BT TV has officially rebranded as EE TV, and alongside the launch EE has released two new boxes for customers who sign up for the TV and broadband packages.

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. 

Like the one included with Apple TV, this remote has a built-in mic for Siri, as well as volume and power controls, which aren’t always included on the remotes of all streaming sticks and boxes. There is also a dedicated guide button to see what’s on and when – because you can watch live TV via the app – and of course, there is no such button on the original Apple TV remote. You don’t need to own an Apple TV 4K already: EE will send you one with the remote when you sign up for a broadband and TV package.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Here are the packages available with EE TV on Apple TV 4K and EE TV Box Pro, all on 24-month contracts. However, keep in mind that you will need to be either an EE or BT broadband customer to sign up:

Sport (£18 per month) All 4 TNT Sports channels, Discovery+ Premium, and Eurosport 1 and 2 Entertainment (£20 per month) Now Entertainment Membership, Netflix Basic plan, Discovery+ Basic and Discovery Channel Big Entertainment (£30 per month) Now Entertainment Membership, Now Cinema Membership, Netflix Basic plan, Discovery+ Basic and Discovery Channel Big Sport (£43 per month) Now Sports Membership, All 4 TNT Sports channels, Discovery+ Premium, and Eurosport 1 and 2 Full Works (£76 per month) Now Entertainment Membership, Now Cinema Membership, Now Sports Membership, Now Boost Membership, All 4 TNT Sports channels and TNT Sports Ultimate in up to 4K HDR, Netflix Standard plan, Discovery+ Premium, and Eurosport 1 & 2 

You can sign up on EE’s website.

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.  

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.

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