Sagemcom BT/EE TV Box Pro

[Owen Smith]

I was switched from Plusnet to ee because I wanted to keep my landline. We don’t make calls on the landline but need it for elderly people who do phone us. ee provided a new router (Smart Hub 6 Plus) with voip. I plugged my old Panasonic base station cordless into the router and the cordless phones work perfectly.

My parents were faced with that option but the increase in price to switch from Plusnet to EE was large and the monthly cost of the digital voice line on EE was extortionate I thought. Instead we just let Plusnet change their broadband to SOGEA and then I ported the phone number to Andrews and Arnold for use as a VOIP line. My parents cordless phones were already Gigaset SL450A which I knew from my use of the same model work fine as ethernet connected VOIP phones on Andrews and Arnold. The A&A phone bill for my parents (which is actually part of my A&A broadband bill) is about £3 per month which they're absolutely fine with paying me for.

 

[trog]

And it will get far worse when they have a captive audience - Oh, hello Freely with no recording, but you can pay to go advert free - to multiple providers - mmn, think of all that revenue!

"According to a post on Google’s official blog, the company is preparing to roll out a format known as VRC Non-Skip, designed to expand advertising opportunities for marketers targeting viewers who increasingly watch YouTube through smart TV devices.
Google said its artificial intelligence systems will help organise advertisements into three formats: six-second bumper ads, standard 15-second ads and 30-second non-skippable advertisements created specifically for internet-connected televisions. The company said the structure is intended to ensure viewers can better understand the advertising messages presented during videos.
The change comes as viewing on television screens continues to grow rapidly, making smart TVs one of the most valuable platforms for advertisers seeking longer engagement from audiences."

 

[EEPhil]

the company is preparing to roll out a format known as VRC Non-Skip, designed to expand advertising opportunities for marketers targeting viewers who increasingly watch YouTube through smart TV devices.

That could break yt-dl/yt-dlp as well.

 

[woodbar]

Thanks though I am not really sure if that was a yes or no to my question . How about if I ask whether the EE TV Box Pro you had was capable of recording any channels that both could receive but your Aura could not record ?. I am tending to be with BH on this and think it is highly unlikely but it is good to know for sure.

Well, when I was on contract I know I recorded several things in the guide from Sky Atlantic and other channels including a few HD films not on Freeview so I assume they were streamed.

I have not really used the Aura much for a very long time as it is so unreliable so I can't really answer that.

I can only reiterate - If you only connect the box to internet you can Only record 2 simultaneous programs - If you connect the box to internet AND an aerial you can record up to 4 simultaneous programs. I have mine connected to both aerial and internet and IF I can actually view the current program being broadcast/streamed from the Guide listing on a channel then I can schedule a recording for any future item in the program Guide on the same channel - bearing in mind that I do not have a BT contract now. I often record three simultaneous or overlapping programs at the same time and I am pretty sure, from memory, that I have had 4 going simultaneously and it worked! You obviously cannot record ANY catch-up service such as iPlayer or ITV X etc.

Not really sure if that exactly answers your question but I was trying to explain what I have found to be the case and hoping it was helpful?

Some thoughts on my initial encounters with the Aura EZ Freely box attached....

I had a good read of your review but it was NOT good reading! I don't think they could have left off more functions and UI integration, that is taken for granted on most other boxes, if they had tried - a dismal effort!

Does anyone happen to know how BT/EE boxes do their trick of allowing you to record streaming channels (specifically TNT Sports)? It appears to be a seamless integration so it is possible to record streaming channels if you put your mind to it.

No I don't, but I think the reviews in cordbusters and elsewhere mentioned that it was an unusual feature to actually allow the recording of streamed channels.

 

[Black Hole]

Interesting.

 

[trog]

Well, when I was on contract I know I recorded several things in the guide from Sky Atlantic and other channels including a few HD films not on Freeview so I assume they were streamed.

