Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Agreed.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I see that Amazon Music HD is now included as standard on the unlimited subscription service, previously it was an extra £5 a month or £50 a year.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Be stuff like dc universe, some shows not yet picked up, WB movies etc that would join it
I have HBOMAX there's quite a bit of exclusive content on it, one would think that would end up on d+ too.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Amazon in talks to acquire MGM. Back catalogue cited as the attraction.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/am...nd-11621293343

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

On the BBC as well

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57153680

---------- Post added at 10:10 ---------- Previous post was at 09:17 ----------

What do people think Apple TV + next move will be they are certainly short on content.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Suing someone saying Apple did it first somehow and making them give all their content in reparation hehehe

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

They’ll probably stay on the course they’re at right now - while others are desperately aiming for scale and breadth I think they’ll just build their tv platform at a steady pace, picking up star driven projects like Killers of The Flower Moon and prestige shows like Masters Of The Air… not sure I agree with the idea that’s they’re ‘short on content’ - they’re not likely to make a big acquisition of a catalogue and more likely to divert that money to more original material that’s more old school HBO that’s driven by quality and quantity.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

For a long time I've often thought one of the big US companies would make a move for Sony. Apple could certain afford it and they'd suddenly own TV channels, all kinds of media (audio & video), a nice gaming console as well as electronics and image sensors etc etc

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I haven't paid a penny for Apple TV + yet nor would I , there's a reason they haven't charged those who got it free yet and that's because the offering isn't very compelling for the current fiver they charge.

---------- Post added at 11:13 ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 ----------

I would pretty much agree , there is certainly a decent acquisition by Apple going to happen at some stage I think.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

The way things are going there could soon be many more rival streaming options to choose from, each charging subscribers a fiver or tenner a month. I currently subscribe to four including my Ultimate Oomph sub. I certainly have choice but at a price. I wonder whether Virgin Media's trial of some kind of umbrella service with many of them in one place is the future.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

It’s not an existential business for Apple… they’re not Netflix who need to throw $17 Billion a year at content creation and acquisition to remain viable. Truth be told is that they can happily offer it for free while it remains a young service but as long as it remains an attractive part of their ecosystem, driving phone device sales and things like the Apple One Bundle, it’s doing its job… I don’t think Apple need to make some desperate bid for a legacy catalogue they might not be able to properly exploit when they can just opt to attract high end talent and continue to build a slate of original, wholly owned content that is attractive in its own right.

The current craze for M&A is fun to speculate but looking at Apple’s history of acquisitions, I think acquiring a business like Sony doesn’t really track - especially given that the Japanese government would most likely never allow a homegrown company like Sony to be bought lock and stock.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Been a few mumors about Apple wanting Netflix.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Japan traditionally would not allow a key company like Sony to be acquired.

US management culture is not keen on conglomerates like Sony which is strong in games software, music publishing, recorded music, film, consumer electronics, industry electronics eg Hawkeye, hardware, chips and sensors but it's made a success of many of these areas.

However, its streaming strategy seems to be behind its peers. This is despite making the TVs, the content (owns Columbia) and owned the pioneering Crackle at one stage. It will be interesting to see how the consolidation impacts Sony.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Up to 4.99 a month for my Now TV.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

:tu:

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I'll see what they decide to offer me. Now Comcast's financial year end has passed (31/12) they may be less generous.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I was £3.99 before cancelling outright, so they might have me down as a high roller ;)

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

It's normally £1 when you cancel...except for viewers in Scotland. :D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Fox UK closing down on June 30th, with shows like The Walking Dead, War of the Worlds, The Orville and American Horror Story moving to Disney+.

https://www.geektown.co.uk/2021/05/2...s-the-orville/

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Better get used to it, I’m afraid. This is only the beginning.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Sound ominous OB.

