In this hyper-fast, hyper-connected, world of hyper-agile IT, who has the time or endurance to be a slave to the broadcasting schedule? The future is in on-demand streaming services, and fortunately there is no shortage of companies vying for your subscriptions.
But which should you choose?
1. Netflix
The most famous streaming service out there, Netflix started as early as 1997, initially operating a pay-per-rental model.
Since then it has emerged as one of the pioneers of the industry, spreading across all three computer operating systems (Windows,OS X and Linux) as well as branching out to mobile and video game platforms, all for £6 per month.
Most impressively it has even started to create its own content, producing series such as the prison comedy Orange is the New Black, as well as House of Cards, an American adaption of a political drama written by Michael Dobbs, a former British MP.
2. Amazon Instant Video
Amazon Instant Video is the Seattle ecommerce giant’s answer to Netflix, coming as part of the company’s fast delivery service Prime, as well as a separate package.
Whilst the pricing for the general subscription is quite similar to other services, Instant Video adds optional extras in the form of recently released films and shows that you can add to your subscription for an additional fee.
Like Netflix, Amazon has invested money in producing original content, albeit the sort that is not generating quite as much interest from the outside world.
3. Now TV
Now TV is a more eclectic offering than Amazon and Netflix’s, branding itself as a more customisable package for those who want to watch different types of television on a flexible budget.
At the centre of this is a standard entertainment package for much the same rolling monthly subscription fee as its rivals. Alongside this customers can add daily, weekly or monthly passes to Sky channels, including its sports coverage and movie outlets.
The price of such goodies can add up quickly, but for those wanting a flexible package Now TV is superior to many of the alternatives.
4. iTunes
Though you may know iTunes primarily as a music store it has lately been branching into other forms of content, including films and television shows.
Customers can buy or rent such content as they see fit in both standard and high definition. Prices begin at £3.50 to rent a new film, with an HD film purchase clocking in at a dear £14. Once bought the films and shows are stored just as your music would be.
Such a model is more pricey for consumers, but Apple’s position in the market is such that the selection is perhaps wider than any of its competition.
5. Blinkbox
Blinkbox is an alternative to iTunes and Google Play that is owned by the telecoms company TalkTalk after it was sold by the grocer Tesco.
Like its rivals the service runs on a pay-per-use model, offering films to rent or buy for similar prices to iTunes. Though its selection is less expansive than some of its competitors, it does have many of the newest films available as early digital releases.
Its television selection is also reasonable, but for those watching lots the bill can quickly add up, making services like Netflix more viable for those who like to binge.
