Do I Need an Aerial for my Now TV Box?
Now TV is a great entertainment option for cord-cutters who want to enjoy the latest movies, TV shows, and sports events without the commitment of a traditional cable or satellite subscription. But what about the hardware? If youre considering getting a Now TV box for your living room or bedroom, you may be wondering if you need an aerial to make it work. The short answer is no, you dont.
Lets start with the basics. A Now TV box is a dedicated streaming device that connects to your TV and to the internet via Wi-Fi. It comes with a remote control and supports various streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and of course, Now TV itself. The box is easy to set up and use, and it doesnt require any special technical skills.
However, some people confuse the Now TV box with a Freeview or Freesat box, which are devices that receive digital TV signals over the airwaves and let you watch live broadcasts from free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Five. These boxes do require an aerial to pick up the signal, and the quality of the reception can vary depending on your location, the weather, and the condition of your equipment.
But the Now TV box is different. It doesnt have a built-in tuner or aerial, and it doesnt offer live TV channels as part of its standard package. Instead, it focuses on on-demand content, including movies, TV series, catch-up TV, and live sports events that you can either buy or subscribe to on a monthly basis. You can also rent or buy individual movies and TV shows, or sign up for special passes that give you access to specific channels, such as Sky Cinema, Entertainment, Kids, and Sports.
So, if youre happy with the idea of watching your favourite shows and movies on demand, without worrying about a TV antenna, you can safely buy a Now TV box and start streaming in no time. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You will need a broadband internet connection with a speed of at least 2.5 Mbps for SD quality, or 5 Mbps for HD quality. If your connection is slow or unstable, you may experience buffering, freezing, or low-quality video.
- You will need a compatible TV with an HDMI port. The Now TV box connects to your TV via HDMI, so make sure your TV has this input. If your TV is an older model without HDMI, you may need to buy an HDMI-to-SCART adapter or an HDMI-to-DVI cable to connect the box.
- You may need to pay extra for some content. Although the Now TV box comes with a free trial of the Entertainment or Cinema pass, you will need to enter your payment details and cancel before the trial period ends if you dont want to be charged. Also, some movies and TV shows are only available to rent or buy, and sports events may require a special day or week pass.
In summary, a Now TV box is a great option if you want to stream on-demand content without an aerial. Its easy to use, affordable, and flexible, and it gives you access to a wide range of entertainment options. Just make sure you have a solid internet connection, a compatible TV, and a clear understanding of what youre paying for. Happy streaming! |
