Streaming UK TV on your computer thro the Internet
There are several elements in order to achieve this successfully so these notes will set out the individual points.
1. Internet Connection
The recommended connection speed is 3 Mbyte to avoid conatant pauses
for streaming the live TV. In my own instance I have around 2 Mbyte
but a good uptodate router.
You can check your speed by going to http://www.speedtest.net/
You can also check your invoices from your Internet Service Provider
to see what you are paying for.
Tip: You never get the full speed that you pay for!
2. Computer
You do not require a high specification PC. It can be a small laptop
which can be dedicated to running the TV. However, the computer must
have the correct output connections. There are 2 options depending on
age of the computer.
(a) Standard VGA. Most laptops have an additional VGA output. It is usually blue with holes for a pin input. This will only
carry the video input and not the audio. Therefore the audio will
come from the computer speakers and not the television. The output is
included on a laptop in order to attach a larger screen but if your
television has also a VGA input it will act as the additional screen.
(b) HDMI A good link to view and it looks like a larger
USB socket Using HDMI will give you the best quality by far. You can
get a DVI to HDMI cable to connect it to your HDTV. This connection
also carries the audio and is the best option IF both your computer
and TV set have the correct input/outputs.
3. Software
To receive BBC television and BBC or ITV IPlayers the transmission
must be through a UK Internet Provider. The signal should not be
viewed outside the UK. There are several options to overcome this and
below I have listed the most common.
(a) Hide-IP.. which is a subscription program and costs about 50 Euros
for 2 years. It can be purchased from
http://www.hide-ip-soft.com/
This is then configured to use one of the 15 dedicated UK servers. It
is loaded first and then BBC TV and Iplayer will work as normal.
There are no intrusive adverts and I have used this software almost
daily for 30 months.
(b) EX Pat Shield from
http://expatshield.com/
and it is a free
program which is used by many folk. If using this shield you will find
yourself interrupted with many adverts etc . It also leaves the user
vulnerable to picking up Spyware and Virus so the user must be aware
of keeping all security software uptodate and regular scans.
(c) Firefox plug in called Stealth download from
http://firefox-stealth-plugin.fyxm.net/
I have only read the reviews on this and not been a user. Some of the reviews indicate the program has some serious problems.
4. Cables
Make sure you purchase the correct cables. With the VGA check what
requirements are at each end. For most computer/TV it is a cable with
Male at each end (pins!) If unsure take a photo of the input on
computer and TV and take to the shop. You can also purchase an audio
cable to take the audio from your laptop to the TV
5. Summary
I do not want to make this look impossible or even difficult but you do have to get the right elements to make it work.
