network television vs. netflix, amazon etc

[King Nuts]

I was aimlessly flicking through tv channels the other night. On BBC1 we had Gary 'Pitch-Shitter' Lineker. BBC2 had Emily Maitlis, ITV had Peston and Channel 4 had some awful programme with ugly, naked weirdos.

£145 quid a year. AND you still get the crappy adverts on ITV, C4.


Meanwhile on Netflix and Amazon, pretty much whatever you want. Films and tv series not available anywhere else. Box sets, films, old comedies, it's all there.

£175 quid a year for both. No adverts.


About time the BBC, ITV, and C4 and woke up.

[AnthG]

Agree, terrestrial TV is not worth the money at all. It usually has repeats all the way until 7pm. And then just soaps, some reality TV afterwards then following this, repeats of quiz shows.

I paid £40 for a year of Disney, and for this I get almost their entire back catalogue of movies. And TV shows. And given Disney owns practically everything now that also includes stuff from Fox too.

I pay £6 a month for Netflix and get 4x2160p screens of all their stuff (as I happen to live in Turkey...... )

And I pay £40 a year at Amazon as I am an Alumni, and just use a smartDNS to get access to all their American content (the American Amazon Prime is so much better than UK).

When was the last decent scripted show on terrestrial TV. Such as Only Fools and Horses, Royle Family or Fawlty Towers? I cannot think of one. We have Mrs Browns Boys which is ghastly.

And yet even with it going down the pan. The BBC pay it's presenters millions and millions for nothing. And now because all the male presenters have been overpaid for nothing, but they do draw in the crowds. All the female presenters who do a fraction of the work and do not bring in the crowds, are suing them to get the same money for less work. And all winning those claims. And this is all our licence money being pissed up the wall.

[Ali Katt]

Agree, terrestrial TV is not worth the money at all. It usually has repeats all the way until 7pm. And then just soaps, some reality TV afterwards then following this, repeats of quiz shows.

I paid £40 for a year of Disney, and for this I get almost their entire back catalogue of movies. And TV shows. And given Disney owns practically everything now that also includes stuff from Fox too.

I pay £6 a month for Netflix and get 4x2160p screens of all their stuff (as I happen to live in Turkey...... )

And I pay £40 a year at Amazon as I am an Alumni, and just use a smartDNS to get access to all their American content (the American Amazon Prime is so much better than UK).

When was the last decent scripted show on terrestrial TV. Such as Only Fools and Horses, Royle Family or Fawlty Towers? I cannot think of one. We have Mrs Browns Boys which is ghastly.

And yet even with it going down the pan. The BBC pay it's presenters millions and millions for nothing. And now because all the male presenters have been overpaid for nothing, but they do draw in the crowds. All the female presenters who do a fraction of the work and do not bring in the crowds, are suing them to get the same money for less work. And all winning those claims. And this is all our licence money being pissed up the wall.

Last decently scripted terrestial show probably Utopia on channel 4. Even Black Mirror became a digital exclusive in the end, which is hit and miss in terms of episodes.

[smiths]

Apart from the TV licence I wont pay subscriptions anymore but then as my son says I am a dinosaur living in the analogue age of dvds, he is correct I have a huge collection of dvds including loads of series I haven't even watched yet that will keep me going for a very long time. I even bought a job lot of the exact same Sony model dvd player for about £25 each making sure they had HDMI socket to future proof myself for years in case companies stop making dvd players.

And nothing is so good to me that is new that I have to see it asap and subscribe to do so, I used to do business with Sky years ago and for some years but told them to go fuck themselves after 1 piss take too many, cunts.

My son has never bought a dvd or cd for himself only as a present for me, he laughs at my totally out of date thinking, get into the real world he often says, no thanks I am happy as I am.

[winkywanky]

I was aimlessly flicking through tv channels the other night. On BBC1 we had Gary 'Pitch-Shitter' Lineker. BBC2 had Emily Maitlis, ITV had Peston and Channel 4 had some awful programme with ugly, naked weirdos.

£145 quid a year. AND you still get the crappy adverts on ITV, C4.


