Overshadowed to a degree by the wealth of content available through cable, Satellite and Digital Terrestrial Television, the amount and quality of TV via the internet is growing rapidly.

It is worth making the distinction between 'Internet TV' and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television). IPTV is similar to 'Internet TV' and while both use IP (Internet Protocol) to deliver their services, there are some subtle differences.

Internet TV makes use of the global internet to deliver services while IPTV is delivered over a private managed network. An IPTV service such as BT Vision is contained within a closed system which allows greater control over content and quality.

So what does the internet offer in terms of TV viewing? Well there is everything from individual programmes through to live streaming of actual channels. While all you need to access these type of services is a PC or Mac with a broadband connection, for many of us, the aim is to get content on our TV screen. One option is to use a digital media adapter to stream video over a home network to the TV. However, sources such as the BBC's iPlayer and Sky's Anytime prevent this with copy protection.

A simple solution is to buy a cheap PC to sit alongside your TV and make the connection using the video card's DVI, S-video or composite input or via a VGA. A wireless keyboard with built-in mouse stick or trackerball and you are ready to go.

In terms of choice, most of us will be familiar with the BBC's iPlayer, a catch-up service (for the previous seven days schedule) for most of the broadcaster numerous channels. Occasionally, due to contractual agreements, some programmes (such as Match of the Day) will not be available. A hugely popular service, since its launch on Christmas Day last year, some or all of the BBC's programmes have been watched 250 million times.

ITV provides a limited amount of streamed content through its web site, mostly a selection of soaps and reality shows available for thirty days after broadcast. Channel 4's on Demand 4oD service offers a much larger choice of catch-up shows for free along with content for purchase or rental.

Joost offers a huge catalogue of free programmes for streaming, divided into various 'channels'. These 'channels' are a combination of actual TV channels or content from a particular supplier. Zattoo is a useful web site for those of you looking to live stream (just a few seconds behind terrestrial broadcast) channels such as BBC Three and Four, Channel 4 and 5.

The interesting aspect of Vuze is the picture quality of the content on offer. The BitTorrent system it is based on provides a more technologically efficient download method. There are even some HD programmes available, although content is quite disorganized and difficult to find. Sky Anytime offers a selection of download-only 'hand picked' TV from the previous week's Sky schedule. Sky Anytime TV is made available at no extra charge for anyone that subscribes to Sky and has a Sky+HD box, or the most recent Sky+ box, with the relevant subscriptions.

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