Help with tv/internet please. EDITED

[justthe6ofus]

Hi All,

Edited after I continued to read old posts!
 
I've searched and read through a great number of posts in the TV/internet threads and think I've got it narrowed down now.
Can someone tell me if I've got this right please?


I need to get Movistar for internet access. Is movistar a phone line and internet provider - do I have to have a landline? I don't need the 'free' mobile phone etc, just internet/broadband. Any idea of monthly cost please??

I need to buy a MAG250 or MAG254 box and ZTTV will set it up for me? I gather they cost around â,¬100 ish

I then get ZTTV for tv package? Again, any idea on current monthly cost please? I've seen old comments ranging from â,¬18 to â,¬40! - I need a basic package - no extra sports/films etc

I've seen lots of mentions of Paul from ZTTV and have saved his details.

Is that it? Or have I missed something?

Thanks

[Ironworks]

You cannot avoid the reading, sorry.

Because unless you pay someone like ZKTV to arrange the internet, supply the TV box, set it all up and then charge you a monthly premium, then you are going to have to plot your own path without having your hand held.

It's cheaper to DIY, but you cannot avoid some reading.

I'd suggest starting here for generic step-by-step Expat TV knowledge: http://www.eyeondemand.com

There are 2 things you need to get 'easy to use and reliable' UK TV...

1. Internet - I'd recommend Movistar, we've had their service for 2 years now without any problems (other than speed of about 8mb max - anyone promising you higher speeds is probably talking rubbish). If you use someone other than Movistar, good luck.
IMPORTANT: Do not assume you call Movistar and you then have Internet working the next week or even the next month. I know some people who waited over 3 months to get a line installed.

Internet was also vital for me to work, so I insisted the property had functional internet in my name before I moved in. You say you need Internet for work also, so I'd suggest you ask the current owner/landlord to sort this before you get the keys.

2. SmartDNS/VPN - this is a subscription service that allows you to get UK TV via internet by tricking the available streams (iPlayer, TVPlayer etc) in to thinking you are in the UK still. Cost as little as £2 a month. I can recommemd www.getflix.com.au

Then you can use BBC iPlayer or an App like TV Player or Zattoo.

Smart TV with internet connection will work here, dependent on model it may or may not sense you are in Spain and may or may not change the streaming services to Spanish.

If you are prepared to spend some cash up front for a good free service, then I can recommend an Apple TV 4 (version 4 has TVPlayer and Zattoo available for download).

IF you DON'T need Eastenders and other assorted brain-frying soap opera rubbish then there is another very easy option...

Register for Spanish Netflix for â,¬7.99 a month - it's all you need, and any decent/recent Smart TV should have Netflix built-in. No DNS/VPN required - just plug TV in to your router, load Netflx, and watch. You get more English language content than you could watch in multiple lifetimes. It also has the benefit of allowing you to switch to any combnation of Englsh/Spanish audio and subtitles - ideal if you want to learn the lingo.

BUT sort your internet before you arrive if you can. Otherwise you might end up working from the nearest cafe or bar that has free WiFi.

Hope this helps you, and others.

P.S. Yes there free options using widgets/software like Kodi - but I'm a bit of a geek and even I find it an unholy pain in the backside to keep up to date and use.

P.P.S. Retain a healthy cyncism about recommendations on this website of products outside of the mainstream, for example ZKTV in particular have registered multiple accounts on here to masquerade as happy users (it is however a good service, but recent bolt-ons like hooky movies and dodgy Sky Sports streams mean it is now very illegal, and could get shut down at some point - not good if you pay up front for what they ironically call a 'contract').

[justthe6ofus]

You cannot avoid the reading, sorry.

Because unless you pay someone like ZKTV to arrange the internet, supply the TV box, set it all up and then charge you a monthly premium, then you are going to have to plot your own path without having your hand held.

I'm happier to pay for an easy to use service - tv abroad drives us nuts, we can never operate it! I need a 'press the button and get the telly you want' type of set up. I just don't want/need all the extra's like sports/films etc.


I'd suggest starting here for generic step-by-step Expat TV knowledge: http://www.eyeondemand.com

Thanks - will check that out.

There are 2 things you need to get 'easy to use and reliable' UK TV...

1. Internet - I'd recommend Movistar, we've had their service for 2 years now without any problems (other than speed of about 8mb max - anyone promising you higher speeds is probably talking rubbish). If you use someone other than Movistar, good luck.
IMPORTANT: Do not assume you call Movistar and you then have Internet working the next week or even the next month. I know some people who waited over 3 months to get a line installed.