A quick glance at services subscribed to tells me they will be fine.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

That article doesn't mention AHS

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Nat geo channels are next in line for closure.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I see that Now TV is planning to add 4K and HDR in the near future to its streaming service.

https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/news/...f-boost-add-on

HDR would be a very welcome addition to the underwhelming 4K versions of Sky Movies and Boxsets currently available on Virgin Media boxes IMO. I also read elsewhere that Now is ditching its streaming sticks due to the proliferation of their app on smart TVs. Any chance we will see this soon on Virgin's boxes?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Probably arrive as everyone else goes 8K and cost double the amount.:D:D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Netflix ‘excited to do more with interactive entertainment’ as reports of gaming division emerge

https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2021...vision-emerge/

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Amazon to buy MGM Studios for $8.45 billion.


https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/26/amaz...r&par=sharebar

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

At&t ( Warner Bros cnn hbo) looking to merge with discovery ( BBC news web site)

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

American Horror Story is a Fox show. Netflix doesn’t have season 9 yet, with s10 coming this September. I suspect AHS will be on Disney+ before the end of 2021. The other 3 have been confirmed by Disney.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Two months Entertainment Pass for £9.99, so roughly equivalent to £4.99/month, available until 3rd June at http://www.nowtv.com/offers

It says new customers only, but seems to work if you don't currently have an active Entertainment Pass, even if you've had one previously.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

One i have atm.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

They seem to have a large volume of tv shows and movies but all im seeing mentioned is rocky, pink panther and the main one James Bond...? Anything else to get excited about which could come to amazon prime?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

It's a substantial library and as such it cannot be listed on here, but it includes over 4,000 films including Creed, Legally Blonde, Basic Instinct and 10 Angry Men. There are also 17,000 TV shows including The Handmaid's Tale, Fargo and Vikings.

New stuff to be added includes House of Gucci, No Time To Die, Respect, and Adams Family 2.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

The Handmaid's tale is a superb show.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

And very relevant in the political climate of the last decade or so. Makes you shudder.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Whos next in the media mergers ?

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/29/medi...hos-next-.html

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Comcast are not happy with Disney not launching HULU internationally, they believe it undercuts HULUs value.
This could be a interesting fight to watch, i think Disney will end up buying Comcasts share in HULU.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Who's the largest shareholder? I've forgotten. I'd imagine it's Disney though.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I think Disney are 70/30 i think.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Planned to happen no earlier than 2024….

From 2 years ago

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/14/m...hip/index.html

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Spot on. There's no commercial sense in Disney expanding Hulu internationally and having to pay more for it in 2024 when it can just offer similar content via the Star brand. Comcast knows and accepts this. No fight to watch.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

A lot of speciation about Comcast going for Lionsgate or doing something with CBS Viacom although the latter could come under a lot more investigation.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Comcast has stopped paying money into Hulu according to this

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Had a text of a collegue not much info given but talks are back on between vm and Disney+ So fingers crossed you guys will get the app on your boxes soon.

On another note i'm keeping a eye on developments is Paramount+ been told i have a nice pile of paperwork when i return to work Monday, mostly involving streaming companies.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Let's hope this turns out right for VM viewers, and Discovery+ and Apple+ as well. I still don't see why we cannot have Britbox and Acorn. It's very frustrating that everything is so slow.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

But why would you have pay TV if in your opinion there is no pay channels worth paying for this is what really stumps me.

Get a streaming box to access all your apps and a Freeview/Freesat recorder and your sorted plus paying less.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Acorn isn't exactly a big player in most eyes, many have never heard of it, and most of their shows that I'm aware of are available via other broadcasters in UK.

To be clear, I'm not dissing their content, I watch some of their shows.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I think Acorn will grow in time i believe it is owned by AMC who have done a pretty good job with Shudder.

---------- Post added 16-06-2021 at 00:01 ---------- Previous post was 15-06-2021 at 23:13 ----------

From 1st July those buying new apple products will no longer get 12 months Apple tv+ for free, instead it will be 3 months.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I've been getting that impression from content headlines I've seen.

