Use channel app versus same EE channel

[snes]

I'm presently seeing out my SkyQ subscription and am exploring what life will be like as a cord cutter.

To that end I have purchased an "illegal" EE TV pro box and am using it as a Freeview device. While not as polished as the Sky product, I am liking the box very much so will continue along this path. When my Sky sub ends, I will have to decide whether to continue using the box as a Freeview box with apps or sign up with EE TV for the BB/TV service.

I find the EE sports package quite appealing and good value, but my main viewing would be Eurosport and Discovery car programmes, both of which come with this package. But I am reluctant as a potential cord cutter to sign up for another 2 year TV contract so am considering simply signing up direct to the Discovery+ app which is built into the box and viewing on that basis.

But what differences would I notice? Would both options have ads? Would both options be launched via the TV guide? Would the app be streaming only or could I record onto the box? Any guidance on here would be gratefully received, and I  mean no disrespect to EE TV by posting on here as I think they are offering a solid product.

Oh, and just in case somebody asks, I am a current BT BB customer!

[Profile closed]

@snes 

All discovery+ subscriptions include ads sadly.

If you go for a direct subscription then you can only use the app, subscribing via EE to an EE TV package that includes TNT Sport (Sport, Big Sports or Full Works), gives you app access and via the TV Guide.

It depends what you want to achieve really?

True cord cutting means zero contracts and full flexibility, but if you like the kit,  would take the broadband anyway and can agree a deal that you are happy with, there are advantages such as the TV guide access and ability to record.

[zulu17]

@snesyou say

"I find the EE sports package quite appealing and good value, but my main viewing would be Eurosport and Discovery car programmes, both of which come with this package."

You don't specifically mention any TNT Sports programmes.

Discovery+ (UK) I believe has three levels of plans in the UK , Basic,Standard,Premium. EE include access to Discovery+ Basic with their Entertainment/Big Entertainment and Premium with their Sport/Big Sport/Full Works TV Packs.

Do you actually need/want their  (discovery+) Premium Plan or will the Standard Plan suffice for your viewing  needs ?

[Midnight_Voice · Accepted solution]

@snes  

At the moment, if you range above 300 on the EPG, you will see ranges of channels that you can’t access. If you subscribe to EETV, then whichever of those channels are covered by the subscription you take will be both watchable and recordable.

If you don’t subscribe to EETV, then access to the apps will be according to whatever direct subscription(s) you take, but it won’t allow you access to the relevant channels in the EPG.

As you have probably found, you can record most Freeview channels, the ones you can access in the EPG, to your heart’s content. But if (say) you subscribe to Now Entertainment direct, then on the Box Pro you can only watch those channels in the Now app, and you can’t record them; and other Now channels, Soort and Cinema say, will require further subscriptions.

As indeed they do within EETV, but there it unlocks the corresponding Now live channels in the EPG, to watch and record.

As you have bought this ‘illegal’ box, I suggest that if you do decide to sign up to EETV, you request an EETV Apple TV box. This will come with a free Box Mini, thereby bringing you Multiroom,  and if you use your Box Pro instead of that, it will gain the full functionality as it it was a Box Pro supplied by EETV, live channels in the EPG, which you can record if you want to, the lot.

[Chris_B]

@snes   Totally agree with @Midnight_Voice  on the Apple TV from EE.  

[snes]

I think I need the premium Discovery as I want to watch the cycling on Eurosport and the current programmes shown on Discovery (mainly car related).

Could you advise further on this please? Thanks for your response!

[snes]

I see that you have taken the path that I am contemplating, so your helpful advice is extra appreciated! I don't fully understand your advice re the Apple box - my bad at understanding, in spite of your careful explaining - could you elaborate please? I am a great fan of the Apple box, I have heard so many good things about it!

On a slightly different theme, I note that EE TV are offering the Sport package at £15 instead of the usual £20 as I am a BT customer. Are these sort of offers usual, or does one have to phone up and haggle a la Sky?

Again, thank you to all the kind people who have taken the time to reply!

[Profile closed]

@snes The information you need about different options is here.

You don’t need Premium for access to Eurosport currently, it is available on Standard.

There is an expectation based on things said by the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery that Eurosport will close at some point and all content move into TNT Sports, but there is no actual confirmation of this currently.

[snes]

Sorry, I was confusing basic with standard! Indeed, standard is all I need. From what you have reported, a standalone Discovery app subscription may in the future lose me Eurosport - making the EE option, with TNT built in, a bit more future proof. Thanks for the heads up!

[snes]

Forgot to mention, my wife is a great Premier League fan, so the TNT package would be a bonus for her.