maverick1

why not simply have a small dish installed with a icecrypt set top box
one off payment 230 euros then nothing to pay we have had this system for 2 years and is ideal if all you require id bbc 1,2 ,4 channel 4

macliam

This will be hacking into the BBC backup service on Intelsat 907 and run by Arqiva. This is a leased transponder and may or may not continue at the behest of Arqiva, so if, or when, it goes you will be left with a nice dish and decoder, but no TV.

I have a dish, I have a decoder (not icecrypt), but I tend to use the internet (even with my lousy bandwidth) rather than be limited to a few channels.

Uptoit

try purchasing an Android tv box. You will be able to see everything you ever wanted

Jonny22

Any recommendations as to which Android box?

Kanada

Watching it is not illegal, hosting it certainly is.

Campanula

I chose one that was supplied on eBay from someone who lived nearby so made it even cheaper. £20 works as well as previous more expensive one.

Bazoo

Just had a trial of Amazon Fire stick with "Absolute iptv" and it is superb, 1300 channels, full Electronic Programme Guide, no loading or buffering with an average channel switch time of 0.5 seconds

AllanB

When I looked at one it was hundreds of channels of complete rubbish.

Why not try www.uk4g.co.uk it's free and has most of the UK channels you need.

not2old

or if not already mentioned, no fumbling or search after search frustrations, just simple 'click & go'

Camposat: Free. Live. UK TV.

MikeJ

And if you have a Smart TV with a decent browser you won't need any fancy boxes - some makes will even allow a Filmon App to be installed.

AllanB

I bought an LG smart TV two years ago....and REALLY wish I hadn't.

Prior to that I would use a cheap HP laptop through a standard TV and it was much better, faster, more reliable and it is obvious really. It has a decent processor and built for purpose.

My Smart TV crashes once a day if I am flicking channels, doesn't stream as well and getting it fixed has proved impossible, with a laptop any computer shop can sort out problems in a trice.

So now I will take my old spare laptop and use that in Portugal, Smart TV it isn't IMO.

In Thailand I use UK4g.co.uk every day, but this other one works well too.

macliam

I'm surprised that "smart" TVs are still sold.
Firstly, the technology used will quickly become outdated and can't be updated.
Secondly, the technology is built to a price - and people will buy on budget.
Thidly, the software is manufacturer-specific. Some will be better than others, but you are tied to them for updates, etc.
Lastly, they are generally closed systems and don't take well to user installation (or deletion) of offered platforms.

Better to buy a "dumb" TV that does its basic job well and has sufficient inputs for external devices (like the firestick or Android boxes) which are cheap enough to be replaced more frequently and (usually) don't suffer the same limitations as an "off the shelf" smart TV.

But, hey, probably still a better buy than 3D!

AllanB

Thanks Mac, obviously more technically articulate than me....next time I feel like putting my boot through the damn thing, I will understand why.

Bought a nice little HP stream for £160 and it's great for everything, including watching TV at my brother-in-laws.

I hope that between us, we have talked others out of making the same mistake as me.

BillBullock

Like I said ages ago, a laptop connected to the unsmart TV is great for catch-up and live TV, including the rugby on Sky. However, for everyday live TV, I'm very satisfied with Intelsat 907. Who needs any more channels than BBC 1 and 2, and ITV1? There's a load of rubbish on many of the other channels.

macliam

For as long as Arqiva keep the contract and keep using 907, you're fine (except in bad weather!) But I wouldn't suggest anyone installs a dish and receiver to get it, if a longer-term option is available.

In the end, all the cost-free options have their limitations, but none great enough for me to consider paying a subscription!