Just joined for EE TV on Apple TV 4K

[michaelamherst]

I've just joined EE from Sky and G.network. I've long had an Apple TV 4K and love the idea of being able to do everything on that one device. A few questions:

- until our new EE fibre is installed and we've received the EE branded Apple TV 4K can I access any of the EPG or similar on the EETV app or not?

- I know that the UHD NOWTV boost is not available at present. Will it be? Any idea on additional cost?

- Also, I know that it is not currently possible to integrate EETV into the queued 'Up Next' in the Apple TV app. Is this a feature that might be available in future?

[Phil9000]

- I believe just the Discovery Channel and TNT Sports (depending on your subscription).

- No news and BT/EE have a policy of not announcing things prior to launch. This is a different approach to Sky and other telecoms providers. Sky do have a closer working relationship with EE as you can now subscribe to Sky Steam via EE etc (albeit with a slight commission fee) so it’s possible it will happen. EE TV is slower with updates as you might expect hence why Sky Stream is now retailed directly as an alternative. However, I quite like EE TV.

[Chris_B]

@michaelamherst   You not get EE TV on a none supplied Apple TV.  You can still use the EE Now TV, Netflix and Discovery subscription on it though.     And no it’ll not be added at a later date.  The EE Apple TV box is registered to receive EE TV this can not be added to a none EE Apple TV.  

[zulu17]

The EETV app is available to download on normal retail Apple TV boxes. 
See 

https://ee.co.uk/help/tv-sport/EETV-App-and-Web-player

The features and functionality that you get on the EETV app varies according to whether it is a large screen or mobile device. The app is really a supplementary service to an EE TV package. 
I believe until EE activate your tv package then you will not get anything on the EETV app on your retail Apple TV.

The EETV  on Apple TV product that  @michaelamherst  has ordered has features that will only function on a registered loaned Apple TV box supplied with a EETV subscription on the EE broadband line that the subscription is active on.

This is because  content providers require EETV to only offer their channels on hardware that is provided as part of the subscription (which also needs to be returned when the subscription ends).  Any attempt to use an Apple TV from any other source will reduce the  (EETV) app to only offering the same channels as the mobile apps.

[michaelamherst]

Thanks for your replies. We are getting the EE TV version of the Apple TV 4K with our package so that should be fine. 

However, a further question: with a current provider we use our own Linksys routers to create a mesh network as our home has dead patches otherwise. I understand we could use this router directly with EE full fibre but someone raised the question of whether EETV will work with this? Or can it only be used if taking WiFi from Ee’s smart hub?

[Midnight_Voice]

@michaelamherst 

EETV use Multicast to deliver the extended EPG, (just the EPG, all the apps use Unicast, and are not problematic) and do not support any third-party equipment on your intranet.

I’m not saying it can’t be done, but you would be on your own with getting it to work.

Start by disabling the Linksys devices, and ensuring that EETV is indeed delivering Multicast. Sort it out with EETV if not.

Then, as a minimum, turn on IGMP Snooping on the Linksys devices and re-enable them.

If everything still works, great. If not, you may need help from Linksys to get it working.

[michaelamherst]

Thanks so much @Midnight_Voice @that’s very helpful, and contrary to what EE said. Is there anyway of using the Linksys nodes to extend the EE hub network in that case? I’d like to avoid the extra £10 a month for EE’s extended WiFi when we already have a solution that works 

[Midnight_Voice]

@michaelamherst 

When an EE operative tells you something, get a name, a transcript, and a date and time, or as many of those things as you can manage.

Then if you are missold, you have some comeback.

But I think I said everything that there is to say about third party network equipment in my posting above.

You have a solution that works for you now, yes, but are you receiving any multicast? Almost certainly not.

As I said above, the LinkSys equipment may work without incident if you turn on its IGMP Snooping. Or it may not.

But at least try it.

If you have a problem with the multicast, see what LinkSys support have to say. They, or someone on their forums, may have been here before, and can help. Just don’t expect EETV to help. They have enough trouble getting their own kit to work, let alone anyone else’s 😛

[michaelamherst]

Thanks so much @Midnight_Voice for all your help. No we don't have multicast at the moment. I see elsewhere you mentioned this as being a problem with EE TV Mini boxes, but not the Apple TV 4k. We will only be using an Apple TV 4K from EE, or does even that EPG require multicast? Again, I hugely appreciate your help - thank you!

[Midnight_Voice · Accepted solution]

@michaelamherst 

There’s no multicast problem with the AppleTV; that device doesn’t use multicast, so you are OK there.

But you may also be sent a Box Mini for a second room, and that does use multicast; so any difficulties, and you may decide not to use it , or at least not to use its EPG.