Watching Iplayer on TV

[Barmaid]

We both missed a programme we wanted to watch the other night. I can get it on my lappy through iplayer, but we would both like to watch it. Is there anyway I can link the lappy to the TV so we can watch it on the big screen rather than crouching round 10 inches?

[HowardKennitby]

What connections are on your laptop and your TV?

[Philtaz]

Anyone in the house got an xBox? BBC iPlayer now available via that, it's where I now watch mine.

[Philtaz]

Should've mentioned, so is 4OD.

[Barmaid]

Howard, I have no idea. The back of the tv is another world.

Phil - we have an xbox 360 (courtesy of number 1 step son who is not here atm). Could you give me some hints as to how I sort this, please?

[needawin]

The back of the tv is where dust and spiders hide.

[Philtaz]

Yep. Switch on the xBox, either via the button on the front or pressing the centre button on the controller.
Once on, change TV source, probably to HDMI (on the TV remote control).
When on the xBox dashboard (similar to a PC desktop), use the controller stick to move left and right through all the options, iPlayer will be present there somewhere.
Sorry if that was sort of 'idiots guide' stuff but I don't know what level of experience you have with the xBox.

Happy viewing!

[Philtaz]

You sorted, Barmaid?
Let me know if not and we'll get you fixed.

[Barmaid]

Phil, you are a god. Unfortunately, it appears we need an Xbox live account cos Iplayer didn't come up as one of the options (but then we are a pair of numptys when it comes to this stuff). To get an Xbox live account we need a hotmail account. So now I am setting up a hotmail account!!!! But so far so good.

[Philtaz]

Ok. Word of warning. You will have to pay for the account, usually £40 for the Gold service. Sometimes they give away free 48 hour passes with some of the games to try out the service, your stepson may have one handy.
Let me know if you meet a stumbling block.

[Barmaid]

We went for the free account (not the "gold one" - just kept clicking on "no thanks"). And BBC Iplayer we downloaded for free. The programme is just started now. I'd like to say a big thank you to those who tried to help but a MASSIVE thank you to Phil who has helped us solve this. x

[Philtaz]

No probs, that's what we're here for.

Glad you're sorted.

[Mick-Talbot]

Has your laptop got an HDMI port ?

[Mick-Talbot]

Too late .....

[Barmaid]

Thanks Mick - I have no idea about an HDMI point.

I have discovered there is a downside to watching programmes on Iplayer. The OH has realised he doesn't need the tv controls (otherwise known as "my precious") and can do it through Kinect. He's been waving his hand about and giggling like a loon for the last 15 minutes.

And now he has found about 56 episodes of Top Gear...............

[Barmaid]

He keeps saying "like it".

i think that is good in his world.

[Philtaz]

Oh dear, what have I started? LOL.

Sorry to scare you with the 40 quid post earlier, that's for gaming etc, forgot about the free option 'cos I always get the Gold subscription.

[DaisyNonna]

Missed Lewis as TV said the signal was too weak. Devastated. Is there anywhere to find it on-line?

[Hopkirk]

If anyone else is in the same situation, you can get iPlayer through the Nintendo Wii aswell

[Philtaz]

FAO Daisynonna,

http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/

[sunny-dave]

But remember that iPlayer chews through the gigabytes - especially if you are watching in HD.

Keep an eye on your total monthly usage or you may get either a bigger bill or have your internet connection slugged down by your ISP.