alternative to BT TV (recording function)

penguin10

Hi currently have BT TV (along with BT internet package) and the most important feature to me is the recording function.
I am thinking of leaving BT and getting internet from possibly Firmus.
Can someone let me know (as simply as possible) if there is something I can buy from eg Argos or Amazon so that I can still record TV programmes?
If it matters I do have a  UHD HDR SMART TV.
I would like to be able to:

• record a programme but watch a different one 
• record a series
• choose from a guide to schedule a programme to be recorded

Hope someone can help
Thanks

WillPS

One option is to pay the fee (depending when you signed up) and keep using the BT TV box, or purchase one for yourself. Although it isn't technically a Freeview recorder it does a great job as one, and it's been my primary PVR for the last 7 or 8 years despite the fact I don't have BT.

Indeed I upgraded last year to the BT TV Box Pro last year from the older Humax unit - purchased outright from a pawn shop.

penguin10

Thank you!
So will BT ask me to return the box to them do you think? My contract whilst not at an end will be bought out if that matters.
If not I can still use it the same as I always did...is that it?
And if they do want it back I could source one the same on ebay ...is that it?

WillPS

penguin10 said:

Thank you!
So will BT ask me to return the box to them do you think? My contract whilst not at an end will be bought out if that matters.
If not I can still use it the same as I always did...is that it?
And if they do want it back I could source one the same on ebay ...is that it?

You're most welcome!

They will ask you to return it. Whether you actually need to or not depends when you took out a contract with them, I can't remember the exact date but somewhere around 5 years ago they moved from giving you the equipment to loaning it to you.

If the former, the equipment is yours, and you can keep it if you wish.
If the latter, the equipment is theirs and you either need to return it, or they'll charge a fee:
https://www.bt.com/help/tv/how-to-return-and-recycle-your-bt-broadband-hub-and-bt-tv-box-fo

If you can buy the equipment for less than the fee they charge, then you should probably do that and return their equipment. 

jbrassy

You can buy the BT Youview boxes online from Amazon. If you want the Ultra HD box, it's £160.
https://amzn.eu/d/0hIOoS9Y

I bought a BT Youview box about 5 years ago and it's still going strong. I think they're good value rather than having a TV subscription with Sky / Virgin / BT.

penguin10

I think I got a new TV box when I took out the last contract about 15 months ago. 
Almost sure I have the older one prior to this latest box though.
Great to know that it would still work for recording etc even if Im no longer with BT.
Cheers guys😃