I have not really used the Aura much for a very long time as it is so unreliable so I can't really answer that.

I can only reiterate - If you only connect the box to internet you can Only record 2 simultaneous programs - If you connect the box to internet AND an aerial you can record up to 4 simultaneous programs. I have mine connected to both aerial and internet and IF I can actually view the current program being broadcast/streamed from the Guide listing on a channel then I can schedule a recording for any future item in the program Guide on the same channel - bearing in mind that I do not have a BT contract now. I often record three simultaneous or overlapping programs at the same time and I am pretty sure, from memory, that I have had 4 going simultaneously and it worked! You obviously cannot record ANY catch-up service such as iPlayer or ITV X etc.

Not really sure if that exactly answers your question but I was trying to explain what I have found to be the case and hoping it was helpful?


I had a good read of your review but it was NOT good reading! I don't think they could have left off more functions and UI integration, that is taken for granted on most other boxes, if they had tried - a dismal effort!


No I don't, but I think the reviews in cordbusters and elsewhere mentioned that it was an unusual feature to actually allow the recording of streamed channels.

Yes thanks, I wonder if it was allowed to be recordable as you were paying a contract fee much like you can pay extra to go ad free with some services.

 

[Steppy]

Yes thanks, I wonder if it was allowed to be recordable as you were paying a contract fee much like you can pay extra to go ad free with some services.

Hopefully you do not mind me giving my experience, but I would say that was the case as I did some experiments with my box yesterday which I purchased after recommendation from @woodbar

Using the App, which is excellent by the way and head and shoulders better than the Aura's, I set a couple of programs which I knew were subscription channels just to see what happened. The App let me schedule them and put them into the 'History' tab where they sit until they are picked up by the box, but when I checked the App later I got a notification to say there was an error with my recording. The programs were actually set, but when I tried to play them I got a message to say I did not have a valid EE TV subscription, but could purchase one to view.

I had three normal Freeview channels set last night that overlapped each other and they all recorded perfectly.

From my experience so far and for the price it is a very solid box with a very intuitive interface.

 

[trog]

Hopefully you do not mind me giving my experience, but I would say that was the case as I did some experiments with my box yesterday which I purchased after recommendation from @woodbar

Using the App, which is excellent by the way and head and shoulders better than the Aura's, I set a couple of programs which I knew were subscription channels just to see what happened. The App let me schedule them and put them into the 'History' tab where they sit until they are picked up by the box, but when I checked the App later I got a notification to say there was an error with my recording. The programs were actually set, but when I tried to play them I got a message to say I did not have a valid EE TV subscription, but could purchase one to view.

I had three normal Freeview channels set last night that overlapped each other and they all recorded perfectly.

From my experience so far and for the price it is a very solid box with a very intuitive interface.

Thanks. Have you noticed if there are any non Freeview channels that you can view without the EE subscription apart from the usual catch up channels.

 

[Steppy]

Thanks. Have you noticed if there are any non Freeview channels that you can view without the EE subscription apart from the usual catch up channels.

Just done it now and although all the available channels are listed in the guide, when you select them it states it is not part of your TV package, press OK for more information.

 

[trog]

Just done it now and although all the available channels are listed in the guide, when you select them it states it is not part of your TV package, press OK for more information.

Thanks Steppy, it certainly seems that once again it is a case of no money no honey rather than a neat little hack to record free streams.

 

[woodbar]

Thanks Steppy, it certainly seems that once again it is a case of no money no honey rather than a neat little hack to record free streams.

That's why I said, twice I think, in my posts - If you can view any channel in the guide listing (and I meant view, just not select) then you can set anything from that channel to record.

Obviously, IF it is a subscription channel which you don't have in your package then you cannot view or record.