Internet was also vital for me to work, so I insisted the property had functional internet in my name before I moved in. You say you need Internet for work also, so I'd suggest you ask the current owner/landlord to sort this before you get the keys.

3 months? Wow! Excellent advice, thank you! I'll mention it to the lawyer and see if that can be done for me asap.


2. SmartDNS/VPN - this is a subscription service that allows you to get UK TV via internet by tricking the available streams (iPlayer, TV Player etc) in to thinking you ate in the UK still. Cost as little as £2 a month. I can recommemd www.getflix.com.au

Then you can use BBC iPlayer or an App like TV Player or Zattoo.

Smart TV with internet connection will work here, dependent on model it may or may not sense you are in Spain and may or may not change the streaming services to Spanish.

I'll be buying the tv out there so presume it'll be already tuned


If you are prepared to spend some cash up front for a good free service, then I can recommend an Apple TV 4 (version 4 has TVPlayer and Zattoo available for download).

We have Apple TV at home, I saw a really good post about that (was it yours?) I might consider that in the future. For now, I just want a basic set up.


IF you DON'T need Eastenders and other assorted brain-frying soap opera rubbish then there is another very easy option...

Register for Spanish Netflix for â,¬7.99 a month - it's all you need. No apps, no DNS/VPN, and you get more English language content than you could watch in multiple lifetimes. It also has the benefit of allowing you to switch to any combnation of Englsh/Spanish audio and subtitles - ideal if you want to learn the lingo.

So, is this something I'd get in addition to the movistar connection but instead of the ZTTV sub? Sounds great!
I'm thinking of TV for winter visits really - we're likely to want to settle down in the evenings and watch a bit of familiar tv in winter than we would at any other time. We're more ITV drama/crime series than Eastenders depressing drivel though!

BUT sort your internet before you arrive if you can. Otherwise you might end up working from the nearest cafe or bar that has free WiFi.

Hope this helps you, and others.

You're a gem Ironworks - thanks so much, all really helpful. I think I'm getting there now. Brain fog is clearing...slowly. How I run a business is anyone's guess! this kind of thing makes me feel, and appear, to be totally thick! 

[Ironworks]

I've edited my post to add a couple of bits.

I noticed you also edited your top post and now my reply looks like i'm not even answering the questions you asked lol.

No worries, my reply is still valid. Good luck.

Yes, Netflix is an extra subscription service - you can try it free in the UK to see what you think - netflix.com - I swear by it, no matter how flakey our internet connection gets sometimes, Netflix typically remains reliable.

ZKTV is fine, I still have it on here, but won't be renewing again as Apple TV 4 is now delivering all I need with no monthly costs other than Netflix subscription.

And yes Netflix will be on a new Smart TV bought here. Electron in Puerto Rosario is nearest thing we have to a Dixons here on FV: http://www.tiendaselectron.com

Oh and some of my advice may not be relevant if you live halfway up a mountain out in the sticks. I'm in Corralejo, and that's the only place that I can guarantee that the above advice works.

And get that internet sorted first 

[justthe6ofus]

I've edited my post to add a couple of bits.

I noticed you also edited your top post and now my reply looks like i'm not even answering the questions you asked lol.

Sorry! I didn't even think of that. Well, you and I know you've been REALLY helpful with the info you've given me 

No worries, my reply is still valid. Good luck.

Yes, Netflix is an extra subscription service - you can try it free in the UK to see what you think - netflix.com - I swear by it, no matter how flakey our internet connection gets sometimes, Netflix typically remains reliable.

Oh and some of my advice may not be relevant if you live halfway up a mountain out in the sticks. I'm in Corralejo, and that's the only place that I can guarantee that the above advice works.

And get that internet sorted first 

Will do! and thanks again.

