TV on the Internet - Services from UK Broadcasters
The computer and the television: separate worlds in separate rooms – or that’s how it used to be. Not any longer. Linking the computer to the TV set will allow a rapidly growing range of new viewing options. For instance:
- catching up on TV programmes you missed
- purchasing TV series for viewing later
- downloading and viewing TV programmes and films
- searching for specific video footage across the web
You must have broadband for all these services. On this page are some of the choices which are available from the big UK television names. Visit www.my-expat-network.co.uk for viewing from outside the UK.
Also look at the new wave and user-generated interactive sites.
Parallels Desktop 5.0 for Mac UK Click Here
Renamed ITV Player in December 2008
Free (funded through adverts)
Soaps as the first offering
Live streaming the four ITV channels to the PC
Catch-up service to view 30 days after broadcast but no downloading facility
Archive of old programmes
Behind-the-scenes content
Windows only
Internet Explorer, Firefox
MS Silverlight 2
Patience may be needed as the ads roll
Free (funded through TV licence fee)
Watch programmes online for seven days after broadcast
Download and store programmes for 30 days on BBC iPlayer Desktop, which you must install on your computer
BBC iPlayer Desktop has now replaced Download Manager
Access only possible in UK for copyright protection reasons, although some radio programmes available outside UK
Windows XP and Vista
Internet Explorer or Firefox
Open source and Mac can now be used for streaming and also for downloads
Nintendo Wii after installing internet channel
Free 7-day download
Fees for C4 archive and films
Download Channel 4 programmes from the last 7 days (free)
Rent Channel 4 programmes – 0.99p
Rent films - £1.99
Windows XP
Internet Explorer 5.5
Pay for what you download
Special offers
Films, documentaries, TV series, music videos, short films
Every file can be used on mobile video player
Windows XP or Vista
Can register free for Tiscali Cinema
Range of videos including drama, documentary, adult
Pay per view or pre-pay
Free if you have a Sky TV subscription or
£15 per month basic
£30 per month for full package including Sky Sports
One computer per household
More than 500 movies
Sports clips
Sky package reflecting subscription level
Three video quality options
Dowloading available with Sky Player software
Windows XP or Vista (but not 64bit version)
Internet Explorer for Sky Player software
MS Silverlight 2
Season ticket
or fee per episode
48 hr rental, 14 days
to view if you buy per episode
CSI – 17
episodes: £29.99
for season 6,
£39.99 for season 7
or £1.49 per episode
Grey’s Anatomy – 22 episodes: £29.99 season ticket, 0.99p per episode
Internet Explorer 7