I was really meaning I don't think VM would have it high on their list of priorities, they wouldn't go out if their way, though they'd probably add it if Acorn was up for a easy/straightforward deal.

I'd heard positive things about Shudder, though it's not really my genre.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Being a horror fan i love Shudder i sign up annually for £49, they've started to roll out some live linear channels now on the app too (Amazon prime shudder doesn't have these yet).
Another one i use is screambox this is USA only but costs $2.99p/m incredible value, and ofcourse now Arrow video have their own app in uk too.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

BT are offering Now TV Entertainment for £5 a month for two years (they call it the Essential pack).

https://www.bt.com/packages/essentia...FUMfBgAd1AcE1Q

When I enquired about taking BT TV the other month they offered to buy me out of my Virgin Media contract & install a phone line for free! Not sure if this was just for me, but I doubt it, which might be useful for anyone that's interested but tied to a VM contract.

---------- Post added at 04:19 ---------- Previous post was at 04:02 ----------

For those who like to have material served up to them, Netflix have just implemented a 'Play me something' button that you can select and it will play you various programmes to replicate the traditional linear channel experience:

https://about.netflix.com/en/news/pl...e-work-for-you

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Yes, I think this addresses the point that some people just want to turn on their TVs and don’t have the energy or desire to find out what’s on, being content to gawp at anything that lands on the screen.

---------- Post added at 08:04 ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 ----------

There are still some programmes that cannot be accessed via streamers.

Yes, pay-tv channels are poor value for money. But they still have one or two programmes that are worth seeing.

To be honest, we are near the tipping point now in this house.

---------- Post added at 08:06 ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 ----------

I think that depends on their commitment to be a super-aggregator of content. It’s a bit of a half-hearted attempt at the moment!

All TV should be on there. It’s annoying to have to see this content through different sources.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

It’s annoying when the people who actually spend tens of millions a year on Market Research views don’t along with yours…:D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

My greatest detractors rubbish some of the links I post on the basis that they come from market researchers.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Though it always feels (certainly to me) like a significant proportion of Market Research for any sector is exaggeration to justify their existence.

And also the opposite end, them sugarcoating things they find out so not to offend their clients, meaning what they find is diluted.

I'm fairly sure many of had something they were fond of change for no obvious reason. Sometimes this is due to us having an inaccurate understanding of the general opinion or world situation, other times it can be the Market Research team misrepresenting or misunderstanding the results of their investigation.

My point, that Market Research is a good and bad thing.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

OB you've been saying your at tipping point for literally years , so you can't get a few shows so what there are only so many hours in the day to watch TV.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I don’t watch that much, actually, but I am choosy about what I watch.

Yes, I have been saying that, but Virgin is so far behind. Sky is better in terms of the streamers, but I don’t like the way their on demand service works.

I’m not jumping until conditions are right for me.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

You don't need Virgin or Sky to access the streamers your literally paying for a few shows in your case with Virgin and Sky.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Regarding your post "wife doesn't like the cables" easy solution to that mini pc only need one hdmi cable and you will get all the online stuff you sub to on it, you can pick one up for around £150 nowadays.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I had never considered a mini-pc for my TV! Thanks, I will look into that.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

A few use them at work there are sticks too for around £100.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Now are changing their streaming limit for non Boost customers, basically you will only be able to use one device at a time!
I don't know how long this change has been known about but I just logged into my account and received this message:-
"Our streaming limit is changing
As a member with Boost, you’re not affected by this change, but we just wanted to let you know that from 15 July members without Boost can only stream on one device at a time. With Boost, you can continue to stream on 3 devices."

This seems to be making Boost a mandatory extra, although it will pretty much destroy account sharing without Boost.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

That change just came in.

Several of the streamers have made changes recently to discourage account sharing.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Perfectly understandable - must be losing a lot of money with password sharing.

