When YouView launched back in 2012, it had one significant advantage over Freeview – its broadband connection, enabling the catch-up service and a selection (albeit limited) of apps, both from the major broadcasters (such as BBC iPlayer) and streaming services such as Netflix.Īt the time, Freeview only offered over-the-air programming using somewhat “dumb” set-top receivers – so YouView had a clear advantage.Įventually, though, Freeview introduced “Freeview Play” on higher-end boxes: a very similar (to YouView) service, that offers a mix of over-the-air channels with a 7-day catch-up service and a selection of apps. There’s also a limited selection of TV sets from Sony that have the YouView service built-in, so you don’t need an extra box – See relevant offers on Amazon. You can learn more about the BT plans it comes with here. As a cord cutting advocate, I of course prefer the retail route, which comes without any contracts or monthly subscriptions – but if you get your broadband from BT or TalkTalk, it might be worth at least taking a look at the prices they’re offering for the bundle.īT, for example, launched their new 4K TV Box Pro in 2021, which supports Ultra HD (4K) with HDR picture quality, Dolby Atmos for advanced immersive audio, four Freeview tuners, 1 TB of storage (for up to 600 hours of recordings), and more. You can get a YouView box in one of two ways – either as part of a bundle from BT or TalkTalk (combining broadband, YouView, and optional extra TV channels), or by buying the box directly from a retailer. If that’s an issue for you, you might want to look at getting a Freeview Box instead. ![]() The boxes, however, do not support WiFi – so you need to connect the box directly to your broadband router (or via a Powerline Adapter – see our review of the best ones)ĭo note that a broadband connection is a MUST – you can’t even setup the boxes without connecting them to the internet first. An Ethernet Connection: The catch-up and on-demand features of YouView work via your broadband connection.Take a look at our guide for buying the best indoor aerials. A TV Aerial – The free channels are broadcast over the air, so you need an aerial that can intercept those signals. It can either be an outdoor aerial (usually on your roof), or a cheap indoor aerial.The YouView+ boxes also have a hard drive for recording content. A YouView Set-top Box – This is the main receiver that connects to your TV.The components you need for YouView (other than a telly) are: The picture quality on YouView goes up to HD on supported channels, and can even go up to Ultra HD 4K on the newer boxes – but there are no 4K Freeview channels yet, so 4K would only work with some limited on-demand content. In the past, YouView also had the Sky VOD Store as an app – but Sky removed it in 2016. Note that some of the very old YouView boxes no longer support some of the mentioned apps – ITV Hub, for example, was removed from some last year.Īdditionally, if you’re a BT or TalkTalk subscriber, you can get more paid-for content through them. S4C – On-demand shows from the Welsh-language channel.STV – On-demand shows from the Scottish channel.UKTV Play – Free catch-up from Dave, Yesterday, Really and Drama. ![]() milkshake! – Channel 5’s shows for pre-preschoolers.Again, only available on some YouView boxes. BritBox: The streaming service from ITV and the BBC with classic British programmes.Now (TV) – Sky’s contract-free streaming service – but only on some devices (Also see our NOW review).Netflix – The behemoth streaming video service (See our Netflix UK Review).BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5: The on-demand apps of the major broadcasters.The YouView box connects not only to your aerial, but also to your broadband, so it adds internet-based on-demand programming: you can catch up on shows from the past seven days, and order paid, on-demand content from some providers.Ĭurrently, the broadband-based players available on YouView are: ![]() YouView offers access to most Freeview channels and radio stations (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and many others) via an easy-to-use Electronic Programme Guide. YouView, launched back in 2012, was a project backed by the major UK telecommunications companies and broadcasters.Įven though Freeview (the service offering free-to-air channels via a tuner and an aerial – see our full guide) was already around for years, the companies were looking for an “upgraded” service – one that’ll offer both free channels, a catch-up service, and the ability to pay for TV “add-ons”. Buying The Best YouView Box – What Do I Need To Know?.
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