Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

In answer to my question, they haven't notified me but if i search the channels and then click 'Learn more' it's offering me the 3 months free. I may take it up as it says the offer runs out on the 17th July.

EDIT

I didn't see you'd replied Den, maybe i did but just deleted the email as i get quite a few from Amazon.

Did you take up the offer?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No we did not take up the offer John.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think i'll take the Discovery and Shudder trials.

I noticed Shudder has the Hammer House of Horror series from the '80's on it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l used to hide behind the sofa when that was on TV in those days.:Yikes::eeek::bigcry:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The Yetis in Dr Who circa 1967 used to scare the hell out of me, mind you i was only 4.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes, but it looks pretty tame these days.

I found 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' really dark and frightening, but when you look at it now it's more like a comedy show!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That used to scare the crap out of me too sometimes back in the dark ages!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon planning it's own TV set.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business...-sky-smart-tv/

I'm aware they have something similar in the US but they're looking at the UK market.
It'll be a Freeview set with built in Prime and Alexa.

I tried to find a non-subscription link but failed.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It also stated that they were doing this as they had failed to oust sky/BT from the EPL main rights.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Which was utterly predictable but not obviously to some who still have their head in the clouds thinking there is some brave new future with the TV channels not being at the heart of it..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon to challenge Sky with smart TV

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018...with-smart-tv/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Is'nt Prime video on most smart TV's already along with Now Tv and Netflix?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It'll just be an app on the YouView box, which is basically freeview plus apps.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Alarm for Netflix as shares plummet on worse-than-expected subscriber growth.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/20...ts-wall-street

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That was inevitable at some point. Our resident all things streaming expert will be along shortly to set you right.:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l always listen to those who know more then me MM as remember l am just a simple uneducated pleb compared to the great intellects with their great fountain of knowledge on here..:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The Netflix shares have already gone up by over 100% so far this year, so most shareholders could easily stomach a 15% drop without breaking out in too much of a sweat.

A reminder: Rupert Murdoch and all the other Hollywood moguls are busy selling/merging their companies with each other and other companies because of the direct threat to their business' that Netflix and other streamers pose. That should be as clear indication as any, where the future lies.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think they may well integrate Netflix onto one of the higher packages on Virgin.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I am sure that, sooner or later, you will be able to subscribe to a package of streaming services with Virgin. I believe that is the way to go.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Possibly, but better to learn to walk befor you try to run OB

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And that's the reason Netflix will find it harder going forward.

Both Fox and Disney have announced they'll remove content from Netflix , a lot of the Netflix content is still third party content. Imagine how much they'll need to spend when they have to develop all their own shows.

Many of their shows are advertised as Netflix originals but are in fact produced by another broadcaster and Netflix gains the rights in the countries other than that of the broadcaster.

As an example 'The Sinner' is from USA Network (Comcast) what happens when they purchase Sky and look to expand even more into Europe will broadcasters then still want to use Netflix when they can distribute through their own platforms ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I agree, it will be interesting to see what happens to Netflix in the US when the Disney content is removed. That doesn't affect Netflix here, as that's covered by a separate deal.

For most of us, the whole reason for subscribing to Netflix was to watch a range of films and shows from different studios and broadcasters. But when one of these companies threatened Netflix about five years ago with removal of content, Netflix had to start making its own stuff or face possible oblivion. The shoe is on the other foot now.

As you say, unlike Amazon which does separate out its own made stuff from "exclusive" content, Netflix just has everything under the originals badge, but it does still have a vast library now of its own made stuff, but obviously nowhere near as much as Disney and far, far behind Disney and Fox content put together.

---------- Post added at 11:42 ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 ----------

I've said before (perhaps in this thread) that I believe in the end, there will be a core group of broadcast channels. Most of the sat/cable pay channels will wither away and then there will be about three or four main streamers.

300+ channels is not sustainable and have streaming too. People can only watch so much television, something has to give.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I used to think that, too, but reading about what industry experts and commentators have been saying, observing what is actually happening and seeing how everything has advanced in recent times, I now question whether any broadcast conventional channels will survive at all.

I thought maybe the BBC and sports channels might survive when first considering what might happen, but with the BBC indicating that they are contemplating the demise of traditional channels 15 years hence, and with streaming issues gradually getting sorted out, I now think they will all go. More and more people will prefer watching on demand to watch what they want, when they want, and more and more people will get fed up wasting their lives watching endless commercials.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So all channels to go , how to do we watch Football or the news ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The logical conclusion, as far as I can tell is this:

1) Set top box is IP-based and fed via DOCSIS, G.Fast or FTTH/P (DOCSIS or GPON)

2) Programme guide is split into a row for each content provider (rather than each TV channel)

3) Each content provider contains a selection of live and on-demand content. Live content will include 24 hour news channels and sporting events. On-demand content (such as sky movies, non-live PPV events, box sets and shows) would be present.

