If you have a PS3 or internet TV then no, otherwise quite possibly. We often catch up with stuff on iplayer, it would actually be annoying if we didn't have that option now.

Since my last PVR packed up I've not got around to getting another, I may look for one with YV built in when I get around to buying one although I've not checked to see how expensive they are TBH.

You could always throw a cheap HTPC together though if you're that way inclined.

I would say no. I can't see what they offer that you can't get with a computer, (note the use of the word computer, as opposed to PC/Mac/Laptop/Tablet, etc.) using iPlayer and the various free, (and legal) catch up services available.

I've got a PC living under the telly, which I regularly use to shut people up when they start blathering on about their new all singing smart TVs. You know the sort of thing... "Ooh, I can connect to the internet" "So can I" "Ooh, I can get apps" "So can I. And I can play games, check my emails, and anything else that you can do on a computer"

Personally I wouldn't get a YouView, but I suppose the one advantage, (that I can think of) is that you just plug it in and it works, so if you can't be doing with setting stuff up "just to watch telly" it would make life a little easier.

Yeah, you do realise that's exactly why the vast majority of the population would rather buy one than have to faff around with a PC in their living room, right?

If you said to... 59/60ths of the population of the UK 'you could have a box that just works, but personally I think you should set up a PC to do that, although it'll require you to buy several different bits from different companies and make sure they all work properly together' they'd look at you as if you were offering them a dead rat in a sandwich.

Personally I wouldn't buy a youview box right now because, being the first one, its priced at a premium and it will probably have some bugs. I'd wait a year or so, because by then the thing will be rock solid, you'll probably struggle to buy a PVR that isn't a youview box and it'll cost you about a third of the price.

This is 404... the answer isn't always so clear

Needless to say, I have a PC assembled from many old parts hidden away near the TV. It's connected via HDMI with a wireless keyboard and mouse sat near the sofa. I'd find the limitations of any box that "just works" to be frustrating. I also tend to find them unfamiliar and difficult to use compared to the Windows 8 beta we're all so used to now - and that's not entirely a joke, unlike the navigation on some remote controls!

I understand the computer argument, but I have neither the time, inclination or space for a computer to be living near my TV.
Maybe there's a better solution for what I want' so here's more details …
I like the idea of YouView because it plugs directly in to the existing ariel socket.
I don't want to have to use my broadband connection just to watch the evening news.
Maybe just a standard Freeview box would do me?
I don't know, I've had cable TV for the past three years so I've not needed to look at this stuff, now I find there's a plethora of items out there and I really don't want to have to speak to a salesperson about this.

Mark

This is why X404 is actually a terrible place to ask for this kind of advice

Answered your own question there Mark, IMO.

If it's for "evening news" a cheap freeview box will do it.

Anything more, it's a computer realistically. The middle options just aren't there yet, again IMO.

That would certainly perform those functions. The USP of the youview system is you don't have to worry about what is 'broadcast' and what is 'catchup', it's all integrated into the one interface. And it's one box that's easy to set up and use (in theory). It's not doing anything the alternative options can't do but it's doing it in a more integrated way.
If you don't use catch up services often, I don't think youview offers you anything a standard freeview PVR couldn't.


If you've got cable don't you have the catch up services on your cable box already?

Jon

No, look, I'm sorry, but please don't do this. If you make Tim buy a media PC, he will end up hating you all forever. And who really wants that, eh?

Jon

Had cable. Not available in the place I just moved to, and we only had the standard package there, no recordable box, but it did allow iPlayer through the service.
Since moving here I've got the TVCatchup app on my iPad and mirroring setup to my AppleTV.

So, just a standard Freeview thing will do?
Any recommendations?

Mark

I was just using that as an example, but for the most part, yeah, that's likely all I'll be using it for.
The odd show here and there but again, I don't want to be using my broadband connection every time I turn the TV on.
I've got some series and films in iTunes that I can watch but for the odd show here or there, just something that uses the over-the-airwaves TV service is what I want.

Mark

It would, but go for a Freeview HD over the standard definition versions.

Does your block have a satellite distribution system? That might be an alternative, though with free-to-air digital terrestrial you only pay your TV licence and that's it.

Oh, good call on the HD. My TV only does 720 but since I moved here a few days ago, the only TV service is through the ariel socket.
If you've seen my ramblings on Twitter, you'll know I've described the image quality as resembling second generation VHS.
Streaming from the iPad is so much clearer, but even that's not HD, so HD would be a boon, thanks.

No idea about satellite distribution. I'll ask about that when I see any other residents or when I speak to the estate agent next.

Mark

Humax make the best boxes. Period.

And Jon, I'm not making him buy anything, I really think a Freeview Box is the right move here.

There are TV's with Freeview HD built in, and not that much either. If you want FreeSat HD as well then you are looking higher up the price structure.