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.
Netflix is no longer offering 30 day free trials, meaning customers wishing to try the service now need to pay.
No other aspects of the pricing structure have changed, and customers can still take advantage of Netflix’s offer, without contracts, cancellation fees, or commitments.
The move affects the UK and the US, although free trials are still available in other countries, including Austria, Croatia, and Cyprus.
It has now been confirmed that all Premiere League fixtures until the end of October will be available to watch, with five games a week available in a pay per view basis.
Existing arrangements and match selections with BT Sport and Sky Sports will remain in place. The matches not already selected for broadcast will be made available on the BT Sport Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office platforms.
This interim solution has been agreed by clubs, but does mean that there will be no more free to air live matches for the immediate future, although the BBC continues to show highlights.
There has been another crackdown on illegally stream premium TV content, with Police Scotland, Trading Standards Scotland, and the City of London Police carrying out a joint operation.
A distributor based in West Scotland is believed to have provided content to dozens of separate illegal streaming services, who in turn provided this content to their subscribers.
Two properties were searched, with multiple devices seized, disrupting access to the illegal streams.
Netflix shows in HDR (high dymanic range) quality can now be found on Sky Q, joining a growing collection of HDR content.
HDR content includes some Sky Nature shows, alongside other Sky originals including Cobra and Save Me Too. Subscribers to Disney + have access to Disney content in HDR.
The Secret Garden is the first Sky Cinema original film to be made available in HDR. Live sport in HDR is also expected next year (2021).
Now owned by Disney, the 31st season of The Simpsons will premiere on subscription streaming service Disney +.
22 episodes will be available in the UK and Ireland from 6th November (2020). All previous episodes and The Simpson Movie are already available on the platform.
Launched in 1989, The Simpsons is the longest running scripted prime-time show in television history.
Digital media company Dugout has revealed a significant increase in number of views of women’s football videos.
Over the last 12 months, views have increased by 700%, with the leading players such as Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr among those seeing the highest levels of views.
The figures reflect the growing interest in women’s football.
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).
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.
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.
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.
