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I take my work laptop with me every time, but as it's a work laptop, I can't bypass any security to install the Sky Go app. I'm a big sports fan and I'm growing more and more frustrated at either watching games on my phone, or missing them entirely while I'm away given I'm paying for my subscription. With exclusive channels like Sky Atlantic, the Sky Q 1TB box as standard, and access to the Sky Go app. Sky Cinema, Sky Sports and Netflix can be added on to any sky TV package. Virgin TV is available as a bundle with broadband and home phone. The only real disadvantage of Virgin Media TV is that you can’t sign up to it as a standalone deal. What are the different types of Skype subscriptions and pay-as-you-go options? Subscriptions. are monthly calling plans that let you make unlimited or fixed-minute calls to landlines (and mobiles where applicable). A subscription is great. Sky Go lets you enjoy the TV you love, anytime, anywhere. Watch TV all around your home and never miss a moment of your favourite show. The Sky Go app is inc. Sky Go only allows customers to stream on one of these devices at a time, so sports fan families looking to stream two different Sky Sports channels will need to purchase Sky Go Extra (more on this below). Sky Go doesn't just cover sports content - as long as a customer subscribes to channels, the content will be available within the app.
Sky Go is the place to enjoy Sky TV over the internet. Sky customers can stream live channels, catch-up on missed programmes and even download shows to watch offline.
Sky Go offers live and on-demand content from Sky channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky 1 and Sky Sports, as well as partner networks such as Fox, ITV and Dave. It's available for free to Sky subscribers on a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones and tablets.
You'll need a good broadband internet connection to enjoy Sky Go, so find your perfect deal with ourbroadband provider reviews.
How can I get Sky Go?
First of all, you have to be a Sky customer - if you're considering whether it's worth it, read our review of Sky's TV and broadband service. As part of your TV subscription with Sky, you can watch Sky Go on up to two different compatible devices at any one time. You can change your registered devices if you like, but if you want more than two, you'll have to pay to upgrade to Sky Go Extra (see more on that below).
Register your device at the Sky Go website by signing in with your Sky ID username and password. If you're using a Sky Go app, do the same after downloading it to your device.
You can use Sky Go on a PC or Mac through the website, but not all browsers are supported. As Sky Go uses a web browser technology called Silverlight to play videos, it won't work on Google Chrome or the new Microsoft Edge browser. However, you can still use the service by switching to Internet Explorer, Firefox or Apple Safari (on Macs), which all support it. There is also a desktop app you can download - it works on both PC and Mac.
You can get the Sky Go app on your Apple smartphone and tablet, as long as it's running iOS 9.0 version or above (check your device's general settings for this). You can also get the app on Android smartphones and tablets running Android 4.4 and above (again, check your settings).
If you want to enjoy Sky Go directly on your TV, you can also get the service on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4 games consoles, but only if you're a Sky Go Extra subscriber.
What can I watch on Sky Go?
Your Sky TV online: Sky Go allows you to watch the TV channels and content from the Sky TV package you're signed up to. So, if you get Sky Atlantic as part of your package, then you can also enjoy it on Sky Go. Same goes if you're a Sky Sports or Sky Movies subscriber. Bear in mind that you’ll have to watch ads with the content, just as you do on TV.
Catch up TV: With Sky Go, you can catch-up on shows you've missed from a range of Sky channels, such as Sky 1 and Sky Living, along with Sky’s partner channels, including Fox, ITV, Demand 5, Watch, Dave, Alibi, and Discovery.
Watch live: In addition to catch-up, you can stream a range of channels live, including all the channels listed above, and more. Find out how you can do this below.
On-demand entertainment: Sky Go has a huge collection of on-demand programmes and films to enjoy, ranging from box sets of hit dramas to blockbuster films. Although, bear in mind that what you can access will depend on the TV package you're signed up to.
Can I download shows from Sky Go?
If you're a Sky Go Extra subscriber, you can download catch-up TV, box sets or films to your computer, tablet or smartphone to watch while offline. All content has a download button next to it, but whether you can actually download it will depend on your Sky TV subscription. You'll also need to have have a wi-fi internet connection to download as this feature doesn't work over 3G or 4G.
Sky Go Subscription Only
Sky Go tips and tricks
Multi-screen: As well as enabling you to enjoy Sky TV on the move, Sky Go is neat way to get multi-room entertainment in your home. If you have Sky on your main TV, you can have Sky Go set up on a laptop or tablet to avoid any arguments over who gets to watch what they want.
Live streaming: As mentioned above, you can also watch live TV channels on Sky Go. Head to the 'On Now' section, which has a useful TV guide covering a range of channels. You can browse what's being shown and if there's a 'watch now' button, then you can stream that programme live over the internet.
Sky Box Sets: We all love box sets and there's plenty to choose from on Sky Go, including hit dramas like Game of Thrones, The Affair, Broadchurch and The Blacklist. For long-running shows, there could be multiple series for you to binge to your heart's content.
Sky Go Extra: The free package of Sky Go only allows you to use two registered devices at any one time, but you can pay to increase that to four registered devices with Sky Go Extra. This premium package, which also enables you to download content to watch offline (see below), costs £5 a month, but Sky Multiscreen customers get it for free.
Sky Go tech tips: You'll need broadband internet of at least 2Mbps to stream Sky Go content, and ideally faster. Use our online speed checker to see if your connection can handle it. If you're using mobile data, be wary of maxing out you data allowance. If you're downloading and are fed up with the time it's taking, there's an option in the Sky Go Settings menu (preferences) to download at a lower resolution. The quality won't be as good, but it will download quicker to your device.
