Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As we have discussed previously can we really be surprised at poor live streaming? Streaming Companies still have an awful lot of work to bring their services up to the standard of broadcast TV.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Our broadband is generally of a decent quality but the PQ was not.

---------- Post added at 10:38 ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 ----------

If ever it is up to the standard of broadcast TV.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I was referring particularly to live streaming. I have Netflix and Amazon and generally they run fine for recorded programming.
For me its about the capacity to stream live content that these Companies don't seem prepared to pay for.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I watched it yesterday and thought the picture was just fine

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That is what l am referring to as well although l should have made myself clearer..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Many have said there was a slight improvement on yesterday's coverage , it's more a frame rate issue and picture issues with fast action.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I have 360Mpbs here using same kit.

It is not the definition being discussed - but the wrong frame rate for sports mainly.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Have you ever seen MLBTV ? There service is pretty good it's done by Bamtech who Disney have a 75% stake in.

To be clear I'm not saying better than broadcast but pretty good quality.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes I have and I agree, but not regularly. NFL gamepass is great quality when it works.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I would expect that the differences people are experiencing in PQ are down to local network loading on the CDN's* rather than an individual's actual connection speed. If a particular CDN has a lot of connections all demanding high bit rates it simply cannot keep up so the bit rate falls resulting in blocky artifacts when the scene moves fast especially when panning.


*Content Delivery Node. A local server that buffers the main stream.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So is this due to your broadband provider not having sufficient server capacity or the streamer Company?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I would think it's down to the ISP struggling to keep up with increasing demand.

Normally the CDN's are only handling relatively small amounts of data for each client and delays in feeding that data are relatively benign in effect. Youtube buffering for example.

Suddenly having to supply high density data streams on many connections in real time just maxes them out.

The source only has to provide a single or very limited number of streams which are then distributed within the ISPs network

Unlike cable/sat/freeview TV where there is a one-way data stream that is the same for all users. Streaming is an interractive process between CDN and client with each client having a bespoke stream.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thank you.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I watched, House of Cards and really enjoyed it, I loved Nashville too

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No one is going to subscribe to a sub-standard streaming service - at least the effluent midweek on sky is free.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If they can't handle the heat in the kitchen then they should not be in the kitchen to start with..:rolleyes:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Am I reading this correctly ?

Sky box sets and Netflix for £10 a month if so that will save me over subscribing separately it also seems to suggest if you also have Sky Multiscreen you get Netflix in UHD.

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

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No l think you are reading it right MM.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes, looks like this could save you money, depending of course on what packages you have currently.

The idea of integrating streaming services with satellite and cable services may ensure that the telcos survive into the future.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Being reported all over the internet today and those prices are correct.


https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/news/...tions-answered

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Great deal M8.:)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It would not surprise me if Virgin do something very much the same type integration in the near future.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The fact I already have Multiscreen and Boxsets with Sky this will save me £4.99 a month.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Here's the press release

https://www.skygroup.sky/corporate/m...comes-to-sky-q

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I certainly hope so, Den, and with Amazon Prime as well. That would be so much easier for me.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Expect Sky to put bills up by 3.99 shortly to minimise profit lost by January

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Prices rise all the time , this could actually work for both as some who don't currently have Sky Box Sets elect to take it and get Netflix as part of the Ultimate On Demand pack.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It seems to me that the streaming apps are fast becoming the new "channel" bundles. So, if and when the bulk of the channels disappear in the future, they'll be the Netflixes, Disneys, Apple apps etc to take their place.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Completely agree. That's the way we are going. I expect there to be an explosion of streaming services over the coming years.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Seeing as Silverlight is currently on life support ( https://windowsreport.com/microsoft-silverlight/ ) with active development ceasing, and only bug fixes coming, then nothing after 2021, I suspect VM won't be requiring it for much longer.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Edge, Chrome, Firefox and IE11 on Windows 8.1 and 10 all use HTML5 with TV Go not Silverlight, nor does the Windows 10 app use it.

