More Channels Depart TV Player

TV Player, an online streaming platform for free and subscription television has suffered a further loss of channels, as Paramount Global removes all of its remaining channels from the platform.

The channels removed are free-to-view services Channel 5, 5 Select, 5 Star, and 5 USA, plus subscription services Comedy Central, Comedy Central Extra, and MTV. It would appear that other Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) channels, such as Nickelodeon and 5 Action (formerly Paramount Network), had already been removed.

TV Player is one of few places that offer online live streaming of regular TV channels found on other platforms, such as satellite, cable, or terrestrial. The website was largely unique, as it works directly with broadcasters, ensuring that consents are fully obtained and required royalties are paid.

TV Player first launched in 2014 (official launch), and has seen channels come and go since then. However, in most case channels have been removed from the platform, with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Discovery Inc. all having removed channels, largely in favour of developing their own platforms.

TV Player is currently owned by Alchimie, a digital content distributor, based in France. TV Player currently operates in the UK, France, Spain, and USA. UK content is now largely limited to niche market services, with most currently unavailable on other platforms.

Alternatives to TV Player have also expand in recent years. Pluto TV, owned by Paramount Global, offers several free online channels, largely unique to the service, and curated around individual TV series. These include content from Channel 5, via a range of bespoke My5 branded channels.

Kapang is another alternative, owned by View TV Group. This largely replicates traditional viewing, with live streams available for a large number of free-to-view channels found on other platforms such as Freeview and Freesat. Channels include those from the BBC and ITV, plus others operated by View TV Group themselves, including a reboot of the Men and Motors channel. View TV Group are probably most known for online motoring channel OnlyMotors, and the ill-fated digital radio station Rathergood Radio.

Pluto TV Arrives on Web Browsers

Pluto TV is now available on web browsers, opening up the service to users of desktops, laptops, and other devices without a dedicated app.

Pluto TV announced the development yesterday (Monday 7th September 2020), with the move further expanding the number of devices that can access the service.

Pluto TV is an advert supported platform allowing users to stream over 100 channels for free. Most channels are based around a particular programming strand or series, emulating a traditional TV channel, and most are unique to Pluto TV.

Pluto TV is owned by ViacomCBS, who also own free-to-air Channel 5, and premium channel MTV.