Meanwhile on Netflix and Amazon, pretty much whatever you want. Films and tv series not available anywhere else. Box sets, films, old comedies, it's all there.

£175 quid a year for both. No adverts.


About time the BBC, ITV, and C4 and woke up.

Obviously UK Terrestrial TV has taken a big hit with Coronavirus, a large part of what they do is live, events-related or on-going series/serials, so we have rehash after rehash, audience shows with no audiences and nothing but constant bad news on the News. Overall, the schedules are full of shit at the moment, certainly more than usual.

Amazon Prime and Netflix won't be affected in the same way and it'll take longer for the effects to filter through (ie new stuff being made).

Only a small point, but I have both Netflix and Prime currently and I make it £9 + £7 x 12 = £204 pa? Depends on your type of Netflix account, but to watch in HD on a couple or three devices, £9/mth is what it costs me.

I'd be interested to know what your viewing time is of each of the channels/providers you mention, sometimes what we think is the case isn't always.

[King Nuts]

Only a small point, but I have both Netflix and Prime currently and I make it £9 + £7 x 12 = £204 pa? Depends on your type of Netflix account, but to watch in HD on a couple or three devices, £9/mth is what it costs me.

I'd be interested to know what your viewing time is of each of the channels/providers you mention, sometimes what we think is the case isn't always.

I think I based that figure on 79 per annum for Amazon Prime and 7.99 per month for Netflix. I know I pay the 79 quid but my Netflix is 10.99 I think, for multiple use as well as HD.

As regards viewing times, I think those examples I gave were for around 10pm or so, one recent weeknight.

Obviously it was not a representative sample, but I still think it's time the terrestials upped their game.

[winkywanky]

I think I based that figure on 79 per annum for Amazon Prime and 7.99 per month for Netflix. I know I pay the 79 quid but my Netflix is 10.99 I think, for multiple use as well as HD.

As regards viewing times, I think those examples I gave were for around 10pm or so, one recent weeknight.

Obviously it was not a representative sample, but I still think it's time the terrestials upped their game.

I like Docs and find myself watching a lot of C5 these days.

Pretty well every BBC Drama these days seems to carry some kind of 'message' regarding gender or race. There's the proper way to rightfully represent everyone in the UK in your output, and then there's ramming politics and sociology down your gob at every opportunity. With the recent announcements made by Tony Hall just before he leaves, that's the 'helpful legacy' he leaves to his successor, and good luck with that.

BBC4 remains an excellent place to showcase both old and new programming around Arts, Culture and Music. Although recent comments suggest they might be doing away with it, and bringing BBC3 back to broadcast instead of just online.

I do think a lot of us like to moan about stuff we are forced to pay for whether we like it or not (myself included) but I also think we watch more than we care to admit to, be that consciously or subconsciously.

Certainly though, with the BBC's seemingly constant mission to try to address and right all the UK's social ills, as well as being constantly kicked in the balls by the govt of the day (the latest being the over-75s' free licence fee fiasco), I see very tough days ahead, and a big struggle to maintain its relevance to the vast majority. Just getting 15M viewers for the final of Strictly won't cut it.

[Chorley]

Terrestrial TV is mostly dross.

 I haven't had a TV licence for years due to this and the fact that I refuse to watch any BBC programmes in principal.

A once great institution has somehow morphed into a lowest common denominator uber woke PC nightmare. 

[The Film Director]

A once great institution has somehow morphed into a lowest common denominator uber woke PC nightmare. 

I agree the BBC output is generally hopeless, but I personally put this down to so much reality (cooking, sewing, dancing, spelling, any-fucking thing TBH) TV, which I can't stand and never watch.  I remember me and the Mrs being in a restaurant one Saturday lunchtime and being asked by the waitress, 'What will you be watching tonight then Strictly or the X-Factor?' .... er, neither they're both shite (I just about restrained myself from saying this).

[tom269u001]

Disneyplus is really good for the kids. Loads of content to stick in front of them, and be quiet (sometimes). 

