[digimon900]

Hi,

I must apologize in advance if this has been asked before, but I am interested in NowTV box and I am not sure what I would be getting or how much the monthly costs are.
Can anyone explain more in detail what can be obtained on demand, and in order for the device to be active do you have to subscribe to sports or movies?

[IanP]

What you get is a small white box about the size of a beer mat and about an inch high, a power supply, HDMI cable and a remote control. You'll need a TV with spare HDMI input, a WiFi router in range, a consistent 2Mbps+ high allowance/unlimited broadband service.

Monthly cost depends on if you subscribe to the Sky movies streaming service and if so on the deal you get. There is a 30 day free trial, the standard monthly charge is £8.99 cancel at any time. Available Movies.

Free services include BBC iplayer, Demand 5. BBC news app, Sky News app and others (pdf)

You don't need a subscription for the free apps to work.

[digimon900]

Do you think that itv player will be available on there anytime soon?

[IanP]

Depends what you mean by soon. Nothing has been announced as far as I know so that suggests that if it is being worked on it's nowhere near ready. There were suggestions in many reviews when the box launched that Sky were promising to bring it more services "like" 4oD and itv player, so with 4oD close itv player may be in the works.

[billbullock]

Can you get Now TV working outside the UK?

[ovbg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billbullock

Can you get Now TV working outside the UK?

Yes, through Overplay's Smart DNS service, but you will need to be able to put the DNS server addresses on your router. (Pretty easy for most routers, but people need to consult their manual how to log in)

There is a full review on the Now TV box here (with a perspective also for overseas use) and for the Now TV movie pass here.

My personal opinion? The Now TV box is the best value UK streaming online box out there. Sure, the free services at the moment are only the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, but once 4oD come on, that will almost complete it - not bad for a tenner.

And the Sky Now TV Movie Pass may cost more than Netflix or Lovefilm and have far less films, but it has far newer films, just as they hit the DVD rental market and if this is important it is worth subscribing.

That said, even if you don't subscribe to NowTV, it is still a great box for the free stuff - even if all you use is the iPlayer

[digimon900]

My plan was to use a VPN wireless router

[Peter the Great]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

Yes, through Overplay's Smart DNS service, but you will need to be able to put the DNS server addresses on your router. (Pretty easy for most routers, but people need to consult their manual how to log in)

There is a full review on the Now TV box here (with a perspective also for overseas use) and for the Now TV movie pass here.

My personal opinion? The Now TV box is the best value UK streaming online box out there. Sure, the free services at the moment are only the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, but once 4oD come on, that will almost complete it - not bad for a tenner.

And the Sky Now TV Movie Pass may cost more than Netflix or Lovefilm and have far less films, but it has far newer films, just as they hit the DVD rental market and if this is important it is worth subscribing.

That said, even if you don't subscribe to NowTV, it is still a great box for the free stuff - even if all you use is the iPlayer

Not entirely true. Having access to other Netflix regions like Canada and Mexico often gives you far more newer films and more often than not are in HD unlike Now TV.

[ovbg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter the Great

Not entirely true. Having access to other Netflix regions like Canada and Mexico often gives you far more newer films and more often than not are in HD unlike Now TV.

That is an interesting concept. I'd be happy to see results on a test of all Now TV's new releases, and if they are available on any of the Netflix locales, as well as the other way around. i.e. if the newest films just out on Netflix are available on Now TV.

Although my own research wasn't extensive enough to be conclusive, it did not really show this. I saw movies on Now TV that were not only available just on Now TV, but not even up yet for rent on iTunes or Vudu. They were that recent, they hadn't reached the rental market even for Blue-Ray or DVD.

(You could buy them on iTunes though, but that is rather expensive)

Still, it would be really interesting to see if there are more "first pay TV window" films on Netflix around all locales than Now TV. Maybe I'll have to do a count... gosh that would take a long time.

[1andrew1]

Tanktop is a useful tool for establishing which movies are available to rent or buy from each providet. Netflix recently requested that its details be removed but all other providers are there including plenty I've never come across. http://movies.tanktop.tv/filmlist/

[steveOooo]

It's probably cheaper / better varied content (and in 1080p with 5mb connection) to get Netflix and a smart dns sub so you can watch USA Netflix, or switch to the uk Netflix for alot of DVD boxsets

[Peter the Great]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

That is an interesting concept. I'd be happy to see results on a test of all Now TV's new releases, and if they are available on any of the Netflix locales, as well as the other way around. i.e. if the newest films just out on Netflix are available on Now TV.

Although my own research wasn't extensive enough to be conclusive, it did not really show this. I saw movies on Now TV that were not only available just on Now TV, but not even up yet for rent on iTunes or Vudu. They were that recent, they hadn't reached the rental market even for Blue-Ray or DVD.
(You could buy them on iTunes though, but that is rather expensive)

Still, it would be really interesting to see if there are more "first pay TV window" films on Netflix around all locales than Now TV. Maybe I'll have to do a count... gosh that would take a long time.

