How do I get BBC iPlayer on my TV?

[buttery81]

I feel like a total dinosaur asking this. But how do I get catch-up TV and TV on demand (BBC iPlayer, All4, ITV etc) on my TV, which was bought in 2010 and isn't a smart TV? I'd also like to watch Netflix.

The TV has Freeview built in according to the instructions, but doesn't have any of the catch-up channels or apps. Previously I was using a YouView box supplied by TalkTalk to watch catch-up, but have recently switched internet provider so the TalkTalk box is no longer working.

I'm embarrassed that I have to ask this, but if anyone could help I would be most grateful!

Thanks for the advice everyone! I went for the Firestick in the end, but having read some more recent comments, I'm kind of wishing I'd chosen the Roku now. Ah well!

My TV does have a USB port but definitely isn't a smart TV I don't think - it doesn't have any catch up facilities built in, just the Freeview channels.

@Malin52

Apple TV.

Seriously? Over priced with no original content.

@buttery81

Thanks for the advice everyone! I went for the Firestick in the end, but having read some more recent comments, I'm kind of wishing I'd chosen the Roku now. Ah well!

My TV does have a USB port but definitely isn't a smart TV I don't think - it doesn't have any catch up facilities built in, just the Freeview channels.

You'll need an HDMI port for the Firestick, not a USB port.

You'll need an HDMI port for the Firestick, not a USB port.

I have 3 HDMI ports plus a USB port, so should be good to go. Looking forward to watching lots of lovely catch-up TV at last!

Too late I see but I was going to come on here to recommend Chromecast. DD got us one a few Christmases ago and it was one of the best presents ever. Only about £30 to buy, just plug it into an HDMI port round the back, or get an adaptor if you don't have enough.

Then it's very simple to 'cast' stuff onto your TV screen and seems to be compatible with every streaming service I can think of, from BBC iPlayer, All 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Amazon Music to Disney+, Now TV, YouTube, etc.

Plus another useful thing it can do is you can cast anything from your SmartPhone to your TV, so useful for showing other people photos etc that are on your phone. I think Firestick can't do that?

Plus when you are not 'casting' anything it displays attractive pictures on your TV screen, could be art, beautiful landscapes etc. It's like having another picture in your room, one which changes every couple of minutes, rather than a big black square in the room. Of course, I switch off at night.

I don't work for them, I swear, but a big fan!

I think you do need a now tv subscription to set up a now tv stick, but once you have set it up you can let it lapse. A free trial would also work, but we had already had one when we bought ours, so paid for a month for an entertainment pass, which I then cancelled (and watched the third series of Babylon Berlin during the month I'd paid for .)

So I now have all the catch-up channels, Netflix and so on which is great. But the old box had a TV guide, the ability to pause and rewind live TV and it was all integrated with the catch-up channels in one screen and remote.

Now I can no longer pause and rewind live TV and have to switch to another HDMI channel on the TV to watch catch-up, which is a bit annoying. Is there any solution to this (other than buying a new TV)?

You should be able to pause live TV and rewind for 30 minutes. NOW TV and Rocky lets you do this. I’ve never had an Amazon Firestick (never wanted one) but I’ve just googled and it also allows live pause etc. You shouldn’t have to switch HDMI to watch catch-up. This is why I didn’t list Amazon Firestick in my post to you, it just doesn’t sound a great experience. I’d return it and get a Roku.

@Cassilis I actually cancelled the Firestick in the end and went with the Roku! But can't see any TV guide or way of pausing live TV?

Could it be because I've still got the TalkTalk box linked up to my TV with the aerial running into that? I'm waiting on an extension lead so I can plug my (currently very short) aerial cable directly into my TV and get rid of the TalkTalk box.

Really hoping Roku has a TV guide built in as that would be so convenient!

Hi all, can anyone recommend a 43 inch tv. It will go on a swivel bracket in my kitchen dinner. I currently have a fire stick on a 46 inch tv that has had it. The wifi never worked on it as it was a second. Was going to get a non smart tv and relocate the fire stick to upstairs tv. However it seems most tvs are smart now so it isn't worth it I'm told. Just want to have all the apps on the tv and reasonable picture and easy to use. Do I go for the better name brands or are the cheaper tv brands any good for what I want. Thanks guys.

[quote buttery81]@Cassilis I actually cancelled the Firestick in the end and went with the Roku! But can't see any TV guide or way of pausing live TV?

Could it be because I've still got the TalkTalk box linked up to my TV with the aerial running into that? I'm waiting on an extension lead so I can plug my (currently very short) aerial cable directly into my TV and get rid of the TalkTalk box.

Really hoping Roku has a TV guide built in as that would be so convenient![/quote]
Watch live tv via the catch up apps then you can pause.

There’s no TV guide as it would be impossible - so many different ways of watching on it and most without a schedule.

You plug a firestick into an HDMI port not a usb port. It then connects to the internet via wifi.

I meant to say I was going to use non smart tv and fire stick but now just looking for a smart tv as can use fire stick upstairs .

OP go online buy a Roku box for £20. It's the best money you'll ever spend. When it comes it plugs in easily. Sadly, as you're TV isn't a smart TV then you must have a box I'm afraid.