It's only on IE11 on Windows 7 and 8 (not 8.1) and Safari on macOS that you need to use Silverlight with TV Go. I believe that's down to the streaming support in those browsers.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix has arrived on Now TV

Now TV have also released a new 4k box, which includes voice control, for £49.99. The box comes with a months entertainment pass, a months movie pass, a months kids pass and a 24 hour SKY Sports pass. The passes alone are worth nearly £30. Bargain!

https://www.nowtv.com/tv-smart-box

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I was intrigued to read that Amazon was looking to launch a free ad-supported streaming service called Free Dive. This is a very good initiative, and enables those who cannot afford subscription services to benefit, although this will not be the same version as Prime members see, concentrating more on archive material.

A good move on Amazon's part, I think.

https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/am...ire-tv-devices

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Does it allow recording? If not absolutely useless to anyone who time shifts their programmes.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But great for those who don't.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

is there a update on Sky,s online streaming service start date?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It was stated in their last quarterly report that it would be starting in some countries in July 2019 - but UK was not in the list in their statement.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Has anyone tried StartzPlay, which is available through Amazon for £4.99 per month, and do you think it's worth it?

One or two programmes I've seen advertised seem worth watching, but I wouldn't be prepared to pay that to watch only a limited library of reasonably up-to-date material.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Under ‘My shows and recordings’ we have always seen Netflix episodes but not been able to watch them as we didn’t have a Netflix subscription. We now have one and the Netflix app works fine but if we try and watch any of the episodes in ‘My shows and recordings’ it comes up with the Netflix logo but remains there with the spinning loading icon.
How can we watch them?
Any ideas?
Thanks.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Apps don't work very well on the Tivo, but they work perfectly on the V6. So it could be you need an up to date STB.

What are your broadband speeds?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You get a one-week free trial.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

bbxxl is saying the app loads fine by itself. This is some problem with the linking from My Shows. All I can think to try is a "Clear Programme Info & Planned Recs" from the Clear or Reset TiVo menu. It won't delete anything, but does take about an hour, so don't do it when you want to watch or record something.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

This is the company that produce the excellent "Outlander" which can be seen on Amazon Prime, and is due to release there fourth series this November.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It seems that churn rates are causing problems for Amazon Prime, HBO and Now TV. This contrasts with Netflix, which is doing pretty well.

Why is this happening? Well, I think the rate at which Netflix is adding new original content pleases people and encourages them to stay with Netflix, which certainly offers a brilliant choice.

Amazon does not offer as much new original material, and some are put off by having to pay for a substantial amount of their content after they have subscribed. (Incidentally, that is not a bad thing because it enables you to watch shows for which others own the rights).

HBO Now is pay per view only, which is an expensive way of viewing content. Once the existing tie-up with Sky ends, they would do well to start offering subscriptions.

Now TV has some good content, but not as much as others and some may see this as being rather expensive in comparison with Netflix for what is on offer. The short timescales to watch their on demand programmes may also be putting people off. It certainly irritates me.

So the lesson all these companies need to learn from this is to up their game. Netflix is showing the way.

https://www.rapidtvnews.com/20181002...#axzz5SlUl05o5

---------- Post added at 11:12 ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 ----------

In a separate development, Pluto tv is to be added to the Now TV box.

With luck, Virgin Media will offer this as well before long. This would be a good addition to our apps.

https://www.rapidtvnews.com/20181002...#axzz5SlcXsn1U

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I wonder if Disney will remove its content from the UK Netflix like they are doing in America next year? That would dent the appeal of Netflix over Amazon, Now tv etc.

As for HBO Now offering stand alone subscriptions, I'm sure that will happen as the media cos launch their own apps with only their own content on them. I've no doubt Disney will survive into the future, but I have doubts on some of the others.

Netflix has been the place to go to as it shows such a wide variety of content, but if media companies only allow content on their own streaming services, I'm not sure if Netflix would survive into the future and almost certain, based on their own made content, that Amazon Prime will not survive.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think Netflix will be all right. I get it for their original content, of which they already have an extensive library, which is being added to all the time. Amazon needs to commission more good content as well, but it should be OK.

