TV STREAMING
Everything you need to know and do – in plain English
Traditional live broadcasts are still the way most of us watch telly but, according to BARB (the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board, www.barb.co.uk), UK viewers watched a mind-boggling 1.5 billion minutes of online TV in 2016. To save you the maths, that’s about 2,850 years’ worth. Suffice to say that TV streaming is pretty popular, and the industry is only going to continue to grow as our appetite for TV – when and where we want it – grows.
For anyone who remembers staring impatiently at the BBC’S test card while waiting for the first programme of the day, the world of 24/7 on-demand TV can seem rather intimidating. Not only are there more channels than ever before, but there are more ways to watch them. Nowadays, everyone seems to have a smart TV or tablet that can stream just about anything you can think of. But if you’re new to all this, it can be hard to know where to start.
Fear not. We kick off this feature by addressing some of the most fundamental questions about TV streaming that you never dared to ask. We’ll then take you through exactly what you need to stream TV shows and films, explain how to find out if you already own any ‘smart’ devices, and which programs and apps you should install to access your favourite TV shows.
We’ll also show you some of the best ways to stream using Windows – whether that’s casting your own videos from your computer to your TV, or getting the most from on-demand TV.
Finally, we’ll highlight some of the best features in streaming services like BBC iplayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video so you can decide which service is the one for you. So sit down, have a cup of team and find out how to tune in at your convenience.
What is streaming?
Streaming usually refers to watching video or listening to music over a network, either through your home network or via the internet. TV streaming is an alternative way to get your favourite programmes and films on to your screen over the internet, rather than via airwaves, a satellite dish or cable connection. Streaming lets you watch programmes when you want, not when schedulers decide they should be on. You can catch up on programmes you’ve missed, enjoy live sporting events when you’re away from home, or pay for the latest critically acclaimed TV series, such as House of Cards and The Crown, on the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
How does streaming work?
Unlike downloading, which transfers an entire file to your device before you can play it back, streaming involves a continuous flow of data. The complete video file ‘lives’ online, but its data is sent to your device as it’s needed and automatically erased as you watch it. This lets you stream large files, even if you have very little free space on your hard drive or device. Plus, you can start watching almost immediately, rather than waiting for the download to complete.
Some services – such as BBC iplayer and Netflix – also let you download shows and films. These are added to your device for a set time period (often 30 days), after which they are automatically deleted. The concept is similar to borrowing and returning a library book. It’s handy if you want to watch your favourite shows while offline (when commuting or abroad, for example).
What different types of streaming are there?
As well as delivering on-demand movies (Netflix and Amazon Prime Video), catch-up terrestrial TV services (BBC iplayer and All 4), and cute cat videos (Youtube), streaming technology is also used by music subscription services – such as Spotify, Google Play Music and Apple Music – to deliver an incredibly wide choice of music to subscribers’ PCS and mobile devices. Internet radio is another example. You can also stream your own media from your PC to other devices in your home over a home network (see page 55).
What can I watch it on?
If you plan to watch TV streams on a PC, all you really need is an internet connection. You can also stream TV directly to a phone or tablet – just make sure your device is connected to your home network via Wi-fi. If you’d rather watch programmes on a non-smart TV, you can connect your computer to it via a cable. But there are several alternative methods of enjoying streaming services from the comfort of your sofa that don’t involve buying a brand new smart TV (see page 53).
Do I need fast internet?
You’ll need a broadband connection in your home and a Wi-fi network with a strong enough signal to reach your devices, especially if you plan to stream from one device (for example, your PC) to your TV set. Netflix, for example, recommends broadband speeds of at least 5Mbps for HD viewing (www.snipca. com/24310). Picture and playback quality can be adversely affected by low bandwidth and Wi-fi problems, so see the box on page 57 for tips on how to ensure a smooth viewing experience.
How much does it cost?
A great deal of online content is available for free. BBC iplayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and even Youtube, all stream shows from their schedules for a limited time after their terrestrial broadcast (though there’s no avoiding adverts on the commercial channels).
Paid-for TV services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offer new, original programmes and have a wide selection of classic and new films. A basic Netflix subscription costs £5.99 a month, while rival services offer comparable fees (see page 57 for more).
