Watching TV is no longer something you can only do at home. Whether you're eager to use one of the growing number of catch-up television services now available, or you want to catch a live TV event, there's a stack of smart ways to stream TV content to your smartphone, ensuring you'll never miss your favourite shows. Read on as we look at some of the shrewdest options for watching TV on your mobile, no matter where you might be.
BBC iPlayer for mobile makes pocket-sized viewing simple
If you're pocketing a Sony Ericsson, Nokia or Samsung smartphone, you can watch BBC programmes from the last seven days or stream Live TV from BBC iPlayer over Wi-Fi or 3G. Before you begin streaming TV via 3G, be sure to check your network contract, if you don't have a suitable data package you could get stung for a hefty bill - however, most networks now offer some great data offerings for as little as £5 a month, letting you enjoy limitless catch-ups at little extra cost. Some smartphones, such as Nokia's Nseries range and Sony Ericsson's Satio, allow you to download catch-up programs over Wi-Fi and save shows direct to your phone's built-in storage, giving you seven days to watch from anywhere - even abroad.
Elgato Eye TV turns your smartphone into a pocket telly
Eye TV is a clever piece of desktop kit that lets you stream Freeview programs from your PC or Mac to your smartphone. EyeTV3 software needs to be installed on your machine, and the computer also needs to have an integrated digital tuner or be equipped with a USB digital TV tuner add-on. It works over Wi-Fi, but Elgato has also recently introduced a web version that lets you watch over 3G too. It's simple to set up and easy to use, meaning you're free to enjoy telly on-the-go with little fuss.
Use Slingbox to throw television shows to your smartphone
SlingMedia's Slingbox connects to your television and enables you to stream live TV content from your television to Symbian, BlackBerry, Palm and Windows Mobile smartphones over Wi-Fi or 3G connections. Once installed the flexible SlingPlayer Mobile software also lets you access your home PVR to set recordings, fast-forward through shows and view program guides to plan viewing. Like the Elgato Eye TV option, it's simple to set up and a cinch to operate, leaving you plenty of time to swamp yourself in your favourite shows from anywhere, with no extra hassle.
Get a pocketful of live TV sports coverage
If you're on Vodafone, 3, Orange or T-Mobile, Sky Mobile TV is the best (and cheapest) way to watch the latest sporting events on your smartphone. £6 a month gives you access to eight channels including Sky Sports 1 and 2 and Sky News, which you can also watch over 3G or Wi-Fi. The advent of big-screen smartphones with displays out-stretching the 3-inch mark, means you're able to properly enjoy the fast-paced TV coverage on the move. Plus, there's no subscription required and you don't need to be a Sky customer to get in on the action.
Streaming live TV from your PlayStation 3
Play TV is a compact Freeview TV tuner that attaches to the PlayStation 3, where as well as letting you access TV channels, it can also be used to stream content remotely over the Internet, viewable by Sony Ericsson handsets (and PSP handheld console) at any Wi-Fi hotspot you choose.
Other tricks for watching terrestrial TV on your handset
SeeSaw is a new IPTV service, which brings catch-up services and archive series from the BBC, Channel 4 and Five, together in once place. Currently in beta form, you'll soon be able to watch catch-up shows via your smartphone's browser. Offering US content, such as Lost and 30 Rock, Sling.com offers a similar service, but the content you'll be able to watch depends on licensing. SeeSaw and Sling require your smartphone's web browser to support Flash video, so be sure to check your handset is compatible before hopping aboard the SeeSaw.
Check out some of the latest TV-compatible smartphones on show at CES 2010.
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