What is Now TV?

Now TV is Sky's on-demand internet streaming service. It provides access to a huge selection of TV shows, movies and sports events from a variety of Sky channels. Think Netflix and Amazon Prime but for Sky TV.

Although part of the Sky platform, Now TV doesn't have any of the associated setup hassle. In other words don't be put off by thinking you need a satellite dish or a dedicated set-top box. All you need is an internet connection and something to watch the content on.

The content is unlimited so you can watch as much as you want and importantly is ad free (unlike regular Sky TV).

Now TV follows a slightly different setup to Netflix and Amazon Prime. It offers 3 packages (or passes) which are split between TV Shows, Movies and Sports.

This means you can tailor your package to the things you watch the most and best of all, Now TV's content is bang up to date! It's so up to date in fact that you can actually watch live Sky TV when it's airing!

This is something that can't be said for Netflix or Amazon Prime when typically content can be anything up to a couple of years old.

How does Now TV work?

Now TV works on a number of different platforms including directly from their website, a dedicated app on your smartphone or tablet, via your smart TV or games console or using the Now TV box.

All you need to do is sign up for an account and away you go. There's no lengthy wait for installation, no setup costs and no hassle. You can literally be up and running within a few minutes, enjoying lovely on-demand Sky TV!

Of course being a streaming service you'll want a decent broadband connection. Ideally you should also have an unlimited data plan (although not essential) so you don't have to worry about how much content you're watching.

There are 3 Passes you can sign up to which cover TV Shows, Movies and Sport. Both the Entertainment Pass (TV Shows) and the Sky Movies Pass come with a 14-day FREE trial.

Actually a 4th Kids Pass is coming soon, but more on that nearer the time.

They are the perfect ‘try before you buy’ packages and I'd recommend you give them a go if you're interested or undecided.

How much does Now TV cost?

The prices vary slightly depending on which pass you want. There are also savings to be made by bulk buying up-front but here are the basic costs.

What's on Now TV?

One of the best things about Now TV is how up to date the content is. Basically if it's on Sky, you can pretty much guarantee it'll be on Now TV.

Of course the range of channels on offer is nowhere near as extensive as a full Sky package but a lot of the big channels are included.

Entertainment Pass	Sky Movies Pass	Sky Sports Pass
Sky 1 Sky Living Sky Atlantic GOLD Comedy Central Sky Arts 1 ITV Encore FOX MTV Discovery Channel Nickelodeon Disney Channel NickJr Nat Geo Wild abc studios	Premiere Showcase Oscars Disney Family Action & Adventure Comedy Crime & Thriller Drama & Romance Sci Fi & Horror Select	Sky Sports 1 Sky Sports 2 Sky Sports 3 Sky Sports 4 Sky Sports 5 Sky Sports F1 Sky Sports News HQ

One thing you need to watch out for though is content doesn't always stick around for that long.

When it comes to TV Shows, there are two main patterns you'll soon become familiar with.

• Catch-up
• Boxsets

Catch-up

When a show is on Sky, you have the option of watching it on catch-up. Catch-up content usually expires after 30 days though.

So if you come in half-way through a TV show, e.g. around episode 10, it's likely you'll be missing some of the earlier episodes.

In some ways then, you do have to be a little bit more aware of what's on and when, or more specifically when content will expire.

Boxsets

Boxsets on the other hand don't have an immediate time limit and will typically have a lifespan of a few months but this can vary.

Now TV has over 250 boxsets available on-demand at any one time. These range from dramas, entertainment and comedies to documentaries and kids shows.

In the early days, Now TV came under criticism for not displaying warnings when a show was due to expire. This led to many disgruntled customers who were in the middle of a TV show only to find the show had been removed the next day. Thankfully now they include a 'days left' counter so you can plan your viewing in advance especially if you're about to binge on a 10-season boxset!

Entertainment Pass

The Now TV Entertainment Pass gives you access to the latest and greatest TV shows, comedies, documentaries and kids programmes.

It's one of the only places you can watch brand new episodes of shows like Game of Thrones (Season 6 starts on the 25th April 2016) and The Walking Dead (Season 6 returned on 15th February 2016).

What' great is they are available as soon as they air on Sky and without having to buy an expensive Sky package!

At the time of writing, popular shows include:

• Game of Thrones
• The Walking Dead
• Billions
• Limitless
• Lucky Man
• Grey's Anatomy
• Scandal
• The Blacklist
• Mad Men
• 24 (including 24: Live Another Day)

There are simply too many to list, but the great thing is Now TV isn't shy about telling you what's available so you can check out the full and current list here: Entertainment - what's on?

Sky Movies Pass

If movies are your thing then you'll love what's on offer with the Sky Movies Pass.

There are over 1,000 movies available and they add up to 16 premieres each month! The list then is pretty extensive but here are a few highlights:

• Mad Max: Fury Road
• Fast and Furious 7
• Pitch Perfect 2
• Tomorrowland: A World Beyond
• Frozen Fever
• Avengers: Age of Ultron
• Focus
• Taken 3
• Fifty Shades of Grey

Check out the full list of Movies here: Movies - what's on?

Sky Sports Pass

Whether it's Football, Cricket, Rugby, F1, Boxing, Golf or anything in between, you don't need me to tell you that Sky is the home of Sports.

With 6 dedicated sports channels plus Sky Sports News you too can have a slice of the action with the Sky Sports Pass on Now TV.

The packages are even more flexible when it comes to Sports, you can choose between Day, Week and Month passes.

You can really tailor this one to suit your needs. Whether it's a single night to watch the big fight, a big tournament spread over a few weeks or you want to kick-back and enjoy the full Premier League season, Now TV has you covered.

You can check out all the features of the Sports pass here: Sports - what's on?