OK, so now we
know what (previously free) channels have gone from our Satellite systems,
people have been able to choose a new system that suits them best.
- Some have actually upgraded to a full Sky subscription package. (Not the cheapest option, but some like the system and want familiarity.)
- Others have gone down the ‘self help’ route of small media players (raspberry pi etc) and have taken the time to learn how to use XBMC software. Also they do not mind that the unit does not have a dedicated remote control and they are also streaming Netflix/other programmes basically in place of a computer.
- Android boxes are also popular. These are slightly larger than the above credit card sized units, and usually come with a remote control too.
- Some are using their laptop or home PC and streaming direct to the TV that way (but limited to the currently free streaming sites such as Film on and Netflix.) Both of which have limited UK TV, but it is there. (But this means going to the PC/laptop and controlling the viewing from there. Again this doesn’t suit all.)
Some use the
above system with a FREE VPN so they CAN watch UK TV. (I do not know how reliable this is as I have not tried it personally.)
- Many bought the more substantial (and supposedly user friendly) media boxes such as the MAG 250, which comes with an EPG and remote.
In our house
(where quality is imperative), we chose another media player with a very good
EPG, however, we only use it as a catch up service as it works via terrestrial aerial
for live UK programmes, which of course we cannot get here! But the box allows
us to have via the internet connection, full access to channels like NOW TV,
Sky movies etc. All with a remote and easy to use. (NB We pay for a UK VPN on a second router that we connect to our
Spanish one.)
- There is another system, via satellite dish again (but a much smaller one), but I will only say it is ***SAT as it is not a legally recognized system. Some people however, such as in remote country areas where internet is barely possible (and sometimes impossible), it is the only option they have. They continue to get the Freesat channels they used to via the Sky system.
- Others have tried the Spanish digital aerial system (which was always there, but few knew about or maybe never thought to look into it until it was necessary.) The programmes can be set to English language and where the original version was English, it will give you the progamme without the Spanish dubbing.
I am sure in
many households they have had to make a decision (as we did,) how important
live UK TV is/was. I know in our house we were happy to switch over to the
catch up service, as we used to record 80% of our viewing schedule anyway,
mainly due to the time difference (and us wanting to go to bed before
midnight!)
I hear of
many complaints regarding the ‘free’ systems (such as Filmon/Netflix) being
unreliable and going off. Sometimes it can be down to the overload of the
internet useage in an area, or more likely, the actual download speed into the
viewers house is often not enough. (Sadly the phone companies here have us over
a barrel. They promise us X or Y download, but in reality we get less than
promised – and pay for.)
NB Just to
clarify a point that keeps coming up on the various forums regarding ‘Smart
TV’s’ these have a built in wi-fi to pick up your router signal, so in theory
you can watch live TV or films that are on the providers server via your
internet browser set to your favourite streaming co. NOTE – currently this is
all it can do. There is no hardware inside the TV set that acts like a router
or de-coder. It is just picking up your internet signal so you can stream video
on the screen.
So where does
that leave us?
Most have
adapted one way or another. There has been some heartache along the way of
choosing the ‘right system’ (which 90% of the time are dependent on the quality
of internet speed.) But I hope that we are all surviving OK. And I have a
feeling more of us are going back to our old hobbies of reading books and
talking to each other a bit more!