It’s also possible to pay a one-off fee (anywhere between £1 and £4.50) to ‘rent’ streamable videos from Amazon Video, Sky, Virgin, BT, Google Play, Apple’s itunes store and others. However, this option is generally restricted to films, rather than TV shows.
Direct to your TV
So-called ‘smart’ TVS connect to the internet and let you stream programmes and films directly to your TV screen. The easiest way to find out if your set is smart enough to do this is by referring its manual. If you have an older set, there are plenty of ways to add smart features that don’t cost the earth (see next section).
Sadly, there’s no catch-all standard for smart TV sets. Some only allow for a wired (Ethernet) network connection, while others are able to connect wirelessly. Wi-fi-capable TVS will have a Network section in their settings menu.
Streaming services are usually accessed via apps (either built-in or installable) on the TV. Some models come with remote controls with dedicated buttons for the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or other services. Annoyingly, you won’t always find all the streaming services you want already installed. You may find, for example, that you can stream from Netflix but not from iplayer. Further services can usually be added as apps or via firmware updates, but this is at the TV manufacturer’s discretion.
Many newer TVS come with Freeview Play (see screenshot above right), which lets you access live TV and streamed content all from the same place. Scroll backwards through the electronic programme guide (EPG) listings to find and stream programmes you may have missed. It’s free and currently supports BBC iplayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and UKTV Play. Virgin Tivo boxes have a similar feature.
Use one of your existing devices
Even if you don’t have a smart TV, you may already own a device that can stream to your TV set. Games consoles, such as Sony’s PS3 and PS4 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Xbox One, can all stream Amazon Video, Netflix, iplayer, Now TV and more. All you need is the appropriate app (usually available from the console’s store if it’s not already installed). Some Blu-ray players, Freeview boxes and PVRS also have built-in streaming capabilities. The Humax FVP-4000T (£199 from www.snipca.com/24299, pictured below), for example, comes with Freeview Play. Check your devices’ manuals to see if they support streaming.
Sky subscribers can stream catch-up content to tablets, phones and PCS for free via Sky Go ( go.sky.com), while further on-demand TV can be streamed directly to Sky HD+ and Sky Q boxes via Catch-up TV and Box Sets services (prices depend on your current package). Similarly, Virgin’s Tivo boxes offer cable subscribers streaming services alongside traditional channels.
Connect your PC to your TV
Most Tv-streaming services can be accessed via a PC or laptop. But if you prefer watching programmes on an actual TV, there are ways to connect your PC to it. Most modern PCS have HDMI output sockets, which carry both video and audio. And pretty much any TV bought in the last 10 years will have an HDMI input socket. Use an appropriate length of HDMI cable (such as this 3m long HDMI cable, £5.49 from Amazon: www.snipca.com/24317) to connect your PC to your TV, then switch to the relevant HDMI input using your remote control.
You should see your PC’S desktop on your TV screen immediately. If not, right-click the desktop and select ‘Display settings’ (Windows 10) or ‘Screen resolution’ (Windows 7). Click Detect, then select ‘Duplicate these displays’ in the ‘Multiple displays’ dropdown menu (see screenshot above left). If you don’t hear any sound from your TV speakers, right-click the speaker icon at the bottom right of your taskbar then select ‘Playback devices’. Look for your HDMI output
option – it may be listed as ‘High definition audio’ and display a TV icon rather than a speaker. Right-click this, then click ‘Set as Default Device’ (see screenshot below left) and click OK. You may have to adjust the volume levels on the PC and the TV.
For PCS without HDMI, there are adapters you can use to connect older VGA and DVI outputs to HDMI. But as neither VGA nor DVI carry audio, you’ll need an adapter that will also convert audio from your PC’S ‘auxillary out’ or headphone socket. These can be quite expensive – Startech’s ‘DVI to HDMI Video Converter with Audio’, for example, costs £92 (www.snipca.com/24297). You might be better off using a cheap video-only VGA or DVI-TO-HDMI adapter and listening to the sound through your PC’S speakers.
Stream via a tablet or phonene
Streaming content to a phone or tablet is pretty straightforward. Download a free app for the service you want to use (see pages 56-57), make sure you’re connected to Wi-fi (to avoid expensive mobile-data charges) and off you go. Watching on a phone or tablet display is fine for private viewing, but for a larger audience audience, you could consider connecting your device to a TV set.
