London

๐Ÿ“บ

Television and Streaming

Details on how to access television channels and popular streaming services in London.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Television and Streaming in London, United Kingdom

Television and streaming services in London offer a wide variety of options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a new resident, this guide will help you navigate the available services, understand costs, and make informed decisions about your entertainment options.

1. Traditional Television Services in London

Free-to-Air TV

The UK has a robust free-to-air television system, which is accessible to anyone with a TV and an aerial. The main free-to-air services include:

  • BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation): Channels include BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three (online), BBC Four, and regional variations. The BBC is funded by the TV Licence (see below).
  • ITV: A commercial network offering ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, and CITV (childrenโ€™s programming).
  • Channel 4: Includes Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, and 4seven.
  • Channel 5: Includes Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, and others.

TV Licence

  • Requirement: By law, you must have a TV Licence to watch or record live TV broadcasts on any device or to use BBC iPlayer (even for on-demand content).
  • Cost: ยฃ159 per year (as of 2023). Discounts are available for people over 75 (if eligible) and those who are blind.
  • How to Pay: You can pay online at the TV Licensing website, via direct debit, or in installments.

Freeview

  • What It Is: Freeview is the UKโ€™s digital terrestrial TV service, offering over 70 TV channels and 30 radio stations.
  • Equipment Needed: A TV with a built-in Freeview tuner or a separate Freeview set-top box. Most modern TVs come with Freeview pre-installed.
  • Cost: Free (after purchasing the necessary equipment and paying the TV Licence).

For more channels, premium content, and additional features, you can subscribe to paid TV services. The main providers in London are:

Sky TV

  • What It Offers: A wide range of channels, including sports, movies, entertainment, and international programming.
  • Cost: Packages start at around ยฃ26/month, with additional costs for premium channels like Sky Sports or Sky Cinema.
  • Equipment: Requires a Sky Q box and installation (usually provided by Sky).
  • How to Subscribe: Visit the Sky website or call their customer service.

Virgin Media

  • What It Offers: TV bundles with broadband and phone services. Includes access to live TV, on-demand content, and apps like Netflix.
  • Cost: Packages start at around ยฃ33/month for TV-only plans, but most people opt for bundles.
  • Equipment: Requires a Virgin TV 360 box.
  • How to Subscribe: Visit the Virgin Media website or call their customer service.

BT TV

  • What It Offers: Combines Freeview channels with premium options like BT Sport and NOW (Skyโ€™s streaming service).
  • Cost: Packages start at ยฃ10/month (on top of BT broadband).
  • Equipment: Requires a BT TV box.
  • How to Subscribe: Visit the BT website.

NOW (formerly NOW TV)

  • What It Offers: A contract-free streaming service from Sky, offering live TV and on-demand content. Passes include Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, and Kids.
  • Cost: Passes start at ยฃ9.99/month (Entertainment) or ยฃ33.99/month (Sports).
  • Equipment: Can be accessed via smart TVs, streaming devices, or the NOW app.
  • How to Subscribe: Sign up on the NOW website.

2. Streaming Services in London

Streaming services are extremely popular in London, offering flexibility and a wide range of content. Here are the most commonly used platforms:

Global Streaming Platforms

  1. Netflix

    • Cost: Plans range from ยฃ4.99/month (Basic with ads) to ยฃ15.99/month (Premium).
    • Content: A mix of UK and international TV shows, movies, and original content.
    • How to Subscribe: Sign up on the Netflix website or via the app.

  2. Amazon Prime Video

    • Cost: ยฃ8.99/month or included with Amazon Prime (ยฃ95/year).
    • Content: Movies, TV shows, and exclusive Amazon Originals.
    • How to Subscribe: Sign up on the Amazon website.

  3. Disney+

    • Cost: ยฃ7.99/month or ยฃ79.90/year.
    • Content: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star (general entertainment).
    • How to Subscribe: Sign up on the Disney+ website.

  4. Apple TV+

    • Cost: ยฃ6.99/month.
    • Content: Original shows and movies.
    • How to Subscribe: Sign up via the Apple TV app or the Apple website.

  5. HBO Max (via Sky Atlantic)

    • Cost: Included in Sky TV packages or available via NOW Entertainment Pass (ยฃ9.99/month).
    • Content: HBO shows like Game of Thrones and Succession.

UK-Specific Streaming Platforms

  1. BBC iPlayer

    • Cost: Free (requires a TV Licence).
    • Content: BBC shows, live TV, and on-demand content.
    • How to Access: Available on smart TVs, streaming devices, and the iPlayer app.

  2. ITVX

    • Cost: Free (ad-supported) or ยฃ5.99/month for ad-free Premium.
    • Content: ITV shows, live TV, and exclusive content.
    • How to Access: Available on smart TVs, streaming devices, and the ITVX app.

  3. All 4 (Channel 4)

    • Cost: Free (ad-supported) or ยฃ3.99/month for All 4+ (ad-free).
    • Content: Channel 4 shows, live TV, and on-demand content.
    • How to Access: Available on smart TVs, streaming devices, and the All 4 app.

  4. My5 (Channel 5)

    • Cost: Free.
    • Content: Channel 5 shows and on-demand content.
    • How to Access: Available on smart TVs, streaming devices, and the My5 app.

3. Equipment and Setup

For Traditional TV

  • TV with Freeview: Most modern TVs come with Freeview built-in. If not, youโ€™ll need a Freeview set-top box.
  • Aerial: A rooftop or indoor aerial is required for Freeview.
  • Satellite Dish: Required for Sky TV.

For Streaming

  • Smart TV: Most smart TVs have apps for major streaming platforms.
  • Streaming Devices: Options include Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV.
  • Broadband: A reliable internet connection is essential. Speeds of at least 5 Mbps are recommended for HD streaming.

4. Cultural Preferences and Tips

  • British TV Culture: Many Londoners enjoy British-made dramas, comedies, and documentaries. Shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and The Great British Bake Off are cultural staples.
  • Sports: Football (soccer) is hugely popular. Sky Sports and BT Sport are the go-to options for live matches.
  • Catch-Up TV: Catch-up services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX are widely used for convenience.
  • Streaming Popularity: Younger audiences often prefer streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ over traditional TV.

5. Free and Public Options

  • Freeview: Offers a wide range of channels without a subscription.
  • BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, My5: Free catch-up services for UK TV channels.
  • YouTube: A popular free platform for diverse content.

6. Comparison: Traditional TV vs. Streaming

| Feature | Traditional TV (e.g., Freeview, Sky) | Streaming (e.g., Netflix, BBC iPlayer) | |------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Cost | Free to high (depending on package) | Free to moderate (subscription-based) | | Content | Live TV, UK-focused | On-demand, global | | Flexibility | Fixed schedules | Watch anytime | | Equipment Needed | Aerial, set-top box, or satellite | Internet connection, streaming device |

By understanding the options available, you can tailor your TV and streaming setup to suit your preferences and budget while living in London.