by Carol Smith

Created on: March 15, 2008

How to Watch TV on your Computer
If you live in the UK you can watch most of the major channels using your computer and internet connection. You will need to be a broadband user.

Channels

BBC. You can view BBC tv programmes using the BBCi Player. Download this from www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer . Here you can watch programmes from BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, CBBC, Cbeebies, News24 and Parliament. Most BBC programmes are available via the iPlayer website for 1 week after they are broadcast. You can download the programmes and save them to watch later (usually up to 30 days from the date you downloaded them) or you can stream them (watch them directly on line). Currently you cannot watch BBC programmes online as they are broadcast.

ITV 1,2 or 3. You can watch ITV programmes on line as they are broadcast at www.itv.com. Currently (Mar 08) there is no facility for viewing programmes that have already been broadcast. Here you can watch ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4. There is also a "Best of" section which allows you to watch classic series on line.

Channel 4. You can watch Channel 4 programmes using 4 on Demand (4oD). Download 4oD from www.channel4.com/4od. There is a free programmes section. This includes programmes that have been broadcast in the last 30 days. As with BBC programmes you can download programmes to watch later or you can stream them. Currently there is no facility for watching programmes as they are broadcast. There also films and programmes available on a pay basis.

Channel 5. At http://download.five.tv/ you can pay to view a variety of US drama programmes. There is currently (march 08) no provision for watching UK Channel 5 programmes online.

Freeview. You can buy freeview receivers that connect to the USB socket of your computer, allowing you to watch programmes directly on you computer. These usually come with a small aerial. If you live in a strong signal area this may be sufficient, otherwise you will have to connect an external aerial to the receiver. If you don't have a tv licence you may need to buy one if you use a freeview receiver.

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