Sky Stream - Recording and Playback Options (SkySports F1, Cricket)

[radiocheck]

I'm currently a Virgin Media 360 box user and have been quite satisfied with its recording feature.

I primarily follow Sky Sports F1 and Cricket, Virign Box allows me to set a schedule to automatically record all F1 practice sessions, qualifying, and races, without needing to manually set recording  each week. Same for ICC cricket events, just do it once and it automatically records all the matches. 

One of the reasons I rely so much on this feature is my dynamic schedule. For instance, if an F1 race starts at 2 PM and I'm running late, I can still switch on the TV at 2.30 PM and start watching from the very beginning. The same applies even if I show up at 5 PM, I can always pick up from the beginning.

Furthermore, these recordings typically last for about two years if my memory serves me right. In case of a storage crunch, I simply delete some of the older recordings or the practice sessions while preserving the races, as I enjoy revisiting them.

I'm now thinking a switch to Sky, with a particular interest in the Sky Stream service. However, I am unsure whether it offers the same functionality. While I understand that 'Sky Stream' does not have a traditional recording feature, it does have an 'add to my playlist' option.

Could anyone confirm whether this 'add to my playlist' feature would serve the same purpose as my current recording setup with Virgin Media 360? Specifically, would it allow me to start watching an ongoing event from the beginning even if I join in late, as well as keep those events accessible for future viewing?

Moreover, with Virgin Media, to watch the recordings on a mobile device like a phone or an iPad, I need to be connected to the same home network. Would the same restrictions apply to Sky Stream? Would I be able to access my playlist on my phone, regardless of my network location?

I appreciate your insights in advance and thank you for taking the time to address my queries.

[TimmyBGood]

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@radiocheck wrote:

Moreover, with Virgin Media, to watch the recordings on a mobile device like a phone or an iPad, I need to be connected to the same home network. Would the same restrictions apply to Sky Stream? Would I be able to access my playlist on my phone, regardless of my network location?

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Same local area network only.  Allowing access to local or 'cloud' recordings elsewhere (aka 'placeshifting') presents platforms with complex rights issues.

[SlenderRobert]

@radiocheck 

Sky Stream's live channels have a 'watch from the start' feature so that if you join a 'broadcast' stream part way through, you can press a single button to jump back to the start. 

If you've previously added this programme to your playlist then it should be available to view later. There have been several mishaps with sporting events in the past 18 months where some content has not been made available but this is allegedly improving. 

There is no concrete knowledge about how long playlisted items will remain available. They could be removed at any time and you have no control over this. 

There is currently no integration with Sky Stream and the Sky Go app. You cannot view your playlist or add things to it from the Sky Go app, you can only stream content directly from Sky's servers on the app. 

[Jack+X]

Why do you want to switch? It sounds like your current set up is working nicely for you.

If recording sport is important to you, I'm afraid Sky Stream can't be fully trusted for that. It's very hit or miss and you never know what kind of damage their next firmware is going to do. You will be left disappointed when it randonmly fails to record an event without any logic or reason (and Sky won't be able to tell you what went wrong either because it's still a shambles).

Sky Stream sounds fantastic on paper - the reality is not quite as rosey I'm afraid. 

[radiocheck]

Thanks, good to know. 

[radiocheck]

Thanks for the response. My Virgin contract is up for renewal so, just shopping around for a change. Hmm, recording is important to me and I mainly watch F1 races, so if the recording is not rock solid I don't think Stream would be a good choice for me.