Can I use Sky Go while abroad?
No. Even if you're a Sky customer, you can't stream programmes on Sky Go while abroad. If you have Sky Go Extra, though, you can always download a selection of content before you go on holiday, and then watch it at your leisure.
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TV providers in Ireland
The main providers offering TV in Ireland are
- eir
- Sky
- Virgin Media
- Vodafone
Sky offer TV only deals - for eir, Virgin Media and Vodafone you need to sign up to a broadband package for one of their TV plans.
Ireland’s best TV providers
- eir TV There are two main eir TV packages: eir TV Plus comes with 63 channels, while eir TV Extra has 81. eir TV offers much of the same features and channels as Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone. The only real disadvantage of eir TV is that you can’t sign up to it as a standalone deal.
- Sky TV is one the most popular TV packages. With exclusive channels like Sky Atlantic, the Sky Q 1TB box as standard, and access to the Sky Go app. Sky Cinema, Sky Sports and Netflix can be added on to any sky TV package.
- Virgin TV is available as a bundle with broadband and home phone. The only real disadvantage of Virgin Media TV is that you can’t sign up to it as a standalone deal.
- Vodafone TV comes with over 80 channels where you can enjoy all of the Irish and UK channel favourites. The only real disadvantage of Vodafone TV is that you can’t sign up to it as a standalone deal.
Who provides sports channels?
eir, Sky, Virgin Media & Vodafone all offer sports packages.
- eir sport comes FREE with all eir broadband plans. You get eir sport 1&2 and their FreeSports Channel.
- Sky Sports can be added to any Sky TV plan for an additional monthly charge. Sky Sports comes with 8 sports channels, including Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Golf, and Sky Sports F1 and more. Existing Sky TV customers can also add Sports Extra for an additional monthly charge. Enjoy UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, Premier League games, Scottish FA Cup, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Rugby, plus more.
- Virgin Media Sport is standard for all Virgin Media TV customers. Their main TV plans also come with Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports News as standard, while Virgin Bigger TV also comes with Eurosport 1&2.
Who provides movie channels?
- eir TV - access to Film 4 and TCM as standard. You can also choose to add on Sky Cinema, for an additional monthly charge.
- Sky TV - B4U Movies and Movie 24 are included free of charge. Sky Cinema has 11 movie channels, and a new film premiere every day. Sky has hundreds of movies on demand, you can also buy and keep movies from the Sky Store, which will then be added to your Sky Q box. Or opt for the Sky Signature with Sky Cinema plan, which has dedicated Sky Cinema channels included.
- Virgin Media TV - access to Virgin Movies & Box Sets as standard. You can also add on Sky Cinema for an additional monthly cost.
- Vodafone TV - access to Film 4 as standard. You can also choose to add on Sky Cinema, for an additional monthly charge.
What TV boxes are available?
Each provider has its own TV box, which you use to navigate through their TV services.
- eir TV has 7 day catch up on select channels, allowing you to restart, replay & record so you don’t need to miss a thing.
- Sky Q box allows you to pause, rewind and record and the 1TB - which comes as standard on all TV plans - allows you to store up to 500 hours of TV.
- Virgin TV 360 box has pause, rewind and record functionality, and you can store hundreds of hours of TV. You can also access Virgin Replay TV and built in apps, such as Netflix.
- Vodafone TV box allows you to pause, rewind and record and you can store up to 300 hours of SD TV. You can also access Restart TV and 7-day catch up, as well as Netflix.
How do I choose a TV package? What should I think about?
When you’re comparing tv deals, think about:
- Your budget
- If you want multi-room
- If you want to bundle your TV with broadband and/phone, or a standalone plan.
- What channels you want - not all providers offer the same channels with their plans.
- Add-ons - like Sky Cinema, Sky Sports, or additional HD channels, these will more than likely mean an increase in your monthly cost.
What additional TV services can I get?
There are lots of optional extras depending on your provider and what you’re interested in,e.g.:
- An extra TV box, to give you the ability to watch TV in more than one room. Usually, you will have to pay for the extra box, and there’ll be an additional monthly subscription for multiroom viewing, too.
- HD channels and boxsets, to supplement the standard channels and content. Some providers offer this as standard, while with others there will be an additional monthly cost.
- The ability to stream online players - like RTE Player and Virgin Media Player, through your set-top box. Several providers have this option and there’s no extra charge.
- On-demand content, like movies and TV shows that you can order through your set-top box and pay a once-off fee for.
- Sports add-ons, like eir sport, Sky Sports, or Virgin Media Sports. If you go for an eir broadband plan, you will get eir sport pack for free, and Virgin Media TV customers get Virgin Media Sport as standard with their packages. Otherwise, you will have to pay a monthly subscription.
- A Sky Cinema add-on with 11 dedicated channels, a new premiere every day, and access to 1,000 movies on demand. There are some other movie channels available as standard from some providers, so make sure to compare these before choosing your deal.
Can I get broadband with my TV package?
If you need broadband in addition to your TV plan, think about bundling them up and getting them both from the same provider - this could save you money in the long-run. eir and Vodafone require you to sign up to broadband to get their tv packages.
TV & Broadband packages
Some providers only offer TV as part of a broadband and TV bundle. eir, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone all offer TV & broadband bundles.
Sky Go Subscription Only Can Take
TV, Broadband & Phone
Sky Go Subscription Only Can Go
If you use your home phone and want to keep it then eir, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone all offer triple play packages.