We should also see other providers coming along, and it will be very interesting to see how they fare. No doubt in value for money terms, subscriptions need to be cheaper than the big two if they are offering less content as people will be comparing with them.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

For some reason I’m not receiving email updates so have only just seen the replies! Thank you. I’ll try this.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix Announces Plans to Create New Series & Films Based on 'The Chronicles of Narnia'

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/vi...-watch-1149082

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I wish someone would make the other two novels of Philip Pullman's trilogy Dark Materials.
As you may know the Golden Compass was based on the first novel "Northern Lights" and caused outrage in the Catholic church, which led to dumming down of the films content during editing.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

One of my favorite writers. I agree, the film was a huge cop-out. The BBC are currently producing these books as a TV series. The first of the series is to be broadcast in 2019, I believe.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/la...dark-materials

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And they did radio version a while back, which recently got a repeat.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00...episodes/guide

Can't wait for that TV version.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Same applies for Good Omens - the radio version was great:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04knt4h

And now there is going to be a TV version on Amazon Prime.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The BBC is co-producer on Good Omens, since the project started with them, so it is getting broadcast on BBC2 after a set period.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thank you, great news.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I said this to you a while back don't forget Fox and NBC Universal content as well if they decided to remove it from Amazon and Netflix.

Just off the top of my head
NBC Universal

Suits
Mr Robot
Queen of the South
The Purge
The Sinner
Shooter
Good Girls
The Good Place

That's first run imagine how much back catalogue and movies there are.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I agree, tons. I read a article, (I'll try and dig it up if I find it again) that Netflix's own tv shows and films now make up more than 50% of all new content being shown on the streamer. But, they won't have Star Wars, or any other Disney stuff for that matter.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

ITV Chief Executive Carolyn McCall signals a new ITV SVOD service for 2019 and improvements to the ITV Hub.

https://advanced-television.com/2018...-svod-in-2019/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No mention of HD , I’m pretty sure you can’t get HD content on the ITV Player the only option is through some pay TV providers I know Sky certainly have ITV catchup in HD not sure on other platforms.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Maybe that's one of the improvements envisaged. No details have been given.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

ATM ITV have a long way to catch up IMO.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Canelo Alvarez has signed the richest contract in sports history with new streaming service dazn. This follows their recent multi year deal with Eddie Hearn worth £750 million.

With HBO recently confirming they are pulling out of boxing after nearly 45 years there is set to be a seismic shift on how boxing is viewed in the States.

DAZN don't have the streaming market to themselves. Espn also recently launched a streaming service which also includes boxing coverage. Both services cost $15 in total giving boxing fans more action than ever before, cheaper than ever before without the need of a contract or TV subscription.

We're witnessing a shift from conventional linear broadcasting to streaming. Once the shift has happened I can't see it going back the way

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Did you read that bit, Den? ;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

About as much as some have read certain other posts in this thread MM.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Agreed, Chad. It's a one-way dead end street for the conventional linear channels. Just a few more years and it will become obvious.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As obvious as some of your Nostradamus like predictions up to now.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Predictions tend to be for the future, not the present, Den.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Then history will favour you well OB.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well, Vintage TV and ITV Encore are the first in a long line of linear channels that we will see disappearing from our screens over the coming years. I dare say GINX will be the next to go into administration.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It seems you are clutching at straws as per usual OB as most linear channels are very well funded and l dare say the example you have given me are not very representative of that clear fact..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I don't know how you explain ITV's troubles just a few years ago when advertising income went down and threatened its very future, in that case. The financial position of many of these channels is precarious to say the least, and as advertising income drops with falling audience levels, so we will see more TV channels go to the wall.

This is not something I want, Den (although paying for these relatively expensive pay TV packages is getting harder to justify, and streaming channels are so much cheaper and with more good content), it's just economics.

