Alternatives to Pay TV

Bigphil1474

OP, I've never had Sky through a dish or box, I'm currently with Virgin but don't get their TV either. I use a combi of Freeview plus one or more of Now TV, Amazon, and Netflix.
Currently not got Amazon as ran out of stuff I wanted to watch, but Netflix and Now TV have some series I'm watching, and the movies are good for a night in, on Now TV. Currently pay £6.80 a month for Now TV (entertainment and Movies on a 4 month special offer), and £7 a month for Netflix. I've got plenty to go at.
My experience (for my viewing) is that Now TV has the best movie choice and some good programmes, Netflix and Amazon are on a par, with good TV and okay movies. In terms of Sky, Now TV is a no brainer on cost, depending on which of the 4 passes you buy - same content - although Sports is expensive on Now TV like it is on Sky. You do need a good broadband speed as it is all streamed. I've never had a problem with watching, but it is about 720hp quality rather than HD.


The main advantage to these services, compared to a 12/18 month contract, is that you cancel at any time, and start up again when you want. Amazon is a fixed price far as I can tell, and can be part of Amazon Prime or separate. Never had any offers from Netflix, other than a second free trial when I'd been off it for about a year. Now TV is always giving special offers - if you go through the online cancellation process, and get to the 'are you sure you really really really want to cancel', they'll usually offer a few months at reduced price deal - definitely on Entertainment and movies - I've got 2 special offers on the go at the moment.


The real alternative to pay TV is of course Freeview and a good PVR - watch what you want to when it's on, and get series recording programmes so you've got something to watch when there isn't anything on. Plus with so many channels, pretty much everything ends up on Freeview in the end, it's just a matter of time.