 

[woodbar]

Hopefully you do not mind me giving my experience, but I would say that was the case as I did some experiments with my box yesterday which I purchased after recommendation from @woodbar

Using the App, which is excellent by the way and head and shoulders better than the Aura's, I set a couple of programs which I knew were subscription channels just to see what happened. The App let me schedule them and put them into the 'History' tab where they sit until they are picked up by the box, but when I checked the App later I got a notification to say there was an error with my recording. The programs were actually set, but when I tried to play them I got a message to say I did not have a valid EE TV subscription, but could purchase one to view.

I had three normal Freeview channels set last night that overlapped each other and they all recorded perfectly.

From my experience so far and for the price it is a very solid box with a very intuitive interface.

Glad you like it Has it done an update?

 

[Steppy]

Glad you like it Has it done an update?

Not that I have noticed, has yours and if so has much changed? It did an update when I first installed it.

I changed the deep sleep settings for now to only be on for a few hours first thing in the morning as that is when we use it most as I didn’t like having the HDD spinning throughout the day when it wasn’t being used. Looking through posts on various EE help pages they state the drive is designed to be left on 24/7 it just seems a bit alien as all the Humax recorders I have had shut down their drives when in normal standby. I will probably change when I go away to make remote scheduling easier.

 

[trog]

That's why I said, twice I think, in my posts - If you can view any channel in the guide listing (and I meant view, just not select) then you can set anything from that channel to record.

Obviously, IF it is a subscription channel which you don't have in your package then you cannot view or record.

And if the guide listing is only showing what is available on any Freeview recorder for recording plus unrecordable catch up channels it is doing nothing more than an Aura unless you buy a contract which is what I was trying to ascertain. Your posts did not clearly state what exactly was in the guide listing or whether there were additional channels that were not available on Freeview that were recordable without needing a contract hence my questions to Steppy.

 

[woodbar]

Not that I have noticed, has yours and if so has much changed? It did an update when I first installed it.

I changed the deep sleep settings for now to only be on for a few hours first thing in the morning as that is when we use it most as I didn’t like having the HDD spinning throughout the day when it wasn’t being used. Looking through posts on various EE help pages they state the drive is designed to be left on 24/7 it just seems a bit alien as all the Humax recorders I have had shut down their drives when in normal standby. I will probably change when I go away to make remote scheduling easier.

Mine definitely did 2 updates but that maybe because mine had an earlier production date. Did you get an EE box or a BT one as presumably EE version would have a later build?

Can't say I have noticed the drive spins all the time, but I will look at the power saving options for standby - we only really use the box in the evenings.

 

[Steppy]

Mine definitely did 2 updates but that maybe because mine had an earlier production date. Did you get an EE box or a BT one as presumably EE version would have a later build?

Can't say I have noticed the drive spins all the time, but I will look at the power saving options for standby - we only really use the box in the evenings.

I bought the later EE box as it matched our router even though that’s in a cupboard

Ours is on ‘energy saver’ mode which defaults going to deep standby at I think 1am to 5am, but I have it from 7am to 10am, otherwise the drive spins all the other hours throughout the day. Great for instant ‘on’ and remote scheduling, but a bit unnecessary when the box is only used for viewing a few hours in the morning.

 

[woodbar]

I bought the later EE box as it matched our router even though that’s in a cupboard

Ours is on ‘energy saver’ mode which defaults going to deep standby at I think 1am to 5am, but I have it from 7am to 10am, otherwise the drive spins all the other hours throughout the day. Great for instant ‘on’ and remote scheduling, but a bit unnecessary when the box is only used for viewing a few hours in the morning.

Yes, I remember now, sorry - senior moment!

I will definitely alter my standby - probably 1:00am to 5:00pm if that is possible - might save a few pennies on the forthcoming energy costs

 

[woodbar]

And if the guide listing is only showing what is available on any Freeview recorder for recording plus unrecordable catch up channels it is doing nothing more than an Aura unless you buy a contract which is what I was trying to ascertain. Your posts did not clearly state what exactly was in the guide listing or whether there were additional channels that were not available on Freeview that were recordable without needing a contract hence my questions to Steppy.

