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TV freeview etc options

rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
in The cake stop
So, TV options.

I currently have a 10 year old TV and Virgin Media.

I am about to buy a new TV as mine is getting old and it needs repairs which cost more than the set is worth and i have been hankering after a nice new tv for years.

I have noticed that about 60-70% of the time we're just watching stuff via apps, be it Iplayer or netflix or whatever, so I'm looking into ditching Virgin and going with freeview (built into the new tv) and then using the savings to buy for subbies like eurosport, netflix etc.

The wrinkle is the former occupants of this house had no understanding of how to lay a house out so the aerial cables come out in incredibly inconvenient places (we don't have a satellite). It would be serious faff to get the cable to where the TV is.

This was not a problem with Virgin as the TV comes in via the internet cable, which is conveniently placed.

Is there a way to watch live, as it is on air, TV for all the free-to-air channels, via the internet? Or do you need an aerial or satellite? I know you can stream live on each individual channel app but that makes flicking a nightmare.
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Posts

  • TheBigBeanTheBigBean Posts: 15,026
    I suspect you will need a cable of some sort. It wouldn't cost that much to get someone to bring a cable into your house exactly where you want.
  • First.AspectFirst.Aspect Posts: 8,189
    No option that I know - and we have the same problem. We have basically one room on the ground floor and no aerial at all down there.

    We can get just about enough signal from one of the little panel aerials with a booster that plugs into the TV's USB. We need to have the panel quite a way from the TV where we live, but in civilization I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a decent enough signal for the main channels with it fairly close to the TV (within reason).

    Something like this.... https://www.geargeek.co.uk/hd-indoor-antenna-aerial-50-mile-amplified/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjqbjl-2m9QIVTe7tCh1DvQNrEAQYBCABEgKhnPD_BwE

    FWIW, I've figured out that smart TV functionality ages badly and something like a Firestick will be better than what you can get on the TV sooner or later. Manufacturers also seem to use the most useless processors they can possibly find for Smart TVs as well, so they are very slow to boot up and load up different apps, etc.
  • monkimarkmonkimark Posts: 869
    I have a similar problem - when I removed the carpets downstairs, I had nowhere to run the aerial cable which was previously under the carpet. I almost never watch live TV but a few weeks ago my wife wanted to watch tennis or something and it wasn't streaming live on the app.
    I didn't manage to find any sensible alternative so the plan is now to break into the (unused) chimney in the attic and drop a cable down and bring it out through the old fireplace in the living room.
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    edited 10 January
    Got it. So maybe stick with Virgin for now then.

    It seems remarkable in 2022 that you can't get freeview over the internet.
    _
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 17,783
    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • First.AspectFirst.Aspect Posts: 8,189
    edited 10 January
    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 17,783
    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
    An app.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/tvplayer-watch-live-and-catchup-tv/9n20vfs0rh1p?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • focuszing723focuszing723 Posts: 2,963
    Look into Freesat.
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    focuszing723 said:

    Look into Freesat.

    I thought that required a satellite?
    _
  • orraloonorraloon Posts: 9,388
    rick_chasey said:

    focuszing723 said:

    Look into Freesat.

    I thought that required a satellite?
    It does.
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    pblakeney said:

    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
    An app.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/tvplayer-watch-live-and-catchup-tv/9n20vfs0rh1p?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
    Can this be downloaded straight onto a smart TV?
    _
  • focuszing723focuszing723 Posts: 2,963
    rick_chasey said:

    focuszing723 said:

    Look into Freesat.

    I thought that required a satellite?
    Yeah sorry, I was making assumptions.
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    focuszing723 said:

    rick_chasey said:

    focuszing723 said:

    Look into Freesat.

    I thought that required a satellite?
    Yeah sorry, I was making assumptions.
    I know you loves your satellite service providers ;)
    _
  • First.AspectFirst.Aspect Posts: 8,189
    pblakeney said:

    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
    An app.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/tvplayer-watch-live-and-catchup-tv/9n20vfs0rh1p?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
    I assume it's a bit slower to change channels than the actual radio signal, but that could be really useful, thanks.
  • Ben6899Ben6899 Posts: 9,261
    Would it really be a faff to have a cable routed in your house?

    I'm presuming it's all floorboards?
    Ben

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  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 17,783
    rick_chasey said:

    pblakeney said:

    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
    An app.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/tvplayer-watch-live-and-catchup-tv/9n20vfs0rh1p?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
    Can this be downloaded straight onto a smart TV?
    Mine came pre-loaded. I'd guess anything with Android.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 17,783
    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    First.Aspect said:

    pblakeney said:

    Do some research on the TV of your choice.
    Most smart TVs (and certainly my Sony) come with a built-in app for live Freeview.

