When a channel doesn't offer catch-up, or you want to stash a favourite movie to watch anytime you like, having a TV with live recording is important. We take a look at which boxes offer recording, how much storage they've got and everything else you need to know.
Although plenty of TV is now available through catch-up and on-demand services, some programmes – such as sports – are only available live. But what happens if you're not around when your must-see show is airing?
That's where live TV recording comes in handy. If you have a TV package with a set-top box, as well as being able to pause and rewind live TV, you may be able to record it for later viewing – giving you the flexibility to catch up when you're back home.
Do bear in mind, though, that you need a TV licence to record and watch back live TV. Read our page Do I need a TV licence? for more information.
What set-top boxes can I get?
Our table below goes through all the set-top boxes on offer from top providers:
Set-top box | Records live TV? | Storage capacity | Picture quality |
|---|---|---|---|
Sky Q 1TB | Yes | 1TB | SD, HD |
Sky Q 1TB UHD box | Yes | 1TB | SD, HD, Ultra HD |
Sky Q 2TB UHD box | Yes | 2TB | SD, HD, 4K Ultra HD |
EE TV Box Pro | Yes | 1TB | SD, HD, 4K HDR (subscription required) |
EE TV Recordable Box G4 | Yes | 500GB | SD, HD |
EE TV 4K Recordable Box | Yes | 500GB | SD, HD, 4K Ultra HD (package subscription required) |
EE TV Box Mini | No | Not applicable | SD, HD |
EE TV Box | No | Not applicable | SD, HD |
Virgin V6 | Yes | 1TB | SD, HD, 4K Ultra HD, HDR |
Virgin TV 360 | Yes | 1TB | SD, HD, 4K, HDR |
Virgin TiVo | Yes | 500GB, 1TB | SD, HD |
TalkTalk 4K TV Box | No | Not applicable | SD, HD, 4K Ultra HD |
TalkTalk TV Hub | No | Not applicable | SD, HD, 4K |
What are the key features of Sky set-top boxes?
One of the top TV providers in the UK, Sky offers three set-top boxes that let you record, pause and rewind live TV:
Sky Q 1TB
With 1TB of storage space, the Sky Q 1TB lets you store up to 500 hours of standard definition TV. You can record up to three shows simultaneously, while also watching a fourth one live.
It supports both SD and HD picture quality, though most programming will default to the better quality HD.
If you've added a Sky Q Mini box to your Sky TV plan, its multi-screen functionality lets you watch Sky TV in two rooms in your house at the same time.
Sky Q 1TB UHD
The Sky Q 1TB UHD has all the features of the aforementioned Sky Q 1TB, but with the extra bonus of letting you watch TV and movies in Ultra HD.
To make use of the Ultra HD, you'll need a 4K TV, the Sky HD and UHD add-ons, and a good broadband speed – fibre broadband of around 25 Mbps should do the job.
Sky Q 2TB
Boasting the biggest storage capacity of the bunch, the Sky Q 2TB box lets you record up to 1,000 hours of standard definition TV.
As it's Sky's best box, it also supports 4K Ultra HD and the ability to record six shows while watching a seventh live.
Other extras include voice control, the innovative Sky Q touch remote, and the ability to use the Sky Go app to stream live and on-demand telly on two compatible devices at the same time.
What are the key features of EE set-top boxes?
Formerly BT TV before it joined forces with EE, EE offers three recordable set-top boxes.
They all come with some pretty useful features, too: you can record, pause and rewind live TV for up to two hours, as well as record remotely via the EE TV app.
EE TV Box Pro
The EE TV Box Pro lets you record up to 600 hours of TV on the 1TB hard drive. You can record up to four channels at once when watching in aerial mode, or up to two channels when watching in internet mode.
Being EE's Pro box, it has some extra features to enhance your viewing experience. For the audiophiles out there, it supports Dolby Atmos sound.
Meanwhile, sports fans can enjoy 4K HDR content with the TNT Sports Ultimate package (a subscription is required, however).
EE TV Recordable Box G4
With the EE TV Recordable Box G4, you can record up to 300 hours of TV on the 500GB hard drive.
EE TV 4K Recordable Box
This set-top box offers everything the EE TV Recordable Box G4 has, with the addition of Ultra HD picture quality.
To make use of this feature, you'll need an Ultra HD/4K TV, as well as either EE TV's Total Entertainment or Max packages.
What are the key features of Virgin Media TV set top boxes?
As well as high speed broadband, Virgin Media is known for its comprehensive TV offerings, delivered via one of its three recordable set-top boxes.
And as long as you're a Virgin Media TV customer, you can use its Virgin TV Control app to remotely record live TV and manage any recordings.
Virgin V6
With 1TB of storage space, Virgin's V6 box lets you record up to 500 hours of TV across up to six shows at once.
If you have an Ultra HD/4K TV, you'll be able to view in UHD/4K picture quality. Even better, the V6 box can handle HDR programming, for those with TVs that support it.
Virgin TV 360
Similarly, the Virgin TV 360 has a 1TB storage capacity, allowing you to record up to 500 hours of standard definition TV, or 100 hours of HD. It also supports Ultra HD viewing (up to 2160p).
As it's the newer, more advanced upgrade from the V6, the Virgin 360 box does come with improved software and extra features.
For example, it supports multi-room viewing, voice control and the ability to record six shows simultaneously (while also watching a seventh).
Virgin TiVo
Virgin's TiVo boxes come with either 500GB or 1TB of storage. The 500GB box can store 250 hours of standard definition TV or 50 hours of HD, while the beefier 1TB can hold 500 hours of SD or 100 hours of HD.
You can record three live TV shows while watching another one.
What are the benefits of recording live TV?
If you're not home to watch your favourite programme when it's airing, recording it live lets you comfortably catch up in your own time.
What's more, depending on your set-top box, you can watch one show while recording multiple other shows in the background.
It's usually simple and straightforward to record live TV via your set-top box. You can set it to record in advance or record it while you're watching – and if you're already out, you can even record remotely via your provider's app.
