NowTV on demand

[widdowsonben]

Hi guys

i was an original BT Vision user then onwards to youview but left some years ago to join sky. We’re thinking of coming back but I have a quick question I’m wondering if any f1 fans can answer.

I’m debating between the Apple TV 4K box or the Box Pro. Obviously the ATV can’t record but I’m wondering does anyone know how long it normally takes Sky to add F1 races and qualifying to the on demand section? It’s not highlights I’m after but the full race replays.

thanks in advance.

[Midnight_Voice · Accepted solution]

@widdowsonben 

Bloody ages, and even then it’s very hit and miss. And Channel Four have an agreement for broadcasting after the live race that locks Sky out of on demand replays for hours, if not days.

Using a Pro box to record F1, so if you can’t watch it live you can do your own On Demand scheduling, so to speak, exactly when you want to and not just when the broadcasters want to let you, is a USP, and I would say the USP, of the Pro box.

[widdowsonben]

Thank you mate. I’ve had a Box Pro before when it operated under the BT brand so know what I’m dealing with. The Sky Stream planner is very hit and miss but at least you can generally watch when you want. I guess it’ll be a Box Pro if we do join. It’s really annoying as the ATV is probably the future. 

[Midnight_Voice]

@widdowsonben 

I agree, but it seems to me that EE TV on the ATV is just a virtual Mini Box, and perhaps not even quite that, (unless somebody knows better?) and all of the rest of the goodness of the ATV is available if you just buy a retail one.

On Demand F1 from Sky itself may be better than On Demand F1 on Now (I don’t have Sky so I don’t know) but what BT/EE are offering, if you can’t record live F1, is only what Now provide, and the hit and miss catchup on Now was the subject of much woe on the now defunct Now Community, not just about F1, but about all sport in general.

[DarrenDev]

EE TV on Apple TV is better than the TV Box Mini - you have access to any app you want to install, and can also rewind most channels up to an hour before you started watching them.

[widdowsonben]

I think it’s more is it better than the Pro. Technically I guess it’s far superior but I just wish Now/EE support cloud recording or playlisting like Sky Stream. 

[DarrenDev]

I was referring to @Midnight_Voice 's comment that the Apple TV is "just a virtual Mini Box".

I resisted Apple TV for a very long time - I liked being able to record, and didn't want a box that couldn't.

In order to best assist customers who needed help with Apple TV, I took delivery of one at home.  I used it, and immediately decided I didn't need recording anymore - I've not used my TV Box Pro in over 3 months, and use my Apple TV for everything.  The only thing I miss is that I now have to watch the adverts on STV and Channel 4, where I could previously skip them on my recordings.