UK: Is it possible to live with out Sky or Virgin and still get to see new shows by downloading legally?
April 29, 2010 3:59 AM   Subscribe

UK based: I am just about to move into a rented house where cable TV is not possible and Sky TV is not an option. I could press the issue but do I really want to. Is it now possible for me to download (legally) programmes that I want to watch while they air or very soon after?

I mainly watch shows such as Stargate: Universe, Fringe and other sci-fi-y shows. Mostly these are on Sky 1 or more recently Virgin 1 or the Sci-fi channel.

I have an iMac and am happy to use iTunes. Should I use this or some other service? How do I get the programmes from my computer to my TV?
posted by Nufkin to Computers & Internet (9 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Yes, for Sky 1; it's called Sky Player.
posted by MuffinMan at 4:07 AM on April 29, 2010


Sky Player, if you have an xBox360 you should be able to get skyplayer on that and watch on your TV. I don't think Virgin has any similar service though.
posted by missmagenta at 4:08 AM on April 29, 2010


Alternatively, you can get all the freeview channels streamed online, legally, for free at http://www.tvcatchup.com/

They only have Sky3 though I think, however they do have Virgin.
posted by derbs at 4:20 AM on April 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: I believe I can get all the freeview channels as my TV has a built in decoder but didn't know about TVcatchup.com, thanks. Although I am really thinking about shows on paid-for channels.

My understanding with Sky Player on the xbox is that it counts as a multi-room Sky subscription, so I would still need to involve them. Is this incorrect? Also, am I limited to shows that they choose or is their whole line-up on there?

When are shows released on iTunes and other similar services? Is it the day of airing? Also, are their any glairing omissions?
posted by Nufkin at 4:27 AM on April 29, 2010


It's possible to have a "stealth" sky dish such as this one or this one. There are others.
posted by Mwongozi at 4:31 AM on April 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


TV via BT? It doesn't appear to require cable, if you already have wireless internet with BT (I may be misreading their FAQ, though).
posted by Infinite Jest at 5:05 AM on April 29, 2010


My understanding with Sky Player on the xbox is that it counts as a multi-room Sky subscription, so I would still need to involve them. Is this incorrect? Also, am I limited to shows that they choose or is their whole line-up on there?

You only need a multi-room subscription to watch live Sky TV through your 360. Just having a regular Sky account lets you watch old shows (and movies if you subscribe to the movie channels) via the Sky Player on the internet or on the 360. I can't remember exactly what's available but it's not everything you can otherwise watch live on Sky.

I'm pretty sure you can also sign up for a Sky subscription specifically just to watch Sky Player stuff via the web or the 360 (as opposed to a subscription where they install a dish and give you a Sky box), but I can't remember the details.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 5:47 AM on April 29, 2010


You only need a multi-room subscription to watch live Sky TV through your 360.

Sorry, this only applies if you have an existing Sky subscription and Sky box - since the 360 then acts as a second Sky box hence the multi-room.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 5:51 AM on April 29, 2010


Response by poster: Thank you for all your help. I think I am going to go with the following:

A freeview tuner that is built into my TV
The internet streaming services as mentioned above
Apple TV to get HD versions of the shows I would usually watch.

Thanks again.
posted by Nufkin at 4:37 AM on May 4, 2010


« Older Identify this piece of night-time music for me.   |   Which film depicts a satanic ritual in which the... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.