I got a hands-on preview of the EE TV app on Apple TV 4K and the EE TV Box Pro. EE has created its own bespoke remote to go alongside Apple’s latest-generation streamer , which you can see in the image above.
Meanwhile, the EE TV Box Pro is more of a traditional set-top box that allows you to pause and record up to 600 hours of live TV, on four different Freeview channels at the same time. There’s a third box, too, a Mini which is intended for a second (or third) TV.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Whichever you opt for, the all offer simple interfaces and layouts that aren’t chock-full of ads – an experience BT customers with YouView boxes will be familiar with. Watching live content is easy, with new tags that tell you when a TV show has just started, and and the number of minutes remaining on those about to end.
When you select a channel in the EE app on the Apple TV 4K, you’ll go straight to it rather than opening an app first, so there won’t be long delays as you may find on rival streaming devices. The guide will also automatically add-in shortcuts to channels that are favourites. I was also impressed to see shows and movies that were leaving services tagged as such. It’s good to be aware of how long you have left to watch something.
EE TV on Apple TV 4K
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Although it’s useful to be able to record live TV channels that are streamed over your broadband connection, EE reps confirmed that you won’t be able to fast-forward through adverts on certain channels, including ITV. You’ll still be able to do this if you record programmes over the air, though. EE also said it won’t be offering an ad-skipping add-on upon launch.
The EE TV Box Pro also supports 4K and HDR content. Unlike older BT YouView boxes, both EE TV boxes have Wi-Fi so you don’t need to use an Ethernet cable and, probably, powerline adapters, to connect to your router.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
There’s also a comprehensive search feature that works across live channels and streaming apps. For example, if you search ‘EastEnders’ then the guide will bring up all the latest episodes of the soap, and even quiz show episodes that are themed around the show. That’s not new, though: BT boxes have done this for years.
Whether you choose to go for an Apple TV 4K or the EE TV Box Pro (both of which are £30) , you’ll also get an additional Mini Box at no additional cost, which is great for rooms in your house with a second TV. This also supports 4K content, and the same streaming quality that is included in your main plan.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Sadly, there are no monthly-rolling options available like there are on Sky Stream and Virgin Stream . You can, however, upgrade or downgrade your plan each month, and add or remove a range of extras, including the different Now Memberships, Netflix, TNT Sports and more.
EE / BT
It’s also worth keeping in mind that content via Now is capped at 720p unless you have the Boost Membership, which grants you 1080p quality. At the time of writing, no 4K Memberships are offered on Now.
In addition, customers can bag six months of Apple TV+ for free when purchasing EE TV on Apple TV 4K, so you can stream critically acclaimed series such as Ted Lasso, Severance and The Morning Show at no additional cost.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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