BBC viewers fuming over major change to some TV boxes – but there’s a weird trick to avoid it
BT and EE are set to withdraw the ability to record BBC content on their internet-enabled set-top boxes.
The removal, which occurs on 21 August, means viewers can only re-watch BBC content for 30 days after it was first broadcast.
Until this week, owners of BT and EE’s Pro Boxes could record BBC content and more, and it would be saved locally to the device.
This meant consumers could rewatch that content at any moment, without any time restrictions.
Under new limitations, however, consumers will be directed to the BBC iPlayer app where they can watch a replay of the show they are trying to record, according to Cord Busters.
Customers who are affected have been met with a message that reads: “As you’re watching EE TV in Internet Mode (without an aerial), the way you watch your BBC recordings will change.
“From 21st August, your BBC recordings will launch through the BBC iPlayer app.
“There’s no change to how you’ll record a programme, or where it will be stored.”
Content on BBC iPlayer is typically only available for 30 days after airing, however, the broadcaster is trying to increase this to 365 days or more for some shows.
If the programme has been removed from BBC iPlayer or the recording has expired, then it won’t be watchable.
It’s important to note that recordings currently stored on your BT or EE Pro box will remain watchable.
The change only impacts recordings made after Wednesday (21 August).
‘The way of the dodo’
Consumers have taken to forums to see whether the change comes hand-in-hand with an option to exit their contracts.
“This means a sizeable chunk of HD channels will no longer be recordable and, imho [in my humble opinion], devalues the EETV proposition considerably,” one customer wrote in an EE forum.
“Does it offer a charge reduction or the opportunity to exit the contract with EE?”
Another customer, this time on a BT community page, added: “Off air recording is going to go the way of the dodo, as first satellite then DTT transmission comes to an end.
“TV companies get ever greedier for all our data (and want to flog premium ad-free subscriptions).
“I’ll use my HD HomeRun for recordings whilst I can but this is a really anti-consumer move that [I] assume was instigated by the BBC.”
How to keep recording on the Pro Box
It's unclear what prompted the move by BT and EE.
However, there is a weird workaround that lets you keep recording BBC content onto the Pro Box locally.
If you disable the box’s Internet Mode, and instead flick to the traditional Aerial Mode, you will still be able to record and watch BBC programmes as you did before, Cord Busters revealed.
Although, of course, you will need an aerial and a good reception for this to work.
The Sun has contacted BT and EE for comment.