Being in my early thirties, I remember a time when the only choice of viewing in our household was the four main terrestrial channels or a good old VHS that had to be rewound just enough to ensure you get to the start of the film, but not so far that you hit the beginning of the tape and had to endure the same four trailers for the tenth millionth time... It became a subtle art! Or, and this was a very special occasion, we would take a trip to Blockbusters to pick up the latest release.

Fast forward to twenty years (see what I did there?) and the world would never be the same again...

Netflix, originally founded in 1997 as a mail order DVD rental service, are attributed as being the driving force behind the streaming movement from 2010, although they weren't the first service available...

AMAZON PRIME

First released in the US as Amazon Unbox in 2006, the now household name, Amazon Prime, started its journey as an ever expanding and evolving video streaming service that as of January 2020 boasts over 105 million users worldwide. It wasn't until 2011, when Amazon acquired Love Film that it brought its streaming services to the UK and Ireland.

I think it's safe to say that Prime was very much playing second fiddle to its competitors until at least 2015 when the company started producing critically acclaimed shows such as Sneaky Pete, The Man in the High Castle and Mr Robot – From here on out, the general public started taking more stock in this late-bloomer of a brand.

Over the past few years, Amazon Prime has brought some truly incredible shows to our screens with the likes of The Boys - A dark and witty take on the superhero genre. Good Omens starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen and created by the indomitable forces of fantasy writing, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Fleabag - Phoebe Waller Bridge's hilarious and wicked crowning glory, based on her 2013 one-woman stage show. The Grand Tour saw fan's of the infamous presenting trio of BBC's Top Gear return to their usual car-fuelled hijinks. And a surprising personal favourite of mine, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan with its title character being portrayed by the always excellent, John Krasinski, best known for his role as Jim in the American take on The Office.

With a full roster of original material, not to mention a whole host of new releases as well as classic content, most of which is a available in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos – Oh, and did I mention a access to a high-definition music streaming service (which we will cover another time) and a preferential delivery system on purchases made through Amazon. It's no surprise that this streaming service has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. Amazon Prime is available on smart TV, PC, Mac, iOS and Android.

DISNEY+

The newest and probably most anticipated edition to the streaming community is Disney+.

As the Magical Kingdom expands in to a formidable Media Empire with its acquisitions of Marvel, the Star Wars Universe and most recently - Fox Entertainment, it's no surprise that people have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Star Wars - The Mandalorian - courtesy of Disney+

He is bloody cute though! Star Wars - The Mandalorian - Courtesy of Disney+

The service, currently priced at £5.99 per month, or an annual subscription of £59.99 (Prices correct at the time of writing), is streaming all previous releases from Disney's current back-catalogue including Pixar, National Geographic plus its other properties mentioned earlier. The service has already started to dazzle its customers with new content with shows such as Star Wars - The Mandalorian. You only have to be on the internet for 30 seconds before you see a picture of Baby Yoda...

So if you’re a subscriber of other streaming platforms, expect to see fewer Disney releases as they'll be making new residence over at Disney+. But at a fairly competitive price point, 4K HD Ultra & Dolby Atmos ready, AND playback available on Android & iOS, I think it’s safe to say that this will become a quick family favourite... As a huge Marvel nerd, I might just go register myself!

NOW TV

Some of you out there might question the validity of Now TV's streaming service status due to the fact that it is merely a subsidiary of the Sky Group. Well to those naysayers I say, “Nay”! Founded in 2012, Now TV was widely accepted as a successful alternative to Netflix, probably because if you're anything like me and you don't want to be locked in to a lengthy contract on Sky but be able to gain access to some top quality shows and films, then it works pretty well!

Unlike the other services on this list, Now TV technically doesn't make its own content as it drip-feeds through from Sky TV, HBO, AMC, MTV and Comedy Central to name but a few.

For many people, Now TV (or Sky) is the only way to access favourite shows such as AMC's The Walking Dead, which is now set to conclude its 10th series with season 11 due next year... (I think I gave up half way through season 8...)

It’s sad to say goodbye… Modern Family - courtesy of abc

On reflection, I think one of my all time favourite shows to grace Now TV would have to be ABC's hilarious sitcom, Modern Family, which is soon to comes to its end after 11 hilarious years of relatable comedy… I may have just binged the last 10 season in two weeks… *looks awkwardly around the room*

Although Now TV is available on iOS, Android, through games consoles and the Smart Stick on HD, should you want the 4K Ultra HD experience, you need to purchase the additional Smart Box.

APPLE TV+

Being the brainchild of of the tech giant Apple and having only debuted in November 2019, I find it personally surprising to find that this is probably the least coveted subscription package on this list.

Apple TV+ and its original content is available through Apple's website as well as their own TV app, which as of last year expanded its availability to compatible smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices, with further plans to expand availability again in the near future.

Now as I mentioned before, Apple TV+ is yet to find its foothold in the market, which is unexpected given the acting calibre that graces their original material – Take The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon for example, not to mention the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie in The Banker. Perhaps it's just early days for Apple and they'll find their niche. Let’s just say that they are one to watch.

NETFLIX

As the only streaming service on this list to have spawned a popular colloquial saying for promiscuous relationships among millennials, I think it's safe to say it needs no further introduction...

With over 167 million subscribers worldwide, a wide range of your favourite films & series and arguably some of the best and most critically acclaimed originally produced content available, Netflix is a solid choice for anyone looking for the best subscription offer for them.

With an ever-growing selection of 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos enabled programming, iOS & Android playback, and access through most games consoles and smart TVs and subscriptions starting from £5.99 a month, it's not really surprising that it's considered to be one of the most popular choices from this list.

Blockbuster Store - Square.jpg — A little known fact…

In 2000, Netflix approached Blockbuster and offered them a partnership that would see Netflix rebranded as Blockbuster.com and deal with the online side of the once proud rental giant. This $50m dollar was declined, and today the company has a net value of $20 billion... I bet someone is kicking themselves over that decision!

Stranger things - season 3 - courtesy of netflix

If there was one show that I would use as a reason to subscribe to Netflix, we would have to travel back to the 1980s to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana... Stranger Things, a Netflix original science fiction/horror, is by far one of the best shows to grace the screen in the past 10 years. Created and directed by the Duffer Brothers, it is a perfect homage to the likes of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King and John Carpenter. The production values are faultless. With authentic props and a soundtrack that teleports you back 40 years. Accompany this with a solid cast of exceptionally talented child actors, some now famous names such as David Harbour, plus a career revving performance from veteran child star, Winona Ryder – I urge you, if you haven't already watched this show, go binge it right now!

So there we have it. Which of these services do you use? Are there any we've missed that are worth checking out? Leave your comments below or contact us directly.

Should you want to upgrade your home cinema system and get the most out of your streaming service; whether it be a new TV, a projector, a soundbar or a 5.1 surround sound system, be sure to get in touch with us -

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

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