BBC iplayer ceasing on tv

[LIZS]

Our Panasonic "smart" tv is losing the BBC iplayer app on 30th October. Over time we have already lost other apps like Itvx etc. What is the best device to support such streaming services instead? We have a Sky+ box but that seems more selective as to what we can access retrospectively or need to remember to record. Or can we just link an ipad or similar to view?

@Carpr I got the Roku HD one mainly because the cheaper version has a box that needs to be visible to work with the remote.

Our LG TV is so old it's not even smart but we get access to everything through our Sky+. There is an Apps tab on the menu on the left hand side and everything is on there. Not sure why yours is problematic.

We use a Firestick upstairs. Again, we get access to all apps through the that.

We have a tab called Catchup on our Sky+ but it is not apps.

I've just been in the same position and I found this useful https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/best-streaming-device-uk-firestick-roku-chromecast/
Bear in mind there's no point paying more for a device that supports better picture quality than your TV can deliver.

I have a Roku. Very happy with it, it is easy to use.

We have recently changed from Sky+hd to Sky Q and Sky+ which it sounds you have is not capable of supporting apps as it's older technology and only has catch up. Apps on Sky that people are mentioning are on Sky Q and it is quite different from Sky+. Probably best to read up about the different streaming sticks like on the link above but I would wait until Black Friday if you can as they are usually a thing that gets reduced.

Have you thought about upgrading to Sky Q, we took the jump recently and get on very well with it and wish we had done earlier as all the apps are on there, Sky were doing free sky q boxes for upgrading customers and probably still are so that might be worth thinking about

Agree about Sky Q, it takes a bit of getting used to but is SO much better than Sky+.

Our iPlayer has also stopped working from 30th.
We are going to get a Chromecast like we have in our other TV.

This is what I have. Essentially takes my old tv that was getting dumber by the day and made it smart. Really great.

Thanks for the ideas, will be ready for Black Friday deals.

This.

Our Panasonic TV went bang during a power cut so we dug the old Samsung TV out. Bought a Roku Express HD box to (easily) connect to it and now we have more channels than we had on the newer Panasonic.

Like a PP said, just don't buy one that has capabilities more than your TV as its a waste of money.

Love our little Roku!

Got I hate all this bollocks

I know, at least ours is a 2015 model whereas some on the list are only a year or two old. Hate this culture of technical obsolescence.

The newer Firestick Max is faster, and if you add the Ethernet connection thingy to plug it into your router with a cable (distance permitting) it is rock solid and immune to any kind of WiFi interference.

I didn't know that the Chromecast doesn't do Channel 4. Presumably, though, you could use the All4 app on your phone and cast that to the TV? Bit of a faff, though, I suppose.

Then you might enjoy this.

Love our Roku! Had it about 4-5yrs now and very happy with it 👌

We’ve got an Apple TV. It does BBC, ITV, Channel 4. We’ve had ours for years and it’s never been a problem. You can also have Netflix, U and YouTube. I also like the Fitness+ app.

"I didn't know that the Chromecast doesn't do Channel 4. Presumably, though, you could use the All4 app on your phone and cast that to the TV? Bit of a faff, though, I suppose."

I don't think that works as Google don't have the relevant agreement with channel 4. Also to be noted, I read yesterday Google are stopping making Chromecast and moving to a much more expensive box... Disappointing, I'm a Chromecast user myself.

I can watch catch up on all 4 on my chromecast, but not stream live. Bit annoying.

This is ours. Curious why you don't have it when we both have Sky+ - surely the tabs would be standard.

Ah, I see that we have Sky Q and not Sky+! Apologies.

Do you not have a tab called Apps? On Sky that’s where all our Iplayer, C4, Netflix etc are.

@Changingplace no Apps tab.

A PP has pointed out that's Sky Q and not Sky+ (see my posts immediately before yours).

Another vote here for Fire stick.

I never pay any attention to the smart capabilities of TVs when I buy one, because I know they'll stop working way before the TV does. Always better to just get a TV that's just good at being a TV and then use some form of dongle for your streaming apps.