If it isn't a smart TV, then dongles like Chromecast, Firestick, Roku and more.

I only had a Mark 1 Chromecast my old TV. You get the app on your phone/tablet/computer and cast/control from that. Not all programmes are enabled for casting though.

Edited by pluralist (Mon 20-Sep-21 11:38:29)

pluralist - I have a 'smart TV' (Samsung, so no FV Play) AND a Firestick.- what do I do now?

No idea about Firestick. Like I said, I had Chromecast.

But surely the TV connects to your router and has a browser so you can enter (painfully) the URL of the station/programme you want?

My Sony has loads of preinstalled apps on screen as well, not just NOW. Some need installing to the screen menus, like from Android Play or Apple Store on a phone or tablet.

Is there anything here that helps?

"But surely the TV connects to your router and has a browser so you can enter (painfully) the URL of the station/programme you want?"

Indeed, but what, for example, is the URL for National Geographic? How do I find a URL?

To get Nat Geo TV channel you need

At National Geographic we believe in the power of science and exploration to bring you compelling entertaining stories from around the world. You can find us on Sky (channel 129), Virgin Media (channel 266), BT (channel 317) , TalkTalk (channel 317) and NOW TV. Our HD channels are available on: Sky 824, Virgin Media 268 and BT 373.

We've now come full circle! I asked if it was accessible WITHOUT one of those services and pluralist suggested I could browse to a URL.

Edited by mikejp (Mon 20-Sep-21 17:32:16)

I don't believe it is - as far as I know they don't do it over the web unless you use illegal services.

You could get some stuff here but not the main channels.

Edited by ian72 (Mon 20-Sep-21 17:58:47)

Simple, connect a pc to your tv and everything in the world is free and there are some good android apps that will run on a pc for any service you wish to watch for free. Without a PC connected, the usual smart tv has a rubbish selection of apps, so the way to go then is a Roku dongle or a Roku TV with everything built in including thousands of apps, I can recommend both.
https://channelstore.roku.com/en-gb/browse/recommended

OK, professor - I'm interested. Can you explain (simply) how my PC will allow me to:
1 watch Nat Geo (for example) on the PC please?
2 Then on the TV.

How Roku will do the same for the TV

NOW doesn't seem to know about National Geographic.