    Is it an app? Or just a short cut to the tuner?
    An app.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/tvplayer-watch-live-and-catchup-tv/9n20vfs0rh1p?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
    I assume it's a bit slower to change channels than the actual radio signal, but that could be really useful, thanks.
    Not slow enough to be of any consequence on mine.
    Loads up the schedule equally quick/slow on either system.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • kingstongrahamkingstongraham Posts: 18,733
    Bear in mind that catchup TV on Virgin doesn't have all the adverts that the free versions of All4, ITVhub, UKTV play etc have. They are infuriating if you are used to the ad free versions.
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    I'm ok with ads if I'm not paying for the channel.
    _
  • kingstongrahamkingstongraham Posts: 18,733
    rick_chasey said:

    I'm ok with ads if I'm not paying for the channel.

    I thought the same until I tried to watch Fargo on the free All4.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 17,783
    edited 10 January
    Edit:- Mea culpa!

    I just pulled the cable and while I could see the schedule nothing would play.
    Seems you need a cable to play from their streaming service. This is indeed nuts.

    That said, anything you can view on a phone is available through the internet.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • TheBigBeanTheBigBean Posts: 15,026
    kingstongraham said:

    Bear in mind that catchup TV on Virgin doesn't have all the adverts that the free versions of All4, ITVhub, UKTV play etc have. They are infuriating if you are used to the ad free versions.

    It may sound like an idiotic question, but how do I take advantage of that on my Virgin box and does it work in their app? I found it really easy with Sky, but whenever I search for something with Virgin it provides a variety of options which include launching other apps and buying it from Virgin. Sometimes it has an "included in your subscription" option, but it all seems to be overcomplicated.
  • ProssPross Posts: 30,380
    I've got this same issue on our bedroom TV. I can watch the live TV I want but have to do it through a series of apps such as iPlayer and ITV hub which becomes a pain. Might see if I can get that TV Player app to install.
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 10,028
    RC, Sky do sky Q without a dish. Not sure how it works but I've posted a link to a report on it by uswitch. We currently have the sky Q with a 2nd.box in the lads room which he can watch anything on sky or Netflix amazon etc assuming he pays.
    https://www.uswitch.com/tv/guides/do-you-need-a-satellite-dish-for-sky/
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • TheBigBeanTheBigBean Posts: 15,026
    edited 10 January
    oxoman said:

    RC, Sky do sky Q without a dish. Not sure how it works but I've posted a link to a report on it by uswitch. We currently have the sky Q with a 2nd.box in the lads room which he can watch anything on sky or Netflix amazon etc assuming he pays.
    https://www.uswitch.com/tv/guides/do-you-need-a-satellite-dish-for-sky/

    That's really weird. They announced the intention a few years ago as they realised there were a lot of people who couldn't install dishes. They trialled a new box in Italy which worked over the internet. Why do they think everyone suddenly wants a new TV as well as content? It actually annoys me. There are plenty of people providing reliable, but illegal IPTV services all over the world, it is not that hard.
  • briantrumpetbriantrumpet Posts: 8,769
    When do we discuss when it's useful to swap from 625 to 405 lines?
    Cycling in the Alps: Un anglais en Diois
    Exeter Wheelers
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 58,769 Lives Here
    Yeah you can get NowTV too, but that's £15 subbie a month, on top of the other subbies I'd want.
    _
  • thistle_thistle_ Posts: 5,818
    briantrumpet said:

    When do we discuss when it's useful to swap from 625 to 405 lines?

    Is that the page number on Ceefax?
  • briantrumpetbriantrumpet Posts: 8,769
    thistle_ said:

    briantrumpet said:

    When do we discuss when it's useful to swap from 625 to 405 lines?

    Is that the page number on Ceefax?

    We're talking pre-Ceefax...
    Cycling in the Alps: Un anglais en Diois
    Exeter Wheelers
  • kingstongrahamkingstongraham Posts: 18,733
    TheBigBean said:

    kingstongraham said:

    Bear in mind that catchup TV on Virgin doesn't have all the adverts that the free versions of All4, ITVhub, UKTV play etc have. They are infuriating if you are used to the ad free versions.

    It may sound like an idiotic question, but how do I take advantage of that on my Virgin box and does it work in their app? I found it really easy with Sky, but whenever I search for something with Virgin it provides a variety of options which include launching other apps and buying it from Virgin. Sometimes it has an "included in your subscription" option, but it all seems to be overcomplicated.
    There's about a thousand ways to it but if you only want things that are in your package...

    Go back on the guide and find the show, with a C symbol.



    And choose "watch from catchup"



    Or in catchup go to channels and find shows by date or search in there.





    You don't get the full All4 or itv hub on there, only catchup stuff. So Fargo or Derry Girls isn't on there, but the masked singer is.


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