Forum Discussion

alanwils's avatar
alanwils
On our wavelength
2 months ago

Most common method to watch TV these days?

Hello VM community,

What is the most common method people are using to watch TV these days? 

I am coming to the end of contract and they are offering the usual 'Mix it TV (basic Freeview style channels), weekend landline Chatter - which, as a  family, we never use and the landline-phone only very rarely rings out! - and, of course, the internet WiFi.

However, I was wondering are most people these days simply using the internet to watch TV, with the Freely app or some such method (iPlayer, ITVX etc)? Would I be wise to keep the TV option with VM or ditch it  and try and get the bigger M350/ 500,  or does it no longer really matter? Thanks.

5 Replies

  • goslow's avatar
    goslow
    Alessandro Volta
    2 months ago

    Less a case of the most common method to watch TV but more a case of how you/your family like to watch TV and what it is that you like to watch.

    What programmes and channels do you like to watch and how do you watch those channels (live TV, streaming, catch-up, recording etc.)?

    I have always been a bit bemused at the idea of customers paying VM a monthly fee for the basic TV channels (with a few extras added on). Smart TVs, a hard disk recorder and a TV aerial could replace that for many people.

    Landline use is in sharp decline and is mostly retained by an older demographic of customer.

    It is VM's forced bundling model of pricing packages at a discount which props up these dying services.

    Depending on your family's viewing choices you may be able to operate perfectly well with a broadband connection only and buy in some new equipment or opt for some additional streaming services which you could offset against the cost of a reduced package cost.

    If you went with broadband only, VM is likely to be quite an expensive choice so, if you are considering broadband only, you should do some research into what other providers are offering in your area. New providers and new technologies are constantly being rolled out in different areas so it is best to keep an eye out for what is being rolled out in your area.

    • japitts's avatar
      japitts
      Very Insightful Person
      31 days ago

      I have always been a bit bemused at the idea of customers paying VM a monthly fee for the basic TV channels (with a few extras added on). Smart TVs, a hard disk recorder and a TV aerial could replace that for many people.

      If you're running TiVo-software and thus have some nice recording management, I can see merit in retaining it. A few relatives do exactly this.

      If you have TV360 or Stream, then I'd struggle to make an equally compelling case. Stream especially.

  • Buffer6's avatar
    Buffer6
    Legend
    31 days ago

    šŸ“ŗ Freeview vs Freeview Play

    FeatureFreeviewFreeview PlaySource
    Live TV Channels70+ standard channels, 15 HD80+ live channels, 15 HD 
    Internet RequiredāŒ Noāœ… Yes (for catch-up/on-demand) 
    Catch-Up TVāŒ Not includedāœ… Integrated (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, My5) 
    Electronic Guide (EPG)Basic live scheduleScroll back 7 days + forward planning 
    Universal SearchāŒ Noāœ… Yes (across live and on-demand content) 
    Radio Stations30+25+ 
    Monthly FeesāŒ NoneāŒ None 
    Device CompatibilityAny TV with aerial inputSmart TVs (LG, Sony, Panasonic, etc.) 

    The best for those who are strapped for cash

    If you have the internet but don't have a TV then  Watch Global & Local Live TV Online for Free - tv.garden

    But you still need a TV license to watch live TV in the UK

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    31 days ago

    We have ... 

    Freeview from the Sudbury transmitter & a Humax HD recorder.

    Sky Q great quality of images many channels a service like this is never going to be a budget option.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick  handy for streaming services anywhere you like to use it .

    BlueRay Players 

    + Many favourite Films & cartoons the grand children love on USB Drives.

    + On the diminishing side use & ownership of optical media.

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta
    31 days ago

    I have a 360 for broadcast TV (including premium channels like Sky Sports) and apps (usually YouTube). I record a lot but struggle to watch all of it. Occasionally I use a Fire TV Stick 4K Max in case I want what the 360 can't provide, e.g. Dolby Vision, HDR10++, BBC iPlayer HDR.

    Within 10 years I expect to be forcibly migrated to a Stream box but I'm less fussed about it than I used to be as it's a virtual certainty that most broadcast channels will be replaced by FAST channels which are not recordable.