Unless TV channels can find other means of keeping afloat, then inevitably they will sink. ITV is now looking to reduce its reliance on advertising by increasing the number of new productions and by establishing a new streaming service, but they may have left it too late.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

ITV has bought many more production companies over recent years, with a fair few North American ones among them. Making the content to sell to other broadcasters helps make advertising revenue less of a direct problem for them.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Oh dear OB who needs Mystic Meg when we have you for predictions.:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's right, but my point was that ITV had to do this to survive. The smaller channels won't have the ability to make their own productions, so they are most likely to go first.

---------- Post added at 12:39 ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 ----------

Yes, sorry! It's just the way it is. :erm:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

He must be working overtime lately.:D

---------- Post added at 13:17 ---------- Previous post was at 13:13 ----------

The smaller channels will always survive as they have done for 20 years as if one or two go then one or two will replace it as that has been the case for many a year..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Hardly supports your mantra though, there will always be the odd channel disappearing (going bust) and others appearing.

Not part of your streaming take-over, merely economics.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sport and streaming do not mix. Amazon and Eleven have found out the hard way that live streaming is a pain. Why even try in that market? Buffering, pixelation screen too big/too small for Monitor/ Tablet, get Chromecast out..it's still shit. And at the moment they are still over a minute behind actual live coverage!

However I do agree the linear none-sport TV channels will slowly get eaten up. They practically give away Sky Movies now and those mid-tier Discovery/MTV channels will be next. People won't be complaining about the loss of Dave or UK TV in a few years.

For VM they should concentrate on sport (welcome news on testing of Eleven and reason I've signed to forum!) and providing the Apps for the subscription service. Maybe offering bundled App deals or packaged with Broadband App deals.

I think the main terrestrial channels will be good for a long while yet they can run side by side with streaming (Strictly wouldn't be the same if it wasn't Live!).

More emphasis on sport, a reduction on the mid-tier tv packs in size and price with the FTA channels continuing and more access to Apps (Amazon) is the way to go.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I completely sympathise with those who are having difficulties with live streaming of sport. Indeed, many people are experiencing buffering and other issues, we all suffer from the time lag and many cannot even access streaming services yet because of the state of our broadband and its relatively limited reach.

However, these problems will resolve themselves over the next few years, including latency, which the BBC has prioritised right now.

The main terrestrials are indeed likely to last the longest as the smaller channels become financially unviable. It stands to reason that once the majority of people move to on demand programming, advertisers will want to pay less for their reduced audiences. The bigger channels will be able to keep going for a while, but those that are not making a lot of profit at the moment will go under.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Agree with a lot of what you say, however why is there a need for streaming - set channels up, with ability to record 6 channels at any one time per V6 box you can watch linear channels when you want.

Agreed you cannot watch before the broadcast time (even if you can with streaming) but as I'm interested in sport you cannot watch it before it is played

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's simply that people are getting used to an alternative means of viewing. As people get used to watching TV via on demand, watching live streamed events will feel more natural with time. Look how the BBC i-Player has on demand and live streaming integrated. It's pretty seamless, which encourages viewers to use it.

I do a lot of recording, but to be honest, it's a bit of a faff planning what you want to record and setting up each programme or series, and then having to manage your recordings so you don't run out of space. So much easier just to go to your on demand service and pick out what you want as you are ready to watch. The main problem with on demand is the time limitations - I'd use on demand much more if those time limits were not there.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

My experience is different from that of Old Boy. Once a series link is set up (hardly difficult) and forgotten about it is refreshing to find episodes of a new series of something you enjoyed before has recorded even though you did not know it was on again (for instance, this week Ambulance). I find that relaxing and far less of a faff than ploughing through On Demand or Netflix.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Have to agree, take control of what you watch (catch-up is useful if someone suggests a series is good and you have missed the 1st episode or so)

It's a once a week exercise for me, although it really pisses me off when they split the lunchtime premier league match into a build up and the match when I have already set the recording - but catch-up doesn't help one iota with sport.

