Over the last 20 years or so the viewing options available to consumers have changed dramatically. Long gone are the days of having to rely on 5 terrestrial TV channels or the local video shop for you TV fix. Satellite, Cable TV and on internet based streaming services have given the viewing public a myriad of options when it comes to home entertainment. Whether you’re a film buff, sports enthusiast or simply love your TV dramas and soaps you now have what amounts to unlimited access to a wide range of programmes.
While in days gone past it would have been impossible to access any TV services without having a TV aerial, that is no longer the case. TV Aerials in Lancaster or in fact anywhere else in the UK are no longer a pre-requisite when watching TV. In fact you will only need a digital TV Aerial if you are looking to access Freeview TV which offers 70 completely free of charge channels to householders.
However, there are now many options available for people who are looking to access a wider range of channels and for who subscription TV services are an essential part of life. So for the uninitiated here are a few of the options available to you.
Satellite TV
Probably the most obvious alternative to a TV aerial is the good old satellite dish. A satellite dish along with a set top box or built in tuner will allow you to receive a TV signal. There are two main suppliers of satellite TV in the UK, they are Sky probably the most well known and established subscription service available. A less well known satellite service is Freesat a service very similar to Freeview which offers the extra benefit of access to some foreign TV Channels. With a satellite dish you also have the option of connecting an extra TV point to your dish to give you access to all your TV services in other rooms.
Cable TV
Following on quickly after Satellite, cable TV is now firmly established throughout the UK. Probably the most popular cable service in the UK is Virgin Media. One big advantage of cable is that you can access all your services such as internet, phone and TV via the same cables. Virgin Media like Sky is a subscription service so you need to be aware there will be a monthly cost.
Internet Based TV Services
The internet has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we watch TV. Originally a vehicle for on demand and catch up TV there are now a wide variety of different options available to consumers. So here is a taster of some of the different ways you can access TV through the internet.
Smart TV: If you have a smart TV you can get access to virtually everything you need in the way of TV. A smart TV is a TV with an internet connection will have apps that allow you to watch a range of TV packages such as BBC IPlayer, Netflix and Amazon prime along with many others.
Smart TV Stick: If you don’t have a smart TV it can be converted into one by using a smart TV stick. This will plug into a HDMI port at the side of your TV and connect to the WIFI. Smart TV sticks will give you access not only to live TV but also a wide range of subscription streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Mobile Phone Mirroring: Many people are unaware they can actually beam Programmes or films from your phone wirelessly to your TV. There are several ways to do this as long as you have a compatible smart phone and TV. Most modern TVs are equipped with a screen mirroring function and connecting it to a smart phone can be done at the press of a button.
The options listed above are just a few of the ways you can watch TV without the use of a TV aerial there are also a number of others. What you should be aware of is even if you do not have a TV aerial you will still require a TV license. Hopefully the information we have given you will help you make an informed decision on the best way to watch TV.