These films are obviously pay per view though and not part of the subscription.

[ovbg]

No, they were part of the Now TV subscription.

At the time I tested (it is later now, so they are possibly available elsewhere) Skyfall was available for streaming on Now TV as part of the standard package, but on iTunes UK it could only be purchased (not rented) for £13.99. The same for Killing Them Softly which would set you back £28 to watch both.

[digimon900]

You would have to be very movie motivated to want to pay out all that money. I watch maybe 3 movies a year and usually because they are on after the BBC ten o clock news. I am just looking for a device that allows me access to on demand content to my TV while being outside the UK

[Peter the Great]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

No, they were part of the Now TV subscription.

At the time I tested (it is later now, so they are possibly available elsewhere) Skyfall was available for streaming on Now TV as part of the standard package, but on iTunes UK it could only be purchased (not rented) for £13.99. The same for Killing Them Softly which would set you back £28 to watch both.

But you said movies that have just hit the DVD market. They can be rented as well through the likes of Lovefilm.

[ovbg]

Year, its not written in stone.

Generally speaking, new release Now TV films hit the subscription service around the same time as they are available for DVD rentals.

On-demand pay-per-view rentals generally come after that, yet sometimes the Now TV movies have appeared before on-demand PPV. Go figure.

You can check it out for yourself. Just looking at some of the new releases, like Les Misérables, Django Unchained or Flight are only available for purchase on iTunes, Vudu etc (not rent yet) and to check this, use Tank Top Movies for all UK services except Netflix, and Moreflicks for US and all global Netflix regions.

This does happen with Netflix or Lovefilm as well, and the best example would be the Hobbit, which is on the Netflix UK sub, but not available even for rent on US iTunes or Vudu, let alone the UK.

But it does happen less than with Now TV.

Don't get me wrong. For my purposes, and I suspect many others, I think Netflix is still the better value service. It has a vast range of films and TV show that cover entire seasons, and although most of the films are in a later release window than Now TV, I still have so much to watch that it doesn't really matter. I am also quite patient and can wait, or just rent the odd film when that finally comes out in PPV if I really need to (hell, or watch it in the cinema!)

But I can also see the benefits of Now TV Movie Pass for real film buffs. Those who just can't wait for the latest blockbusters and who watch a lot of films. It is good value then as they could watch plenty of material each month that would cost a lot more to individually rent or as in many cases, buy.

[Bonnyrigger]

I think the little box itself is great value for a tenner.
What I especially liked was taking it up to a relatives, hooking into their broadband and letting the kids all watch the Sky Movies disney channel in the bedroom. It's size makes it very portable for holiday stays etc, maybe even a hotel room if the wi-fi is free/decent and the TV crap

[Trainer99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnyrigger

It's size makes it very portable for holiday stays etc, maybe even a hotel room if the wi-fi is free/decent and the TV crap

Remember tho, it won't work outside the UK are the service will be IP blocked. There is no way to change the DNS settings on the box, but you could set them within the router if you have access to that (unlikely if you are staying in a hotel).

[Trainer99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by digimon900

I am just looking for a device that allows me access to on demand content to my TV while being outside the UK

By on demand, do you mean BBC iPlayer, ITV Player etc??

If so, I don't think there is an IP only box which has all 4 on demand services. Therefore I thinking you are looking at either a blu ray player or there's a new FreeSat box which has all four (£99), but I'm not sure if you can use the box without setting up the satellite bit. Also don't forget you will be IP blocked so need a smart DNS server and either access to the device's or the router's DNS settings.

If any knows different then please let me know, cos I'm after one as well.

[Peter the Great]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

Year, its not written in stone.

Generally speaking, new release Now TV films hit the subscription service around the same time as they are available for DVD rentals.

On-demand pay-per-view rentals generally come after that, yet sometimes the Now TV movies have appeared before on-demand PPV. Go figure.

You can check it out for yourself. Just looking at some of the new releases, like Les Misérables, Django Unchained or Flight are only available for purchase on iTunes, Vudu etc (not rent yet) and to check this, use Tank Top Movies for all UK services except Netflix, and Moreflicks for US and all global Netflix regions.

This does happen with Netflix or Lovefilm as well, and the best example would be the Hobbit, which is on the Netflix UK sub, but not available even for rent on US iTunes or Vudu, let alone the UK.

But it does happen less than with Now TV.

Don't get me wrong. For my purposes, and I suspect many others, I think Netflix is still the better value service. It has a vast range of films and TV show that cover entire seasons, and although most of the films are in a later release window than Now TV, I still have so much to watch that it doesn't really matter. I am also quite patient and can wait, or just rent the odd film when that finally comes out in PPV if I really need to (hell, or watch it in the cinema!)