4) There wouldn't be hundreds of poor quality, heavily-compressed standard-definition channels hanging around.
+1 services redundant
repeats redundant

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Streaming, of course. The same way as the World Cup was streamed on the i-Player. The same way as news is streamed on the i-Player. It's happening right now.

OK, I acknowledge existing problems - insufficient high speed broadband currently available, blocking, stuttering, latency and in some cases a total collapse of the service. However, these are early days, and great strides are being made now to resolve these issues. Streaming will be as reliable as any other media within the next few years.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But you've just completely contradicted yourself there and said channels.

There will be channels for many years to come just not as many of them.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

What? I said 'conventional broadcast channels' as so many pedants keep criticising people for using the term 'linear channels' despite understanding exactly what is meant by the term.

By 'conventional broadcast channels' I suppose you could now argue that even streaming services have become 'conventional'. So how exactly would you prefer me to describe the likes of BBC1, ITV, etc in future to avoid offending your sensibilities? :rolleyes::D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Just because something is streamed doesn't make it not a channel.

How come live channels are still included in the US on services like Google TV , Sling TV , DirecTV Now , Hulu etc?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

A stream can be described as a channel, it is absolutely true, but you know as well as I do that this is not the commonly understood meaning of the word. However, I am not sure that you have internalised the fact that I was referring to 'conventionally broadcast channels'. Once again, you are using the word 'channels' in isolation when quoting my words back to me.

On your second point, and as I have said on a few occasions before, problems with streaming and broadband speeds need to be ironed out before programme providers decide to rely exclusively on streaming for live events.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You keep saying this streaming is already done for live events , the BBC do it with IPlayer , VM do it on their TV Anywhere product , Sky do it with Sky Go , BT do it with their BT Sport app , NFL do it with NFL Game Pass the list goes on.

Channels and the TV guide will be around for many many years people certainly want On Demand but Sport , Live Events and News will certainly continue on channels as well Entertainment although I accept with fewer channels

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If you mean for the next decade or so, you have no argument with me. But the longer term future does not bode well for the 'TV guide' if you will, and as far as I can tell from your comments, you have no actual basis for saying that they will still keep going for years and years after that.

The trends are already there for all to see and the BBC have come to terms with that already and are planning for this eventuality.

It's simple economics that as less advertising money comes in due to falling audiences, services will decline. In two or three years, I would say, pay tv channels will start closing down. It's all right at the moment, and they are coping, but it won't last.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Your crystal ball needs polishing OB let's be honest you have a track record of bad predictions.:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I don't know old you are OB - but if you are saying the status quo will exist for at least a decade, I am not sure why we are bothering with this huge thread.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The trend will be in evidence before then, but nobody ever said it was imminent.

---------- Post added at 23:30 ---------- Previous post was at 23:28 ----------

Well, you seem to be stealing pages from Den's book. As you well know, these are my views of the future, so I don't know where you get the idea that I have a record of bad predictions. We haven't got there yet!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

More info

https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/news/...re-tv-built-in

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well l was absent yesterday so you cannot lay the blame at my door dear.:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Don't VM already allow it's subscribers to sub through them for the Hayu app ?

It seems Now TV are also following suit
Link

Not my cup of tea personally :D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Hayu is 'free' on Virgin if you have the Full House subscription.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thanks for the info wasn't aware of that, do you check in on The Kardashians from time to time ?:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I never watch that rubbish. I only opened the app for my wife, whose view was similar to mine!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As already said on other threads, with Disney being successful in their bid for 21st Century Fox, this will give Disney majority control of Hulu. Expect Hulu to launch here at some point in the future.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I don't think that's a given, but let's hope so!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Are they successful? Must have missed that somewhere along the line.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes. Read the news, or the links I have posted in various threads on this site.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Major fault hits TVPlayer

https://www.a516digital.com/2018/07/...-tvplayer.html

Must be a sudden surge of Virgin Media customers joining ;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Running OK here out on the patio in the sun.

