BT/EE TV - Conflicting Information

[SportiveUK]

Hi,

I am yet another Sky customer at the end of a contract where the price is just not acceptable moving forward. I have done loads of research on BT/EE TV but I don't know what is accurate and what is not as I just see conflicting advice. I even went to the local BT/EE shop yesterday to gain clarification and yet again was told something different to what I have read (here and elsewhere).

I am completely aware it will not be the same experience as SkyQ and I am fine with that but there are some key questions that I don't believe I have answers to and I would very much appreciate confirmation either way from anyone that actually uses the service.

This is what I was advised yesterday in the BT/EE shop pertaining to Internet Mode (and categorically so):

• The BT/EE TV Box records onto the HDD, even though it pulls the programmes from relevant apps. Once the programme is on the HDD, it is just that - a recording - it won't disappear (so not tied into the when stuff disappears from the apps) so that we are free to play back whenever we like including skipping ads etc.
• You can have as many mini boxes as you like and you can definitely play back recordings from the main box on the mini boxes.
• You can watch one thing on the main box, one thing on a mini box and still record something else to the main box.
• All boxes have ethernet and can be connected anywhere via a wired network and you don't have to use a BT/EE SmartHub, albeit you need to have BT/EE broadband to have the BT/EE TV service.

I have one week left before the extortionate Sky charges kick in but if we go with BT/EE TV we need to know how it's going to work in practice and seemingly the shop doesn't have them connected up to be able to get a demo.

Many thanks

[Andy005]

Hi @SportiveUK 

If you were going to use IP mode whereby all channels are received via the internet (important to note that channel choice is very much restricted in IP mode), then if you record BBC channels it shows as a recording on the HDD but actually launches and plays back via iPlayer. If you record ITV channels then they are recorded on the HDD and play back as expected but you cannot skip ads.

If you connect in aerial mode then all recordings are stored on the HDD and playback as normal, including ITV channels and you can skip ads.

You cannot play back recordings on mini boxes from the main box for certain and I believe that you are limited to two mini boxes.

Yes to your third point.

Yes to your fourth point, I think you don't need to use the BT hub unless you're going to have DV but someone more knowledgeable than me will know.

What you were told in your first two points is totally incorrect.

[Kodikid]

Don't expect Sky playability on the EE pro box..it is simply a freeview pvr...the mini box is the same but doesn't record. Leave Sky and rejoin in your partners name for new customer offer 

[Andy005]

Also, there is no padding available on recordings so it is common with BT/EE TV to have recordings cut short. The offered 'solution' is to record the following programme but that doesn't always work, is a very poor solution and is only possible depending on what you have already planned to record.

Whilst Sky can be expensive, you get what you pay for. In my experience apps run faultlessly on my smart TV but they do not on BT/EE TV. 

[SportiveUK]

Thanks. I suspected this but the guy I spoke with yesterday was absolutely adamant when I questioned him that what he was telling me was correct!

[Andy005]

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@SportiveUKwrote:
Thanks. I suspected this but the guy I spoke with yesterday was absolutely adamant when I questioned him that what he was telling me was correct!

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It's not uncommon for their shops to say anything in order to get a sale judging by posts here and over on the EE Community. You have to check everything yourself these days, there's seemingly no standards anymore, and it's not just BT/EE.

[Brucemeister5]

Mini boxes do not record and you cannot watch recordings from your main box on them 100%.

If you are with BT broadband the mini box is £10 extra pm and is limited to one.If you are with EE broadband the first mini is at no extra cost and the second one is £10pm. You cannot have more than 2 mini boxes with EE.

EETV subscription channels are delivered via multicast. Some people have had success with third party routers, but that’s why it is recommended to use their Smart Hub.

If your box is set up in IP mode you are limited to 2 recordings simultaneously. If it is set up in aerial mode you can record a minimum of 4 aerial channels plus 2 additional internet channels simultaneously.

What you have already been told by @Andy005  about recording from BBC or ITV channels depending upon whether you are set up in IP or aerial mode is completely correct.

[ney]

@SportiveUK have you also looked at and though about getting the Now service direct from them.

That gives you most Sky channels and 2 or 3 extra plus UHD if you take the UHD boost. Plus you can always get discounts with Now direct.

You will get one or two less apps on the EETV pro box. Than you had with Sky Q.

I have an older BT Youview box and have moved that to my bedroom and only use that as a Freeview pvr now. Box is now starting to play up once in a while but I have had box since 2019. 

I use an Amazon Firestick for my apps now and have done for a few years now.