Possibly allowed it until now to suck people in who may now subscribe to retain the facility?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Britbox:

First 30 days free, then 50% off the next three months with code SUMMER2021

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Thanks for sharing Richard. Might take up the offer just to watch Spitting Image

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

You're welcome Chad.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Thanks for this Richard, perfect chance to finally give it a try.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Good stuff!

Now for some bad news, it looks like the Discovery channels are being removed from Now TV:

https://community.nowtv.com/t5/Enter...el/td-p/561462

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

An alternative code is SALE2021

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

National Geographic’s content will soon be gone, too. Disney reportedly want to close down the 2 linear channels with a view of all content moving to Disney+. As things stand, the latest withdrawal date for Nat Geo content is June 2022.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

For those who like some European tv ARTE has fully launched in the UK, it is a free streaming service. https://www.arte.tv/en/

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Great! Seen some of their stuff over the years. :)

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Oh thank you. Not been able to watch this since they left Astra 19.2° on analogue.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I think they have some content on YouTube too (other than trailers I mean).

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Cheers Angus.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

NOW update has been pushed through on my Roku... Those blasted adverts have now appeared.

Bit of an annoyance on a paid for service but at least they are currently only 10-15 seconds three times during a 50 minute episode. Intro promos can be up to a minute though

Incidentally I can highly recommend Ray Donovan on Atlantic. I'm late to the party on this but it's a winner for me.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Are they skippable ads, Joedm?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Women's Champions League to be streamed for free on Youtube.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57665909

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Doesn't look like it but I must admit to not trying yet

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Is it possible to suppress this update?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Yes pay for the HD Boost :D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I don't think there is a way on Roku boxes. There isn't an update app section like on smart phones, the apps update in the background.

Indeed Muppetman :D

I recall discussions on here about the idea of streamers potentially offering cheaper subs in exchange for having to put up with ads.
All NOW have done is put ads on the service and increased the fee if you don't want ads...

Well played NOW, well played

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

OB might be onto something. Linked my Netflix to someone else’s Sky account and saved myself a tenner.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

A random person? :D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Someone I phoned Sky retentions on behalf of ;)

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I do something similar but mine is i get access to a friends USA tv service via online and in return they get access to my skygo a win win lol.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

That is your homework for this weekend. Please hand it in by Monday morning :D

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Yes Sir :D :D :D

Got my homework done early, ads cannot be skipped.
They're also a bit longer than the first time I noticed, approx 25 seconds now

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Haha, thanks for checking.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Anyone else getting UHD not available for the football?

Not a good sign if the biggest sporting event in years has to be HD because of capacity issues.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

It was the same for the game against Germany as well. Is it a Virgin Media issue or just pot luck if you get a slot?

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Think it’s pot luck I wasn’t watching at home. Device was a Samsung Smart TV (we did get UHD tennis earlier) on BT FTTP.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I watched the game in UHD via iPlayer (London). The England v. Germany game was only available in HD. I must say that the BBC have really nailed the UHD format, unlike Sky Movies where the PQ is only so-so.

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

Watched the England v Germany and the Ukraine v England matches in UHD/HLG with no issues here on iPlayer. Used the Panasonic TV app.

You have to wait 2-3 minutes after the start of the programme before UHD appears - but never had any issues with it. They do seem to move the options around sometimes mid-programme.

I wonder if the option drops off if a connection limit is reached at the BBC end? I've also noticed that the UHD option sometimes drops off the V6 box and it needs a reboot.

It was good to see that the Wimbledon feeds continued too in UHD/HLG - I think the first time two different live offerings have appears in UHD on BBC iPlayer.



---------- Post added at 10:01 ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 ----------

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I think they're saving the UHD capacity for viewers from England. ;)

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

If you're on Vodafone pay monthly you can get 6 months discovery+ for free https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...discovery.html

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

No UHD option for the final on the iPlayer

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

I just checked and it’s on my 360 box

Re: Streaming services news, offers and general chit chat
 

We had the final in UHD on iPlayer.