TV Anywhere

Posted on 9 Jun 2009 at 16:15

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Down time

Getting TV while you're connected to the internet is one thing, but what about when you don't have an internet connection - such as when you're travelling, for example? Fortunately, most TV services mentioned here also have download options. Provided you've installed the necessary software, you can save a file to your computer and watch it later. Downloaded video is often better quality than live streaming video.

Download services usually give you the option of renting or buying. Renting content means you can download it for free or a small charge, but comes with conditions. You generally have to watch the content within 28 days, and it's deleted automatically 48 hours after you first click the play button. If you buy the content, it's yours to keep and watch whenever you want. Paying for content generally provides access to a larger archive, too, so you can watch old TV shows and movies. The free catch-up services focus on recently broadcast programmes.

To make sure programmes and films aren't copied, they're protected using Digital Rights Management (DRM). This means that you can usually only watch the video content on the computer you used to download it. The exceptions are iPlayer and iTunes, which let you download content to play on portable media players (iTunes content is for iPods only). Our table above shows you what's available with each service.

Currently, the largest selection of TV shows and movies is available through Apple iTunes. HD content is available, which provides a 720p version with 5.1 surround-sound audio. This does mean that you have to watch the shows in question using the iTunes application, as they're DRM-protected by Apple. Sky has a similar service that lets you rent and buy TV episodes, regardless of whether you're an existing customer. However, it only lets you rent movies, not buy them. Sadly, the video quality is considerably lower than that offered by Apple, which means you're better off with a DVD.

Telly vision

Internet TV may not be quite there yet in terms of quality and choice, but it's getting incredibly close. All the services we looked at provide perfectly watchable video. The real benefit of these systems is that they give you extra flexibility over how, where and when you watch programmes. Combined with normal hard disk recorders, internet TV means you need never miss another programme again.

Author: David Ludlow