[decho]

I can't comment on other replies on this post but I want to watch my TV, not play with it! I want to be able to switch on my TV, press 1, 2, 3 etc and get the channel I want. I also want to to be easy to use for my friends and family that use my place and have a simple programme guide. Oh, and another thing catchup TV is essential because  there are far better things to do in the evening than sit and watch TV.
So for all these reasons I went with ZKTV. Paul organised everything for me, got me the best phone and Internet deal, organised the box and installation for me, and is always on hand if any support is required. I got my package a year and a half ago and am very happy with the service. I pay â,¬20 a month for the basic package including catchup TV and am more then happy. I pay every 3 months. One other benefit is that if you are not using the service for a month, Paul will switch it off for you and extend your period.
Finally, I will just add am have no connection with ZKTV, I am only a happy customer.
If you want more details why not contact Paul on paul@zktv.email

[Johnrgby2]

all internet connection on The Island goes through Moviestar equipment, whomever you get it from, I use a company called Hablaya based on The Mainland,who provide me with a land line and internet connection via Moviestar, [the advantage is they speak english and instal within a ouple of weeks} We pay circa 43 euro a month for unlimited internet at 8/9 Mbps free calls to Spanish numbers, and 5 hours of monthly calls to the UK there are other packages available, I brought an android box from the UK cost circa £80 gives me all the free to view channels, and with a little faffing around occasionally all Sky and BT sport channels plus catch up on any tv program from all UK providers, I also believe you can suspend the service as and when, but as we live here permanently I did not investigate that, i also believe that with a smart tv you can download Kodi, which is what drives the android box, so you would not need to purchase a box, but you would need to investigate further, if you want Hablaya,s P/number let me know

[Ironworks]

I can't comment on other replies on this post but I want to watch my TV, not play with it! I want to be able to switch on my TV, press 1, 2, 3 etc and get the channel I want. I also want to to be easy to use for my friends and family

Exactly what I can now do, free of monthly payment of â,¬20, using Apple TV 4.

BBC iPlayer, TVPlayer and Zattoo all live on it, all have UK TV guides, and are so easy to use - particularly Zattoo -  that my wifes mum (who's so daft she regularly sits on our cat) can work it.

It also has Siri control, so I can pick up the remote, press the Siri button and say the words "BBC iPlayer" and it instantly loads right up. That's pretty foolproof.

I'm not knocking ZKTV (only their craven sales tactics), as said I've got it here until 'contract' runs out. But for me at least, ZKTV is now redundant and my UK telly is now all but free (£2 monthly for DNS).

There are options that don't entail paying monthly for freeview TV, and they don't all require a degree in computer science.

Just saying.

Different strokes for different folks.

P.S. If I was renting out a villa, I'd have nowt but Netflix, at â,¬7.99 it's cheap, easy to use, many folk are now already Netflix users and thus familiar.
No Eastenders of course - but surely your visitors can manage a week or two without all that doom, gloom and depression pouring out of the front of your telly

[decho]

Craven? Were you really that unhappy with their service?
Apple TV?  Tvplayer, Zattoo, DNS Login? Not disputing it won't work well....But.....?

I want to switch on my TV, press 1 for BBC (or in my case  111 For BBC 1 Scotland).

I guess you pays your money you takes your choice!

[justthe6ofus]

I've noticed on other threads that people are passionate about what they feel is 'best'. Each to their own with this I suppose.

I appreciate all opinions and replies - thanks to all.

I have Apple TV at home and expected it to be complicated but it couldn't be easier. Having said that, I can sympathise with things seeming complicated as we've stayed in about 15 villas over the last 5 years and have hardly ever managed to find an  English tv channel despite them all claiming to have them! And between me and my teenage sons we can usually work most things out eventually.

So, I suppose it's a familiarity thing. If you're familiar with the tv/set up etc then what appears complicated is actually very easy, but if you're a renter using an unfamiliar tv/remote etc, it's not easy at all.

I think for me the getflix thing sounds good enough, and the Apple tv which I will look in to more. I like the idea of paying upfront than big (ish) monthly subscriptions. We're not big tv watchers anyway so personally we just want to be able to find a family friendly film to watch on a cold evening, or something for the kids to kill time on if they need to get out of the sun, rather than being able to tune in immediately to a soap or a football match for example. I expect it might be different if we lived there.


So, it seems I need to first sort my internet connection with movistar. Then buy a decent Smart TV. Then get TV channels via either ZKTV, getflix, or Apple tv4.

Thanks again everyone. You lot are great! I have learned more on this forum in two weeks than anyone else could tell me or I could find out myself on t'internet. It's brilliant, I'm very grateful for all input.

[DaveW]

In addition to previous posts I also have used ZTV for the last 18 months, it is a great service.

They organise the Movistar ordering/connection and sort out any ongoing problems with the  telephone/internet with them which is great if your fluency in Spanish is lacking.

If there are any problems with the TV system you can email or ring Paul and he sorts it out or tells you how to fix it even late in the evening.

We are very happy with the system and the service.

