Will my BT box work if I cancel my TV subscription?

DrMarsh

I have a BT branded Humax dtr-t2100 recording box but I no longer want to pay £20/month for channels I don't want. Will the box still work as a recorder and viewer with apps if I cancel my TV package. I don't mind paying to keep the box but only if it will still function in the same way.
Tried BT forum but couldn't get a definitive answer.
I am not looking for alternatives as I prefer the FF and rewind on the box for recorded programmes versus using the apps directly.
Thank you

Neil_Jones

https://www.bt.com/help/tv/how-to-return-and-recycle-your-bt-broadband-hub-and-bt-tv-box-fo - "We made some changes to our Terms & Conditions on 13 December 2019, meaning that BT Hubs and TV boxes are being loaned to you. So if you joined us or have renewed your contract on or after this date, you’ll be charged for not returning equipment to us. You’ll have 60 days to return it from the date you stopped using it before we charge you."

Related matter:

Recordings made from subscription channels will not be viewable after your end your contract.

https://community.bt.com/t5/BT-Devices/Keep-Youview-Box/td-p/2373059 might be of interest.

JSmithy45AD

DrMarsh said:

I have a BT branded Humax dtr-t2100 recording box but I no longer want to pay £20/month for channels I don't want. Will the box still work as a recorder and viewer with apps if I cancel my TV package. I don't mind paying to keep the box but only if it will still function in the same way.
Tried BT forum but couldn't get a definitive answer.
I am not looking for alternatives as I prefer the FF and rewind on the box for recorded programmes versus using the apps directly.
Thank you

That box was launched in 2014 so it's possible (depending on how long you've had it) that they won't charge you at all for non-return, definitely worth asking. The possible price is listed below.

https://www.bt.com/help/tv/how-to-return-and-recycle-your-bt-broadband-hub-and-bt-tv-box-fo

All non-subscription recordings will still be accessible as will the recorder itself for all FTA channels.

Edit: the apps should be fine too.

2nd edit(sigh): if they do try and charge (especially at £140) it's probably better to look for cheaper 2nd hand option.

iniltous

You almost certainly will receive a returns notification, even  if you received that box prior to December 2019 and its  yours to keep , chances are you will be asked to return it for recycling rather than any contractual obligation, that was my experience anyway.

 FWIW , I returned mine even though I could have kept it , rather than having the potential hassle of explaining the non return and the chance  of being incorrectly charged for it , and having to explain why that wasn’t justified….its your choice , but fundamentally Yes it will continue to work as a PVR (pause live TV etc ) if you quit as a paying BT or EE TV customer, wether it was worth not returning it will become clear in the weeks and months after you quit .