No, I have not compared what channels are available between the 2 boxes and to be honest I don't generally look as there seem to page upon page of rubbish.

The original point I was making is that the BT/EE box will manage up to 4 simultaneous recordings which by inference in the specification comprises 2 via internet plus 2 via terrestrial. Obviously it does not have or know anything about the imposed Freely style "No Recording" imposition.

I understand also that the fact it will actually record streamed channels, that you have the necessary permissions to watch, is unusual or even unique? That was just an aside based on a couple of sensible reviews I mentioned.

As per any other type of STB - if you cant view it then you certainly cannot record it.

 

[trog]

The listing may be a little bit out of date so do not shoot me if this is not all correct now. It seems the EE box will record 4 Freeview channels and not just 2 + 2 internet and If I am reading it correctly internet BBC recordings are played from i.player and include its limitations.
There are channels that I assume do not require a contract and can be recorded that are exclusive to internet streaming including ...........................................

5Action HD
5Select HD	56
5Star HD	32
5USA HD	21

.................................... But sadly there are also several Freeview channels that are not available at all to stream including Film4 and Film4+1 ( After seeing all those 5 HD channels for a moment I hoped to see a Film4 HD and that would have tempted me to buy).
I can see why it appeals to some people but as it offers nothing much to me that my Aura is not doing ( I am lucky to have an Aura with only infrequent minimal issues) I will be keeping my cash for now.

Aerial and Internet Modes on EE TV | TV and Sport Help | EE

With EE TV Box Pro you can watch your favourite channels in two ways – over the internet or using aerial mode. Learn more and chose the best option for you.

ee.co.uk

Edit ..... This explains The BBC i.player oddness https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/ee-tv-bbc-shakeup-recordings/

 

[woodbar]

I have had another read of both those sources you quote and I confess the EE one is not really fully explanatory and partially misleading.

I have used an EE TV Box Pro for 2 years under contract ending Nov 2025 - I have used the BT version for with no contract for a couple of months - Both have always been in Internet + Aerial mode.

When I select several simultaneous recordings, normally at least 1 or 2 of them will be a BBC channel, they have ALWAYS been the terrestrial broadcast - including the sometimes late start and overrun - NONE have ever switched to iPlayer to view. So, whilst the corbusters article is accurate in one respect - it only applies if you use the box in internet mode ONLY and does not apply if you have plugged in an aerial - YET

The EE modes pages, don't forget, apply to boxes which have a current contract - they are not going to help anyone using box without a contract! I note that the 5****HD availability is listed under Internet mode - if you select aerial mode they are still there but different channel numbers and NOT HD, which obviously applies to the "dual" use mode as well as I don't get the HD versions shown on my listing.

I wonder what the box would do if you disconnect the ethernet/WiFi and just have an aerial plugged in - I might give it a try next time I am crawling around the floor behind the TV - not often as I am waiting for a hip replacement at the moment!

I can only reaffirm one of my original posts on the subject - the EE/BT TV Box Pro without a subscription covers my current needs almost completely at the moment. It allows me to record BBC One, Two, Three, Four, ITV 1, Ch4, and CH5 all in HD and allows me to skip adverts on those recordings, including the BBC ones! It streams, no recording, my subscription channels, Netflix (HD no ads), Prime HD (some shortish ads or they want MORE money!) and presumably any others you may want to subscribe to.

It NEVER jumps into iPlayer unless I specifically request it by selecting it from the home page, choosing a previously aired recording from the guide or choosing "Restart" from the bottom of the screen if you select a currently airing program that is partway through - very handy!

So maybe I was wrong, based on the manual and specification from EE that 2 of the four recordings would be from the internet connection. Seems counter intuitive to say you can only have 4 recordings IF you have BOTH types of signal feed connected BUT they all come form the aerial?

I think I need to go and lay down