[Ironworks]

I should stress again, I've got no problem with ZKTV, I have used it and been happy.

The first post that started this thread, pre-editing, was a request for info about getting UK TV without having to pay a monthly subscription - so I answered accordingly.

I guess my point is this... there are a number of ways to get UK TV without having to buy in to the 'ZKTV is the only easy way' line that has been pushed so hard on this site over the last year or more.

Here's just another 2 examples of that...

1. If you are fortunate enough to own an H-series Samsung SmartTV, it can be easily hacked to switch it back to UK region, with all UK settings, iPlayer, apps for ITV, Demand 5, Channel 4 hub, FilmOn etc etc. Now I know this works because one of my own Samsung TV's is already set up thus.

Instructions: https://www.cactusvpn.com/tutorials/how-to-change-region-on-samsung-smart-tv-h-series/

You need to have DNS.

2. Your Mag250 box that was provided by ZKTV can be used to subscribe to a whole number of ZKTV alternative providers. I know of one that offers all Sky Sports and Movies, all UK FTA channels and more. So basically the equivalent of a full all singing all dancing Sky subscription, on your Mag250, for â,¬30 monthly.

There are many many options available.

But yes, I agree completely, people pays their price and takes their choice - but that's the point, the choices are numerous.

Google is your friend - all of the options are there to be found by anyone inquisitive enough to look beyond the peceived wisdom of those who have found a single solution and locked into it.

Just sharing is all - as with anything, some will find that info useful in their own search for a solution they are happy with - that's  my only agenda, to share the good things I've discovered.

[Will196]

We're not big tv watchers anyway so personally we just want to be able to find a family friendly film to watch on a cold evening, or something for the kids to kill time on if they need to get out of the sun, rather than being able to tune in immediately to a soap or a football match for example. I expect it might be different if we lived there.

https://www.filmon.com/

https://store.google.com/product/chromecast_2015?hl=gb

If all you want are the free TV channels that's free outside of your connection and equipment costs.

A half decent internet connection . Some sort of WiFI router. A Google Chromecast. Something to control the Chromecast (Smartphone or tablet you likely already own work fine)

You don't need a fancy high end TV. All the TV needs is a HDMI port and hopefully a powered USB port. But if you don't have an USB port you can power the Chromecast with an external USB charger.

Best of al you can basically test this out right now at home. Download the Filmon app to your phone/tablet and see if you like it.

[decho]

Well it looks like you've got lots of choices.
Why not try and get a demo from people who have these systems and then you might be able to make a more informed decision if it's worth paying for a subscription service.
I'd be happy to show you ZKTV when I am next over in June if you are around Corralejo.

[DaveW]

You cannot avoid the reading, sorry.


P.P.S. Retain a healthy cyncism about recommendations on this website of products outside of the mainstream, for example ZKTV in particular have registered multiple accounts on here to masquerade as happy users (it is however a good service, but recent bolt-ons like hooky movies and dodgy Sky Sports streams mean it is now very illegal, and could get shut down at some point - not good if you pay up front for what they ironically call a 'contract').

Just to confirm that I am a genuine person and nothing to do with ZTV but having tried other systems am a very happy user.

I'm a bit confused, as you say´they´ will close ZKTV, even though it is based in Switzerland and I understand to offer the Sky Sports legally.

To get a package similar to ZTV you need to buy the apple box and have payments to Netflix etc. so at the end of the day you are probably not saving any money, in fact it may cost more. Then there are the features such as the catch up TV and the support which is very important to me when you do hit a problem (having struggled and given up with a Droidbox)

[gattaca66]

It is surprising just how many options you have. When we moved here a couple of years ago I'd hoped to be able to use Sky and the already-installed dish, and were alarmed to realise this was no longer available without a much larger dish. We took lots of advice on here, where popular suggestions were Europa, android box or ZKTV, and opted for the latter because we really did want as little hassle as possible. Having been paying a much larger Sky bill each month in the UK, we were maybe less resistant to a monthly fee and opted for ZKTV.

As others have said, it is excellent, and meets our needs pretty much completely. The catchup feature is particularly valuable to us, so although I've become a bit more savvy around Kodi etc, which I use on a laptop for things unavailable on ZKTV, we have remained as happy paying customers.

If you are happy to do the regular updates and 'fiddle around' a bit finding the programmes you want, then Kodi on an android box may be perfect for you, or one of the other options. In my case, though, I'm content to pay a monthly fee for someone else to take away any hassle!