Category: Connected TV and Online Streaming

This category includes online based streaming services such as TV Player and Pluto TV, along with connected TV platforms such as BT TV and TalkTalk TV, which combine terrestrial channel line ups with additional channels delivered via broadband.

New Digital Rental Chart Launches

The Official Charts Company has launched a new digital rental chart. Based on data from digital retailers, the new service is monthly chart of video on demand shows and programmes.

Amazon, Apple, Rakuten, Sky Store, and TalkTalk TV are among the retailers providing data for the chart, which delivers a view of consumer engagement with video on demand streaming services.

Called the Official Film Rental Chart, the new chart will be published in the middle of each month, starting with this October (2020).

More Content Added to My5

My5, the catch-up service from ViacomCBS owned Channel 5, has expanded, and now includes content from CBS Reality and Horror Channel.

The move will bring an additional 400 hours of content to the platform over the next year, from the two channels which operate through a joint venture between ViacomCBS and the UK arm of AMC Networks.

My5 already hosts content from across the Channel 5 portfolio, and also includes third party content from BLAZE, BET, PBS America, Real Stories, Together TV, and Timeline, in addition to the new content from CBS Reality and Horror Channel.

Now TV App Launches on Sony TVs

Sky’s Now TV app, which allows users access Sky content with out a contract, is now available on Sony Bravia TVs, powered by Google’s Android TV operating system.

Compatible TVs are from 2016 onwards, and the full list is available from industry website Advanced Television. If you are unsure if your TV is compatible, consult your manual, or contact the manufacturer or retailer.

Users can download the app via the Google Play store.

ITV’s The Voice Resumes

Signing competition The Voice, one of many high profile shows to stop filming due to Covid-19, is making its return on the 3rd October (2020).

The entire series so far is being made available on catch-up service ITV Hub, with a special catch-up show to air ahead of the semi-final and final, later this month on ITV.

The semi-final and final will be pre-recorded in the coming weeks, and will feature a virtual audience.

BBC Sounds App Now on Freeview Play

The BBC Sounds app, allowing users to access radio, podcasts, and playlists from the BBC, is now available on some Freeview Play devices.

Humax have confirmed that the FVP-4000T and FVP-5000T Freeview Play recorders can access the app via the Explore Freeview Play interface, which can be found on channel 100 when the device is connected to the internet.

It has not been confirmed if other Humax devices, or devices from other manufacturers, can access the app.

Virgin Media delivers 2.2 Gbps broadband speeds

In a real world trial, Virgin Media has successful delivered 2.2 Gbps broadband speeds to homes in Thatcham, Berkshire, using its fibre rich network. The proof of concept trail showcased the speeds that can be achieved via its existing network, without the need for additional infrastructure.

The speeds were achieved using the Hub 4 router, already standard with Virgin Media’s Gigabit broadband service, already available to 3.7 million homes. The speeds were independently verified by SamKnows.

In the future, multi-gigabit speeds will allow households to instantly and simultaneously stream boxsets and video games instantly and simultaneously with resolutions of upwards of 8K, and carry out tasks such as video calls without any delay.

Noggin Launching on Prime Video

Nick Jr’s learning subscription service Noggin is launching on Amazon Prime Video Channels, as an add-on subscription. The service will be available on all devices with access to the Prime Video app.

Noggin is aimed at pre-school children, and offers educational content based around popular children’s characters, such as Dora the Explorer.

The existing service More Milkshake is being merged into Noggin, and will continue to exist as a separate brand.

The service will cost an additional £2.99 on top of the Prime subscription fee.

BBC Remains Most Used Media Organisation

According to the BBC’s annual report from April 2019 to March 2020, the BBC is still the most used media organisation in the UK, with 41 million users a day.

90% of the population use the BBC each week, and this grew to 94% in March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The BBC iPlayer recorded a record 4.8 billion requests to stream programmes during the period covered by the report.

Police Warn Illegal Streaming Service Users

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary Cyber, Intelligence and Serious Organised Crime Directorate have issued warning notices to the users of a pirate streaming service. The users were all believed to be customers of GE Hosting.

The notice warns users of the penalties for using such a service, and is believed to be the first of its kind. If the notice is ignored, investigation and prosecution may follow.

The move follows ongoing action against against illegal streaming services across the UK.

Sky Sports Cricket on YouTube

From today (21st September 2020), Sky Sports is streaming all 5 matches of the T20 Women’s Cricket series between England and the West Indies for free.

The coverage is available on the Sky Sports YouTube channel, in addition to live coverage on the Sky Sports Cricket Channel.

This is the schedule:

  • 21st September: 1st Vitality IT20 at 6.30pm
  • 23rd September: 2nd Vitality IT20 at 6.30pm
  • 26th September: 3rd Vitality IT20 at 1pm
  • 28th September: 4th Vitality IT20 at 6.30pm
  • 30th September: 5th Vitality IT20 at 6.30pm