But I can also see the benefits of Now TV Movie Pass for real film buffs. Those who just can't wait for the latest blockbusters and who watch a lot of films. It is good value then as they could watch plenty of material each month that would cost a lot more to individually rent or as in many cases, buy.

Flight has been on Netflix Canada for some time. All 3 have been available on DVD and Blu Ray for some time and personally myself would rather rent the Blu Rays from Lovefilm if they are not on Netflix or Lovefilm Instant.

[wakey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

Year, its not written in stone.

Generally speaking, new release Now TV films hit the subscription service around the same time as they are available for DVD rentals.

On-demand pay-per-view rentals generally come after that, yet sometimes the Now TV movies have appeared before on-demand PPV. Go figure.

You can check it out for yourself. Just looking at some of the new releases, like Les Misérables, Django Unchained or Flight are only available for purchase on iTunes, Vudu etc (not rent yet) and to check this, use Tank Top Movies for all UK services except Netflix, and Moreflicks for US and all global Netflix regions.

This does happen with Netflix or Lovefilm as well, and the best example would be the Hobbit, which is on the Netflix UK sub, but not available even for rent on US iTunes or Vudu, let alone the UK.

But it does happen less than with Now TV.

Don't get me wrong. For my purposes, and I suspect many others, I think Netflix is still the better value service. It has a vast range of films and TV show that cover entire seasons, and although most of the films are in a later release window than Now TV, I still have so much to watch that it doesn't really matter. I am also quite patient and can wait, or just rent the odd film when that finally comes out in PPV if I really need to (hell, or watch it in the cinema!)

But I can also see the benefits of Now TV Movie Pass for real film buffs. Those who just can't wait for the latest blockbusters and who watch a lot of films. It is good value then as they could watch plenty of material each month that would cost a lot more to individually rent or as in many cases, buy.

Do you work for NowTV as your information seems skewed?
The release schedule is usually[LIST=1][*]Cinema[*]DVD & Digital Purchase & Rentals (rentals are sometimes delayed a week or maybe a month)[*] 1st Run rights (Usually Sky TV and by default NowTV)[*] 2nd Run Rights (streaming sevices, terrestrial TV etc)[/LIST]
It goes in that order for obvious reasons and that's its ordered by the profit margin.

[ovbg]

No, I work for an undisclosed government agency of which I can speak no further of.

In any case, would working for Now TV automatically skew someone's acquisition of information?

Anyway, your pay window structure is not too wide off the mark, but is overly simplified. And, as evidence does show simply by looking at titles in Now TV and Netflix, they don't always follow the release-window model.

[wakey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

No, I work for an undisclosed government agency of which I can speak no further of.

In any case, would working for Now TV automatically skew someone's acquisition of information?

Anyway, your pay window structure is not too wide off the mark, but is overly simplified. And, as evidence does show simply by looking at titles in Now TV and Netflix, they don't always follow the release-window model.

When your posts come off as a promotional post for NowTV by skewing the information then yes it would.

And the release schedule isn't overly simplified. Its the release schedule they use. They don't offer first run rights to anyone (the package Sky go after) until months are the more profitable Purchase and Rental windows have had the time to satuate the market. For example Sky's big premier title this week is gangster squad a movie I got on disc from Lovefilm months ago.

[ovbg]

Sometimes, as crazy as it sounds, some people may actually like a service that others do not, and still not be paid by that service to say they like it.

Oh, and no, that release window is still a tad simplified and content providers can mix things up if they like (and pay). That is why both Netflix and Now TV have jumped the queue every now and again and released movies under sub that can't even be rented yet online - and it's not just me that is saying this. Look at their releases and check the online rental services for yourself.

[wakey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovbg

Sometimes, as crazy as it sounds, some people may actually like a service that others do not, and still not be paid by that service to say they like it.

Oh, and no, that release window is still a tad simplified and content providers can mix things up if they like (and pay). That is why both Netflix and Now TV have jumped the queue every now and again and released movies under sub that can't even be rented yet online - and it's not just me that is saying this. Look at their releases and check the online rental services for yourself.

There hasn't be a single movie release that hasn't been available on both physical media rental and digital media rental first. Yes sometimes they Sky may ge it before Lovefilm disc rental or iTunes Digital rental but that's because another rental firm in that field has a exclusive window (Blockbuster for physical rental and usually Blinkbox for digital now that Lovefilm have ended their PPV service and Acetrax shut down but I suspect Wauki will start grabbing some exclusives now locking both iTunes and Blinkbox out)

No distributor is going to skip a step of the release schedule as each stage comes with a significantly lower profit margin