[AnthG]

A once great institution has somehow morphed into a lowest common denominator uber woke PC nightmare. 

+1000, and even the most insane thing is. They arguably are not the worst. Sky is arguably even worse than the BBC for woke joke and they want £70 a month  (or they did 6 years ago when I cancelled)

[Chorley]

+1000, and even the most insane thing is. They arguably are not the worst. Sky is arguably even worse than the BBC for woke joke and they want £70 a month  (or they did 6 years ago when I cancelled)

Sky is great for sport, but other than that it's massively overpriced shite

[Ali Katt]

Sky is great for sport, but other than that it's massively overpriced shite

Being able to rewind programmes is good.

[Ali Katt]

Disneyplus is really good for the kids. Loads of content to stick in front of them, and be quiet (sometimes). 

Baby TV or Cbeebies on freeview is free.

[Doc Holliday]

Terrestrial TV is mostly dross.

 I haven't had a TV licence for years due to this and the fact that I refuse to watch any BBC programmes in principal.

You do know that by law you still need a TV licence to watch any live broadcast on any channel including Sky? This applies to online or satellite and Freeview and on any device.

[Chorley]

You do know that by law you still need a TV licence to watch any live broadcast on any channel including Sky? This applies to online or satellite and Freeview and on any device.

Yes thanks. I was aware  I only watch catch up (not IPlayer before you ask  ) and stream stuff so the goons from TV Licencing can fuck off if they ever come knocking. 

[Doc Holliday]

Yes thanks. I was aware  I only watch catch up (not IPlayer before you ask  ) and stream stuff so the goons from TV Licencing can fuck off if they ever come knocking. 

 

[Londonpunter30]

Sky is great for sport, but other than that it's massively overpriced shite

Even their sport isn’t that much.  I pay about £40 extra and only really watch the odd football match.  Was hoping when BT came along it would force Sky to reduce prices, unfortunately that hasn’t happened

[AnthG]

Even their sport isn’t that much.  I pay about £40 extra and only really watch the odd football match.  Was hoping when BT came along it would force Sky to reduce prices, unfortunately that hasn’t happened

If you are prepared to mess around a bit. I use Optus sport. Its the Australian version of Sky.

They have the rights to the Premier League for Australia and they show (almost) every match. From BT, Sky, doesn't matter. They have the exclusive rights for Australia.

It costs me £10 a month and I get every game for that price. And its an official channel, not some dodgy IPTV seller. The only downside is, you need a SmartDNS or VPN to watch it as it checks if you are based in Australa before the stream starts.

[pewpewpew]

So what's the deal with not having a tv license? I never watch TV, only Netflix and Prime. I do have a TV aerial on my roof though but am mostly paying for a TV license because I can't be bothered with the license people harrassing me

[Chorley]

So what's the deal with not having a tv license? I never watch TV, only Netflix and Prime. I do have a TV aerial on my roof though but am mostly paying for a TV license because I can't be bothered with the license people harrassing me

Just go on the TV Licencing website and there's a form you can complete. 

[Londonpunter30]

Technically if you have equipment capable of receiving a signal you have to pay.  Or has that changed now ?

[AnthG]

Technically if you have equipment capable of receiving a signal you have to pay.  Or has that changed now ?

Just tell them the roof aerial is not connected to the TV. It's unrealistic for them to expect someone to climb onto the roof to take it down if they no longer watch it.

They will do a surprise inspection and as long as they see you do not have it connected you will be fine.

I base this off watching a load of youtube videos of people who have done this. They even record the surprise inspections with the inspectors so you can see what its like

[Ali Katt]

So what's the deal with not having a tv license? I never watch TV, only Netflix and Prime. I do have a TV aerial on my roof though but am mostly paying for a TV license because I can't be bothered with the license people harrassing me

You don't need to pay as long as the aerial isn't plugged in and you don't watch it.

[AnthG]

You don't need to pay as long as the aerial isn't plugged in and you don't watch it.

And remember, one trick they will get you on, you do not watch Iplayer either.

[Ali Katt]

And remember, one trick they will get you on, you do not watch Iplayer either.

