Chris Martin looks at these popular streaming services
It’s the digital age and physical media has been replaced by internet ‘cloud’ services, but can be a confusing world of options, prices and requirements. Here we explain the di erence between Netflix, LoveFilm, Now TV and Apple TV.
Netflix
This is an internet streaming service that you can access on a vast range of devices. You pay a monthly subscription to gain unlimited streaming of the Netflix library of fi lms and TV shows. Aside from the cost, the only requirements are a compatible device and a decent broadband connection.
LoveFilm Instant
LoveFilm Instant works in the same way to Netflix in that you pay a monthly fee for unlimited streaming of the catalogue of fi lms and TV shows. You still need a compatible device and broadband connection.
Now TV
In simple terms, Now TV is a way of getting Sky content without a contract. Now TV is split up into di fferent packages – Sky Movies, Sky Sports and Sky Entertainment. The first of these has more than 800 films on o er, with up to four premieres every week. Sky Sports gives access to all six of the provider’s sports channels, while Entertainment allows you to watch 10 channels – live and on-demand. The Movies and Entertainment packages both require a monthly payment, while Sky Sports requires a one-o payment that gives you a Day Pass (24 hours of access). Once again, you need a device that supports Now TV (such as a Sky Now TV Box) and a broadband connection.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a media streamer that plugs into your TV and allows you access internet streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube Vimeo and, of course, your iTunes library. Furthermore, a feature called AirPlay lets you stream content from other Apple products such as iPhones and iPads. This works with most content and apps but some is blocked.
Best for price
Netflix and LoveFilm both cost £5.99 per month, although the former has better content, so represents superior value for money. Now TV costs a lot more, but that’s the price you pay for Sky content. Now TV fi lm and entertainment packages total £13.98 per month (£8.99 and £4.99 respectively) and Sky Sports is £9.99 for 24-hour access.
Best for content
If you want sheer amount of content, then Netflix is the winner here with the most amount of films and TV series. It’s also got a better quality library than LoveFilm in our opinion. However, if it’s latest releases you’re after, then Now TV is the place to be.
Best for compatible devices
Here’s a tablet of what device you can access the services on. Since the Apple TV is a device itself, we’ve left it out of the table but it does feature in it. We’ve left out PC and Mac because all are available on computers via a web browser. Which is best depends on what devices you own, but it’s Netflix which is accessible from the largest range of devices. The firms will continue to add devices as time goes on.
