This is very interesting and I have been doing some research since your post.
I have one question, can you receive the HD channels (BBC1 HD etc.) when connected via the aerial as reviews I have read so far suggest not, but are available when connected to Wi-Fi?
Lots on eBay at good prices and later EE boxes too. I understand that even if I got the cheaper BT box it will still update to the latest EE software, not sure if that is true or not. I thought it would be a cheap option for the bedroom…
Thanks.
I also did a lot of research and got some conflicting answers so in the end I thought I would take the plunge and find out for myself!
I bought the BT TV box Pro version simply because I thought it was nicer looking with the rounded ends, discrete power on indicator as well as the more visible recording LED. The EE version, which I had previously when I subscribed to BT TV, looks a pretty ugly black "brick" in my opinion and the weird power on indication just looks like a feint blue smudge if you are not directly in front of the unit! I am assured the internals are identical and not dependent on the suppliers badge!
I have always connected the boxes to ethernet and aerial at the same time, which I believe is covered in the initial setup, if you plug the aerial in before you start, as this enables the availability of up to 4 simultaneous recordings. If you choose not to connect the aerial it only gives you a reduced list of programs in the guide as well as only two simultaneous record capabilities I believe, I have not actually tried that mode. You can subsequently change back to the other "twin" mode if you wish but I understand that involves a full factory reset which also formats the HDD so you lose any recordings In the full mode, with aerial, the Freeview Guide lists all the usual stuff including both SD and HD versions of the usual channels 1-5, 101-105, BBC4, BBC3 and all can be viewed and scheduled to record (including all the other mostly junk in the lists!).
The Home page displays all the same things you would get as a BT/EE subscriber but of course some of them will simply produce an error or log-in page which you just use the back button to get out of. All the usual streaming options for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, CH 4, CH 5, Prime and others are present and working completely as normal with the relevant sign-in/log-on of course. It certainly covers all my current needs of iPlayer, Netflix, Prime and recording/viewing terrestrial HD channels.
My unit has had at least two software updates, presumably to whatever the latest version happens to be! Of course I suppose there is no guarantee that sometime in the future BT/EE will think about reducing the functionality of boxes not linked to their service but hopefully they are too tied up in sorting out how the forthcoming compulsory adoption of Freely for TV viewing might change things (unfortunately, in my opinion) and how to adapt their set top boxes, with zero recording capabilities, to accommodate this. I just hate adverts!
The only possible hitch is IF you buy a previously used box where the owner had a Netflix account registered you might have difficulty in changing to your own account, if you have one. Luckily my purchase was actually brand new and had never been powered on it seems and it came with a spare remote (?) and it all worked fine for £85 so I thought it was a bargain.
Hope that helps?
Note: Sorry, off topic I know but it was answering a question!
humaxdirect.co.uk
One is more than enough for me and at least the router "brick" is in my upstairs "man cave", formerly my office, out of sight!