I would happily pay if it was a subscription service on par with others. Where's Blackadder, Bottom and every episode of Arena? I just don't watch the fucker.

[AnthG]

I would happily pay if it was a subscription service on par with others. Where's Blackadder, Bottom and every episode of Arena? I just don't watch the fucker.

I think they might be on Britbox, which you have to pay a subscription to the BBC to get. They are nothing if not greedy.

Just to mention this, people may not know about this one but i find it invaluable.

External Link/Members Only

This will tell you which streaming service has the movie or TV show you want. The good thing is, you can change the country at the bottom too. This is good if you have a VPN or smart DNS as Amazon and Netflix will play whatever countries content you appear to be streaming from.

Its also good as USA Itunes is a lot cheaper and has a lot more content than UK itunes.

[winkywanky]

I think they might be on Britbox, which you have to pay a subscription to the BBC to get. They are nothing if not greedy.

Just to mention this, people may not know about this one but i find it invaluable.

External Link/Members Only

This will tell you which streaming service has the movie or TV show you want. The good thing is, you can change the country at the bottom too. This is good if you have a VPN or smart DNS as Amazon and Netflix will play whatever countries content you appear to be streaming from.

Its also good as USA Itunes is a lot cheaper and has a lot more content than UK itunes.

Britbox is jointly owned by the BBC and the commercial terrestrial channels in the UK, ITV, C4 etc. It's a joint venture.

You obviously dislike the BBC and resent paying a licence fee (and that's fair enough) but what Britbox allows people to do is watch classic stuff that wouldn't otherwise be available.

People would complain if they kept showing the stuff in the form of repeats, and it's not possible to put the whole archive up on iPlayer, so why shouldn't they be able to generate some extra revenue when the income from the licence fee has been dropping in real terms for several years now?

[AnthG]

People would complain if they kept showing the stuff in the form of repeats, and it's not possible to put the whole archive up on iPlayer, so why shouldn't they be able to generate some extra revenue when the income from the licence fee has been dropping in real terms for several years now?

As we have already paid for it all through the licence fee, in my opinion.

[winkywanky]

As we have already paid for it all through the licence fee, in my opinion.

Well of course, those who pay their licence fee have indeed 'paid for it' (apparently not including yourself), but like I said they can't just keep showing old stuff as endless repeats, however good it is.

[Ali Katt]

Britbox is jointly owned by the BBC and the commercial terrestrial channels in the UK, ITV, C4 etc. It's a joint venture.

You obviously dislike the BBC and resent paying a licence fee (and that's fair enough) but what Britbox allows people to do is watch classic stuff that wouldn't otherwise be available.

People would complain if they kept showing the stuff in the form of repeats, and it's not possible to put the whole archive up on iPlayer, so why shouldn't they be able to generate some extra revenue when the income from the licence fee has been dropping in real terms for several years now?

Why? Netflix have managed to buy the rights of Disney owned films, will probably change now Disney+ is underway and Prime has FilmFour films for "free".

[winkywanky]

Why? Netflix have managed to buy the rights of Disney owned films, will probably change now Disney+ is underway and Prime has FilmFour films for "free".

I believe that the BBC are limited to some degree by Ofcom, in how much they're able to make available online via iPlayer.

[Ali Katt]

I believe that the BBC are limited to some degree by Ofcom, in how much they're able to make available online via iPlayer.

Even more reason for them to scrap the license and go indie.

[winkywanky]

Even more reason for them to scrap the license and go indie.

They'd still be under Ofcom, as indeed are all UK Broadcasters.

[exhippy]

NETFLIX is worth the money just for Big Mouth and Sex Education. Both series, one a cartoon, are belly laugh levels of fun, and deal with sexuality in an absolutely lovely way. I wish they had been around when I was a teenager

[Ali Katt]

NETFLIX is worth the money just for Big Mouth and Sex Education. Both series, one a cartoon, are belly laugh levels of fun, and deal with sexuality in an absolutely lovely way. I wish they had been around when I was a teenager

Big mouth I quite like, but there is something so that stops me loving it.