EE offers Recordings To Go
March 30, 2016
By Colin Mann
UK multi-play operator EE – now part of BT – has unveiled Recordings To Go, a feature designed to set new standards in how consumers access and watch the TV they love. Claiming a UK first, EE says that TV lovers can select content from any of EE TV’s 70+ free-to-view channels to record and then transfer to a mobile device as soon as it has aired.
Whether customers choose to catch-up on the soaps on holiday or watch the football highlights on the way to work, EE TV claims to be the only service that allows users to enjoy all their favourite TV whenever and wherever they want it, which is says sets a new benchmark for the TV industry.
Once the content has been transferred to a mobile device, it will remain there until the user deletes it – with Recordings to Go from EE TV, there is no expiry date for great television, says the operator.
Customers can manage and set their recordings while out of the house using the EE TV app, meaning that they’ll never miss their favourite shows.
With the updated EE TV mobile app, customers can now use an EPG offering the same view as on the set top box to scroll through all upcoming free to view channels, days and times to find out what’s on and select the future shows they want to transfer.
They can select the programme as a Recording To Go and once it’s recorded, transfer it to their phone or tablet over their home Wi-Fi, ready to be enjoyed whenever or wherever.
The app update also includes a new ‘Recordings To Go’ hub on the main menu of the EE TV app, which is available regardless of connection status. The new hub makes it easy for users to view all of their Recordings To Go into one convenient place.
Any future programmes on free to view channels can be set as a recording to go.
Simeon Bird, Director of Home Broadband & TV, EE said: “We’re continually looking at ways to offer new, exciting and innovative TV features to our customers and now we’ve made EE TV truly mobile. With Recordings To Go, we’re giving users unique control over how and where they choose to watch TV – whether that’s on a train, bus, tube or even a plane.”
With EE TV users can enjoy over 70 free-to-view channels, including access on demand entertainment from OTT services such as BBC iPlayer, Demand 5 and YouTube, all at no extra cost. A number of paid services are also available, including NOW TV which is currently offering three months free Entertainment Pass for all new EE TV customers.
“More and more people are watching video on the go,” noted Paolo Pescatore, Director, Multiplay and Media at CCS Insight. “This trend is underlined by all providers citing growth in video traffic on their networks and pay TV providers seeing requests on the go continue to rise and is set to proliferate given new formats such as UHD 4K, HDR and 360 degree view.”
“EE should be applauded for this latest move! Despite being acquired by BT, the company continues to bring new innovative features to EE TV. The latest update will resonate with users as it extends the EE TV experience outside of the home. Users will now be able to watch TV shows anywhere, which is significant for a mobile centric TV service. In addition, credit should be given to Netgem for allowing EE to innovate with EE TV. This further highlights the importance of software in bringing new features to market.”
“There is no denying that it is going to be a big year for video services in the UK. Vodafone will launch its own TV service, Sky is rolling out a new revamped NOW TV box as well as launching UHD and, of course online providers are adding new features like HDR and much more.”