UK TV in Oman

While poking around on Facebook a couple of months ago, I saw an advert that proclaimed I could watch UK TV channels live here in Oman, and no need for a Computer or a VPN. I've got to admit here that I thought this would be some sort of scam or here today gone tomorrow operation.

Still, I asked a few friends around town that I thought would know about it, and confirmed that they have been selling this service in Oman since early this year. Armed with this knowledge I emailed the sales people at UKTV Arabia advertised on their website and started to learn more about the service.

I have borrowed a UKTV Arabia box for a month and have tested it out, and so feel I can write a review on this with a bit of authority.

 

The system requires you have an internet connection (5MB+) and the box has HDMI outputs, and wired lan cable inputs, or you can use WiFi to connect to your network if you don't have a data line by your TV - they provide a D-Link wifi adapter in the box that comes with the UKTV Arabia device. The device itself is very small and thus doesn't need much space near your TV.

The way it works is, the box connects to secured servers run by UKTV Arabia and streams various channels. There is a lot of choice and multiple streams for each channel, so if one isn't working well (slow etc) then you can pick a different one.

I found the menu and TV guide system to be pretty slick, offering previews of what you channel you've selected before you switch to full screen on that channel. I tested this system over the last month and I've been impressed with how the thing has worked. The service has worked well, and the few times I've experienced disruption to the service has been fixed by just selecting another stream for that particular channel. One really amazing feature of this system is that if there was a show, lets say an episode of Eastenders, that you missed, every channel provided has a 14 day retention. IE - you can go back 14 days in the program guide and stream in anything thats on it!

I watched a lot of CBS!

There are of course the techno-wizards out there that will say they have a VPN and they're happy streaming from the iPlayer etc - and to them I say this service isn't aimed at you. It's a plug and play system that really works well, and you don't need any VPN's or cables to connect to your computer to your TV.

The box costs US$ 154 + RO 3 delivered anywhere in Oman (this rises to US$ 164 anywhere in the GCC) or $199 including local delivery and set up anywhere within the Muscat metropolitan area. Then there are 3 tiers of programming packages: Standard (16 channels), Premium (36 channels) and Ultimate (67 channels).

The standard package costs $26/month, Premium $40 and Ultimate is $45. Basically if you just want BBC 1-4, ITV 1-4, Channel 4 & 5 get the basic, otherwise get the Ultimate. Ordering is done online but if you prefer not to use Paypal, you can pay in cash when receiving your box - if you buy 12 months you will get 1 month free service as well, or if you buy 2 boxes and pay for the standard package, you will be upgraded to the Ultimate package. One final thing to note is that this box will work anywhere that there is an internet connection - even in Australia or the USA...

UK TV Arabia have a website, facebook and twitter. You can WhatsApps or call them on +968 9640 8700 and you can email them on sales@uktvarabia.com

le fin.