TalkTalk TalkTalk launches new pay-as-you-go TV store

TalkTalk has launched a new pay-as-you-go film and TV streaming service for customers to pay for a film, one TV episode, an entire series for a lower cost than charged by its competitors such as Amazon Prime, iTunes, Sky and BT. Five devices can be registered to one account, allowing viewers to watch on one device while streaming or downloading on a different one. However, a telecoms expert at Cable.co.uk said the TalkTalk TV Store needs to offer a unique selling point, other than cheaper rates.
Will TalkTalk's new film and TV streaming service stop its customers defecting to Amazon Prime and Sky?

TalkTalk's new film and TV streaming service claims to let you watch Game of Thrones episodes 'on the cheap'

TalkTalk has launched a new film and TV streaming service, which it hopes will discourage customers from switching to Amazon Prime, Netflix or Sky.

The new service, called TalkTalk TV Store, operates on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing viewers to pay for one episode or film at a time, or entire series in one go.

The service offers popular TV shows such as The Walking Dead or Suits , as well as films fresh from the cinema for around £3.45 a pop - which TalkTalk claims is Britain’s lowest price in comparison to Amazon Prime, iTunes, Sky and BT.

Although the TalkTalk TV Store is open to everyone, existing TalkTalk customers get the widest range of features, including the ability to rent or buy a show on their home TV then watch it on a mobile device.

Viewers will be able to register up to five devices to their account, and watch one film or programme on their TalkTalk TV while streaming or downloading another on a different device.

Image: Getty) Getty)

Existing TalkTalk customers can also access the new service using their TalkTalk login details, meaning they don't need to create another account or provide credit card details. At the end of the month, any purchases will be added directly to their monthly bill.

"It's all about choice and flexibility – you can opt for anything from Star Wars to Game of Thrones , only pay for what you watch, and switch easily between devices," said Aleks Habdank of TalkTalk TV.

"It puts you back in control, as you can enjoy all the shows and movies you love on your own terms."

A TalkTalk spokesperson told Mirror Online that, currently, only seasons 1-5 of Game of Thrones are available on TalkTalk TV Store. However, it hopes to add season 6, which is currently airing on Sky Atlantic, in the near future.

Episodes can be purchased for £1.89 in standard definition or £2.49 in high definition, and a full series costs £16.99 in SD or £22.99 in HD. By contrast, a Now TV Entertainment Pass costs £6.99 a month.

Whether or not TalkTalk's service works out cheaper really depends on how quickly you get through a series. But it's worth noting that, as well as Game of Thrones, the Now TV Entertainment Pass gives you unlimited access to 250 box sets, as well as 13 live channels.

Read more:Game of Thrones season 6 premiere sparks online piracy frenzy

The launch of TalkTalk TV Store comes after TalkTalk bought Blinkbox from Tesco in January 2015. The platform has since been updated to offer more than 7,000 of the latest films and TV shows.

TalkTalk said there will be no changes to the service for former Blinkbox customers, and personal digital libraries continue to remain the same.

However, Dan Howdle, telecoms expert at broadband, TV and mobile advice site Cable.co.uk , said the TalkTalk TV Store appears to be struggling to find a unique selling point.

"Netflix specialises in original high-quality programming while offering a decent range of generally older movies and TV shows. Conversely, Amazon Prime Instant Video does the opposite, specialising in newer movies to rent, buy or stream as part of the service, while dabbling in its own original content," said Howdle.

"Parting those waves is Sky's Now TV, which offers the most up-to-date subscription-inclusive movies and TV of the three, but does not offer one-off rentals or movies 'only just out'.

"When Tesco ran this service as Blinkbox, it struggled because it couldn't find a comfy spot between these heavyweight contenders. I'm not seeing anything here beyond the average rental coming in marginally cheaper. That won't be enough."

Users can register for the TalkTalk TV Store here .

Read more:Amazon steps up fight against Netflix with monthly subscription plans for Prime service