How to Watch Free to Air on PC

LOpenHand on 07/05/2019 - 14:51

Hey there,

I want to watch Eurovision on my PC during the SBS repeat on the 19th.

Last year I did the same thing and managed to use an online stream (Streamee) to play, but it seems like SBS have protected their online streams and this doesn't work anymore.

I've seen USB dongles which accept antenna cables - which I can plug into my wall if need be - but have heard mixed reviews. The cheap ones are really cheap and the expensive solutions are really expensive - seems to be no in-between.

What's the best solution for me? I just need it for this one thing, don't mind paying a bit but don't want to fork out a few hundred bucks in this case.

Cheers!

Entertainment

Comments

  • spackbace on 07/05/2019 - 14:57

    I'm sure there's ways of watching the broadcast soon after its aired…

    Just think how most Aussies watch Game of Thrones

    • Daabido on 07/05/2019 - 16:14
      +2

      Foxtel streams Eurovision?

  • adam on 07/05/2019 - 15:00

    I've used cheap and expensive USB dongles and FTA streaming devices. If you were setting up a media server I'd recommend the expensive ones, but for your use I'd say the cheaper devices on ebay would be just fine. They all 'work'… maybe better ones will work with weaker signal or less dropouts, or have better software… but none of that probably matters for your one-off-use.

  • DarthAntz on 07/05/2019 - 15:08

    search reddit for streams. make sure you have adblocker before you access any of them.

  • djkelly69 on 07/05/2019 - 15:23

    What about a Vodafone TV box for $72? I believe it can access FTA channels if you plug an aerial in. Then just output to your monitor via HDMI to watch.

  • Sunny84 on 07/05/2019 - 15:28
    +3

    https://freeview.com.au/watch-tv

    • OpenHand on 07/05/2019 - 16:27

      Looks like this is the ticket! Thanks!

    • Seraphin7 on 07/05/2019 - 16:31

      Hit and miss. I've tried this route for something or other, but it was not available. The networks determine whether or not they will make something available via Freeview, not doubt in line with some broadcasting deal for something like Eurovision.

      • Sunny84 on 07/05/2019 - 17:20
        +1

        true, ive seen this before with nrl games

  • sircrumpet on 07/05/2019 - 15:32
    +2

    SBS have announced that Eurovision is streaming live this year from https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

    With early morning LIVE streaming and broadcasts of Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final for immediate results and voting along with Europe, and same day primetime broadcasts and streaming for fabulous Euro-themed parties around the country

    More generally, Freeview are worth checking out for official live streams of most Australian TV channels, including SBS, though some programs (mostly sports) are unavailable for streaming.

    • OpenHand on 07/05/2019 - 16:28

      Huh there you go. I hadn't seen them do any live broadcasts on ondemand before. Freeview looks like it'll work for it - they didn't block it out last year like they do for sports so hopefully it's an option either way.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2019 - 15:37

    Eurovision post all the performances live and prerecorded to Youtube. I might have watched the Romanian yodellers thirty times. Get into the spirit with some Sir Terry Wogan highlight reels.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ2Q2j6RX7A

    • OpenHand on 07/05/2019 - 16:29

      You're right, and there's a spotify playlist already too. We do a party where everyone gets assigned a country and has to bring food / flags from that joint. Fun night!

  • knobbs on 07/05/2019 - 16:30

    I have one of the said cheap USB dongles. My main gripe is the PVR software I have been using (NextPVR), it constantly crashes on startup and freezes during live playback. Can anyone recommend a decent application?

  • Diji1 on 07/05/2019 - 17:03

    The Playstation 3 Play TV USB for 15 bucks or so is a decent dual tuner solution.

  • ChocolateTown on 09/06/2019 - 02:55

    Back in 2003 (IIRC) I had a PC that either I’d added a tv aerial cable input with tv tuner, or it came with it - I can’t remember. It’s just a simple addition to the motherboard with software. Obvs only worth it if you’re watching a lot of fta.

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