---------- Post added at 17:02 ---------- Previous post was at 15:45 ----------

Seems I spoke too soon. Just lost the feed. :(

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

ITV to remove shows from Netflix 'in bid to launch rival with BBC'

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/...ix-in-12979458

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Would it not be nice MM if there was one place which had most of these shows in one place but sadly in the fractured world of TV streaming rights that is never going to happen sadly.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix are going to find it harder as broadcasters start to remove their content from the service.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sooner rather then later there will be a pretty big casualty in the world of streaming as what rises usually falls IMO.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Only if the content they make isn't as compelling as what is being removed. I am surprised anyone would sub to ITV Hub the picture quality is dreadful on all OTA UK streaming services with the exception of iPlayer.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes it is pretty poor and inferior to other streams.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

A lot of Netflix viewing is still to third party content , Netflix is already pondering more expensive packages.

With more third party content removed Netflix will be required to increase its content spend even further. With a streaming service from Disney on the horizon plus many more competitors things will get more and more difficult for Netlfix in my opinion.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Companies will always ponder more expensive packages and how they can make more money.

Disney will have exactly the same issue, they won't even put Fox content on their streaming service which basically leaves you with pretty much a family friendly service there won't be the likes of Ozark, Narcos or House of Cards. There plenty of room for both companies in the market

Other factors need to be taken in to account Disney have 0 streaming customers unless you count their current Disney Life service, Netflix have in the region of 125 million customers. That is one hell of a head start and as Sky have shown through Now TV you can be the dominate player in the market but still do streaming wrong.

Netflix will spend $12 billion in 2018 on content which dwarfs everyone in Hollywood. What does that mean, well Warner Bros will release 23 movies this year by far highest number of any studio. Disney who is currently the most successful financially will release 10. Netflix 83!

3rd party content is important and if you want Hollywood movies then Netflix probably is not the service for you, but for TV they simply can't be beaten right now. They are also diversifying beyond Hollywood, they are bring in European and Asian programming. Their portfolio is very varied whereas Disney is going to be very narrow. The likes of Dark and Japanese Anime has be consuming content that I would not have considered before.

And lastly the market will be further fragmented by the other Studios and one thing these studios show time and time again is they don't understand the market and are anti consumer, they will ridiculous DRM, low quality streaming, restrictions on the devices or how many you can log into.

Competition is good in the market place but Netflix will be fine, they have been preparing for this for almost 8 years and are now one of the biggest makers of content in the world.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'm not claiming they are doomed , my belief is they simply won't find subscribers as easy to come by over the next few years as the OTT competition heats up further that's not to say they won't increase just not at the levels they have been.

Time will tell I guess.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The new UK version of Britbox, incorporating BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 shows aims to do just that, Den. The old Kangaroo project resurrected.

---------- Post added at 16:25 ---------- Previous post was at 16:22 ----------

I don't know, there's more original content on Netflix than anywhere else and certainly, that's all I watch on Netflix. Yet it's going to take me a good few years to watch everything I've already flagged up.

I don't understand why you see the withdrawal of old material from our British TV channels as being a problem for Netflix, to be honest.

---------- Post added at 16:28 ---------- Previous post was at 16:25 ----------

I think they will be the best streaming service for some time yet!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Just started watching a show called "Goliath" on Amazon, OB, I think you'd like it, got some good actors in it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's on my watch list, Max!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Good stuff, I'm sure you will like it......:)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Virgin TV subscribers get full access to Comedy Central’s new on-demand app

https://inews.co.uk/culture/televisi...y-central-app/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not sure that will appease some following the UKTV fallout.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Something that's long overdue in my opinion.

https://www.uswitch.com/tv/news/2018...ng_a_new_look/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Depends what they do - I hate the new TV app as you can't filter out the paid content anymore. On the older app you could choose to only show content 'Include with Prime'

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Agreed , but then in my opinion it would be pretty hard to make it any worse. The Roku Amazon app is the worst of them all so hopefully that gets an update.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l quite agree its a big irritant currently

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

For anyone who uses Now TV , Sky Sports can be had for £179 for 10 months access.


https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

£17.90 per month for 10 months?

Christ, you can get Netflix and Amazon for that! For the whole year, as well.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And exactly how much Sport will that get me ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'm simply comparing value, MM.

I cannot understand for one minute why any man would pay that much to see a bunch of guys kicking a football about. I see that on occasional weekends with my grandkids, but it only gives me satisfaction because they are my grandkids.

But, hey ho. I'm sure your wife is on my side.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

After launching on BT in the UK, Amazon has now integrated itself onto Comcast in the US.

More reason to hope that we will be seeing it on VM soon. Resistance by the cablecos to embracing Amazon seems to be breaking down now.

