Livin' the life...

Just a little while ago I was reading a post from a friend over at tech-barbados on the topic of online TV and how in his opinion, great it was. In that post he informed me, that by using a third party web site persons such as myself - who are not in Barbados - could now view our "home town" channel online and, for free. (Not that the channel is that, or any good, it's more that it's a small taste of home. )

After reading his post, I started to do some browsing and I found an entire host of sites offering TV, especially in the UK! So, as a prelude to what I hope will be a more thorough post at a later date, here is some of the stuff I have found. I hope it's useful!

http://www.jumptv.com/ - Watch TV worldwide (football games too!) including Barbados' very own CBC Channel 8. (This is the one that was mentioned to me.)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/ - BBC isn't missing out on this online tv action! Check out their version in the BBC iPlayer. Overview: essentially the iPlayer lets you watch shows or news that was televised previously on any of the BBC channels. The caveat however is that I _think_ they choose which shows and they are only available for a certain time (number of days) after they are initially broadcasted on local TV. To be honest I'm a bit fuzzy on the particulars myself but when things are clearer, I'll be sure to update you! (I think there is an option to download as well!)

http://www.channel4.com/4od/index.html - The best of Channel 4, on demand! To quote their web site, "4oD is simply another way to get your TV hit, 24/7. Download thought-provoking documentaries, award winning drama or great comedy." There are "Loads of the latest TV to watch instantly or as a download." and you can even "Rent films from our specially selected range for £1.99". Sounds, freshing. Note that for this it seems like you have to download additional software.

http://www.itv.com/Watchnow/default.html - I have not tried this out but it seems practical. Worth noting is that iTV is definitely one of the better channels on basic English TV.

http://download.five.tv/ - To round up the lot, here's Five.tv's adaptation. It appears like they have gone for the strict pay-per-view model i.e. you buy what you want, no free viewing here. On the bright side they do have CSI episodes (Las Vegas, Miami and NY) going for a cool £1.49-£2.49/each or entire seasons for around £30-£40. Grey's Anatomy also features as a downloadable programme.

Ah, with TV directly on my PC, how, oh how, will I get any work done now? .. On the bright side, there's less reason to move from my desk!