Not paying for Netflix so cannot comment, on demand / catch-up is too time restrictive for me. I have been caught out a couple of times when downloading the first of a series only for it to disappear before I have watched it(on sky)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's not a difficult thing to do to set up a series link. But when you think about the process:

1. Identify the programme you want to record, probably from your TV magazines or the EPG.

2. Go to the EPG and record.

3. Ensure that you have enough room on your hard drive with all the recordings you are making for the following week.

4. View when you are ready and fast forward through the commercial breaks.

With on demand, the steps are:

1. Select the programme and watch it.

That is the point I am making, and those of us with busy lives really appreciate the ease of watching on demand.

The only issue really is the limited time you have to watch programmes on the players and Now TV.

---------- Post added at 23:08 ---------- Previous post was at 23:05 ----------

Obviously, you don't record much, at least in HD, or you would find yourself juggling recordings with the amount of space left on your hard drive!

---------- Post added at 23:09 ---------- Previous post was at 23:08 ----------

You really can't rely on catch-up as these programmes disappear after a week!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Most catch up I use is 30 days as for recording I do them all in HD with some in UHD and never have space issues.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

My V6 is often over 90+ percent full and programmes get deleted automatically, but I am not bothered because I am only prepared to give a certain amount of time per day to TV viewing.
Everybody is different in their viewing habits, a fact that some on this forum seem unable to grasp.
Following the recent difficulties with UK TV, I took a renewed look at the Drama channel and now greatly enjoy my daily dose of London's Burning and slowly but surely am getting through the recorded episodes of Call the Midwife.
Yes, I enjoy new productions too but there are so many good ones and they will be repeated so there is no rush.
Except for the news, I rarely watch anything live.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Been watching Eleven all afternoon on my TV via Chromecast without a problem
Obviously it's unfortunate if others are having problems but there is nothing wrong with the service itself

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The stream is over a minute behind actual live coverage and Chromecast is never going to be as good as in quality compared to a dedicated TV feed.

They also have frame rate issues.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I wouldn't know how far behind it was as it would be quite strange to watch it on 2 different services at the same time

I can't see a difference in PQ between Eleven and football on my TV via a normal channel

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's not like being behind is exclusive to streaming, when i had BTSport i used to see champions league goals getting posted on reddit before they'd happened on my screen watching the normal HD channels.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The PQ is more likely to be a problem with your set-up unless there are localised problems where you live. The streaming quality in my house is just fine.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If you watch any sport in HD you will find it is behind the SD equivalent.

Satellite was always slightly behind terrestrial tv as well.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

New streaming and on demand service GolfTV to launch outside the US next year.

https://www.rapidtvnews.com/20181023...#axzz5UkcPd0t4

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Diehard fans might go for it but not many more will.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not for me it hasn't got Bruce Willis in it! :D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The new Apple SVOD service may be the next big scripted streaming giant to launch in the UK sometime next year. It will be interesting to see whether Apple TV will be made available also through Virgin Media and Sky.

If so, this is certainly something to look forward to, particularly with the Starz and HBO add-ons, although the latter will probably be pay per view only, given Sky's contract with HBO.

https://advanced-television.com/2018...ng-early-2019/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

This app world you keep telling us about sure is going to work out expensive for those of us who like a selection of content across many broadcasters.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It sure is MM..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Only if we continue to subscribe to the scheduled pay-tv channels. I think you will find that before much longer, cable subscribers will be offered a choice between keeping their existing arrangements or subscribing instead to streaming services only. That would be a cheaper option all in all, with much better choice.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So with my subscription I currently watch shows and movies from Sky , NBC Universal , ABC , Fox , HBO , Showtime , Disney , Warner Bros , Paramount , Viacom , UKTV , Discovery , Nat Geo plus much much more.

How much is this liable to cost me when I have to subscribe separately considering I currently get all the above for around £30.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well put, it will end up costing us a fortune if we end up having to sub to each individual suppliers app. I'd rather stay with what we already have.