Only a matter of time now.

https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2018...n-prime-video/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Diddly squat...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Possible on Sky Q also especially if Comcast end up buying Sky.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I agree. Having accepted the principle of getting Netflix on Q, the addition of Prime is an inevitability, I would have thought.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The other day Sir Patrick Stewart said he has signed up for a brand new Star Trek set some 20 years after TNG but as of yet nothing is written.

It looks like CBS in the US will be doing it so that means like Star Trek Discovery it will also bet on Netflix, so I see a Netflix joining my Amazon Prime.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'll just use Kodi to watch it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The new service, Disney Play, is described in the link below.

Given the Disney takeover of Fox, with Fox also owning Sky, it will be interesting to see if Disney Play will eventually offer the content of Now TV. In fact, Now TV could be closed down in that eventuality.

https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2018...aming-service/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And who says that is going to happen?.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I said it would be interesting to see, not that it will happen!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l would somehow doubt that it will happen anytime soon OB.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Eleven Sports have endured a challenging start to life as Britain’s newest sports broadcaster.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...-brooks-koepka

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Pretty much as expected for me, NFL game pass is an established platform, but this service still encounters problems after many years.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And just imagine the ensuing chaos if there were millions trying to watch big sporting events..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Its all about servers and the capacity Companies are prepared to pay for.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

When I checked out the TV go app on the PC it mandated Win 10 so a total no no.

That is a Microsoft limitation on the Silverlight helper.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

TV Go works through a browser on Windows 7 and 8/8.1.

It'll work in Chrome and Firefox without Silverlight.

But downloads are iOS and Android only.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

This certainly not made clear on VM's website: Clicking on getting TV go for a PC takes you directly to MS web page for getting Silverlight and only on W10. :rolleyes:

Maybe you can point me to the correct place for getting this on a W7 pro laptop using FF?

For the moment I'm using the TVPlayer for FTA programmes. I do take the XL pack and it would be nice to have these on the lappy.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If i go to the below link in Firefox, it lets me login and register this PC and then streams what i want to watch, i do have Windows 10 though but i expect it'll work for you to?

https://virgintvgo.virginmedia.com/en.html

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thanks SnoopZ. I'll give it a whirl later as I'm on the XP2 machine at the moment. :tu:

[edit]

Got a bit further on that link, think I was logged into my account last time I tried

Logged in using one of my VM email addresses and it shows the TV streams that I can get on the box. I needed to install Silverlight (x64) from the link on the page and this succeded OK.

I cannot play ANY of the streams, even the freeview ones, it just comes up with "This video is not available, try later"

Good old chocolate fireguard. :rolleyes:

At least TVplayer actually works.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It works for me in normal Firefox and Chrome i didnt try IE or Edge, it must be a Windows 10 issue then?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

SPFL chiefs have held talks with Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google regarding TV rights. SPFL rights are currently held by SKY and BT but expire in 2020.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/...levision-deal/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If it only works for W10 users then it's very poorly designed.

One other thing I can try is to update Firefox as it's the version that I installed when I got the laptop a couple of years ago. Something like V43.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Which browser are you using?

TV Go works without a plugin on Firefox, Chrome, and Edge on Windows 10.

It needs a plugin on IE11 and Safari - my understanding this is because they don't have the correct support for the HTLM5 DRM that TV Go uses.

---------- Post added at 09:47 ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 ----------

If you update to past Firefox 52, that doesn't use plugins such as Silverlight, so should work with the HTML5 version of TV Go

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thanks Ben. Sounds like a Firefox update is called for. I was advised a while ago that Silverlight was old tech. I only installed it because the site told me to.

Bit annoying having to fart about when TVPlayer worked straight away.

OK. Upgraded to Firefox Quantum V57. I was invited by the site to register the laptop as a device which I did and it seems to be working fine now.

Pity the TVgo site couldn't advise me to upgrade FF since it would know what browser type and version I was using.

Happy that it works though.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon's US Open coverage doesn't seem to popular at the moment.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/cr/B0...3?pageNumber=3

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Where is OB when you need him.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The quality is what you would expect from a dodgy internet stream - the same as the new Sky Sports EFL midweek service.

Dispite people expecting better quality like UHD - perhaps this is the future of sport?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I have to say that I watched Andy and the picture was perfect. Prime Video app on Panasonic 4K TV with 5GHz WiFi.
Anyone with poor picture quality is likely a broadband issue, not a ‘broadcast’ issue.
Only issue I had was the camera position which was very high up on Louis Armstrong court.
We’ll see if this is improved on Arthur Ashe court today.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So all those people complaining about poor picture quality have poor broadband I seriously doubt that.

I certainly don't have poor broadband and noticed poor picture quality on several devices.