Which streaming device is best?

smellymel222

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of cancelling my sky TV and I am wondering what equipment is best for still being able to stream services like catch-up and netflix etc.

First question:

Will I still be able to get catch-up for BBC and ITV on my sky box or does this stop when you cancel your subscription?

Second question:

To replace Sky, I would like to have the option to stream services like netflix, love film and now TV to my tele (its not a smart TV).

My thinking is, that maybe have netflix for a few months and watch what I want on it and then move onto Now TV for a few months and watch things I want on that and so on.

I would also like to be able to stream youtube from my iPad onto my TV.

Which streaming device is best? Google Chromecast? Apple TV? Roku streaming stick? Another one?

Any advice?

Thanks

davemurgatroyd

Due to the way Sky's catch-up services are configured (i.e. progressive download rather than pure streaming which usually avoids "buffering please wait" problems and is downloaded via the HDD) a valid subscription is required for all of them to various degrees.

penrhyn

I have a Chromecast, its good ( Only £30 and a £ 5 credit for the Playstore) but as doubtless you know the number of apps are very limited atm. BBC iPlayer, Netflix, BT Sport and YouTube being the main ones.

I have a 10mbps connection and it works fine with no buffering. I prefer using a Tablet to search for iPlayer programmes than Skys implementation.

gonzo127

all depends on what you want, i have personally got a old laptop set up under my tv connected via HDMI and i use a Rii mini wireless keyboard and track pack (smaller than a sky hd remote) this allows me to stream anything I can find, also allows some of the slightly different options such as the Hola browser plug in which allows me to access things such as the USA netflix libary as well as the UK one. but this of course to do cheaply means you need a old laptop spare, which not everyone has

JJ_Egan

Chromecast does a good job on the limited products named more are supposed to be in the pipeline .
I also use my Chromecast to stream web content from PC to TV via Chrome browser .

smellymel222

Thanks for all the info so far.

So if I got a chrome cast, I could load the chrome browser on my iMac and stream anything from my iMac or iPad to my tele?

penrhyn

Not exactly, the Tablet or PC tells the Chromecast where to find the desired content, it then does all the work itself.
You can turn the tablet off if you want

[Deleted User]

Depends on what streaming service you want.

Now TV (Sky Movies) -> get a £10 Now TV box.
Netflix -> get a £39 Roku LT
iPlayer / 4od / Demand 5 -> get a £10 Now TV box.
Lovefilm or Amazon Video -> get an Xbox 360 (second hand from Game for about £50-80)

Or if you've got a smart TV, you might not need a box.

bubblegun

billbennett wrote: »

Depends on what streaming service you want.

Now TV (Sky Movies) -> get a £10 Now TV box.
Netflix -> get a £39 Roku LT
iPlayer / 4od / Demand 5 -> get a £10 Now TV box.
Lovefilm or Amazon Video -> get an Xbox 360 (second hand from Game for about £50-80)

Or if you've got a smart TV, you might not need a box.

Don't Now TV, Netflix, iplayer, itv player, 4od and Demand 5 all wok on the Roku 3 and Roku Stick?
Not sure about Amazon Prime, but the Roku looks to be the best bet for now. There's a big list of Roku streaming apps here, these are also available on Now TV box but Netflix isn't.

Encantador

I am considering getting a Chromecast to steam xbcm, seems to be possible (search Youtube for `Chromecast xbcm`

Anyone tried this?

Thanks

bazzyb

I used to have Apple TV, loved the simplicity but was a but too limited for me. I've recently replaced with a Roku Streaming Stick, very flexible, has a lot more 'apps', a 'proper' remote (unlike Chromecast) so use can use it standalone - but also had the facility to 'send' content from your phone or tablet.