For iPads and iPhones, you’ll need to buy an Apple TV box (see box below), which lets you cast whatever’s on your device’s screen to your TV wirelessly. Cables that let you do the same are also available. Apple makes its own Lightning Digital AV Adapter (£49 from www.snipca.com/24330, pictured below left). There’s also a 30-pin Digital AV Adapter for older models (£49 from www.snipca.com/24331). You’ll find a host of cheaper non-apple alternatives on Amazon and ebay, but many buyers report that unofficial adapters aren’t always reliable, so choose carefully.
Android devices are made by numerous manufacturers, so there’s a variety of video-output standards. Check with your manufacturer to find out which one your phone or tablet supports. Some support output via full-size, mini- or micro-HDMI sockets. Other devices may support either MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) or Slimport video output, which will require an HDMI adapter (£5 to £20 from Amazon).
To make matters worse, some Android devices don’t allow cable connections. The one video-output solution they all support is Google’s Chromecast (see box below), so that could be your best bet. It’s also worth noting that some streaming services – most notably Sky Go – block TV output from a tablet or phone to prevent illegal copying.
Why do this?
As well as streaming online content from the likes of iplayer and Netflix, you can stream your own media around your home wirelessly from one device to another, providing a way to enjoy your music, videos and photos on a TV screen, phone, tablet, or a second PC.
What do I need?
Most home streaming works using a standard called DLNA, which connects all local devices automatically. Windows has its own DLNA media-streaming software built in, through there are free alternatives available (see below).
Many smart TVS, games consoles and streaming boxes have a built-in DLNA media player, or you may be able to add support by downloading an app. If you’re streaming to a phone or tablet rather than to your TV, then all that’s usually needed is an app – all the services we cover on pages 56-57 have apps. The device you’re streaming to will need to be connected to the same network as your PC.
Is there anything to watch out for?
As with all streaming, the playback quality is limited by the strength of the network connection you’re using. Turn to page 57 for tips on improving quality.
The other thing to bear in mind is that it’s usually not possible to stream protected content. As a general rule, files you’ve created yourself – photos, videos, TV shows you’ve recorded – will stream fine. But films or TV programmes you’ve bought in online stores, such as the itunes Store, or downloaded from services like iplayer are usually DRM-protected, meaning your media- streaming software won’t be able to stream them.
Enable Windows’ built-in home streaming
Click Start, type media streaming, then click ‘Media streaming options’. Click ‘Turn on media streaming’ (see screenshot below left), type a name for your media library at the top of the window, then click OK. Your PC’S library will now show up in any Dlna-enabled network player or app. And any files you add to your PC’S Videos, Music, or Pictures library folders will be available to stream.
A quick way to stream video and music files to a nearby device is to navigate to the file you want using File Explorer, then right-click it and select ‘Cast to device’. Select the device you want to stream to from the list.
In Windows 10, you can also project media content from web pages if you use Edge, though this only works if the TV or device you’re casting to supports a standard called Miracast (check its manual if you’re not sure). Navigate to an online video, click the menu button (three dots) and select ‘Cast media to device’. Your PC will search for compatible connections and list any it finds, though you may instead see a message saying your device ‘doesn’t support Miracast’.
Home streaming using third-party software
Alternative streaming tools, such as Plex ( www.plex.tv) and Kodi ( kodi.tv) offer more in terms of both functionality and panache. Plex, for example, automatically organises the media files on your PC into a neat, easy-to-browse interface (see screenshot above) that you can stream around your home to almost any device.
To get started, go to www.snipca.com/ 24306 to sign up for a free Plex account, then download the Plex Media Server software and install it on your PC. You’ll be prompted to sign in and add media folders to your library. Once this is done download the Plex app for the device you want to stream to. There are Plex apps available for Android and IOS, as well as many of the games consoles and streaming boxes mentioned on page 53. Some smart TVS, including newer LG and Sony models, support Plex directly. You’ll notice there’s a paid-for version of Plex called Plex Pass that costs £3.99 per month. It adds a few extra features (such as the ability to stream TV and music from Dropbox), but we suggest you ignore it and stick to the free version.
Kodi isn’t as straightforward to use as Plex, but it’s completely free and offers even more flexibility, thanks to a wide range of free plug-ins that can add features like different skins, or support for alternative media sources, including NASA TV and Flickr. See our Cover Feature in Issue 498 (page 50) for much more information on Kodi.