Aug 15
5
Updated: 26 August 2026
When BT launched BT Sport Ultra HD in August 2015, it represented a major step forward for sports broadcasting in the UK. The channel promised football, rugby and motorsport in 4K resolution at a time when Ultra HD televisions were still relatively new.
The original package cost just £15 per month and included a new 4K-compatible YouView set-top box. More than a decade later, that offer has long since disappeared – and BT Sport itself no longer exists under that name.
Today, BT Sport has become TNT Sports, BT TV has developed into EE TV, and viewers have considerably more choice when it comes to watching live sport in 4K Ultra HD.
What Happened to BT Sport Ultra HD?
BT Sport Ultra HD launched on 2 August 2015, with the FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Arsenal among its first major broadcasts.
At the time, BT described Ultra HD as offering four times the detail of conventional high-definition television.
The channel subsequently became an important part of BT’s premium sports offering, showing selected Premier League matches, UEFA competitions, rugby, MotoGP and other major sporting events in UHD.
However, a much bigger change arrived in 2023.
BT Sport was replaced by TNT Sports in July 2023 following the creation of a joint venture between BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The old BT Sport Ultra HD service consequently evolved into TNT Sports Ultimate.
What Is TNT Sports Ultimate?
TNT Sports Ultimate is the premium UHD channel used for selected sporting events broadcast in 4K Ultra HD.
It sits alongside the main TNT Sports channels:
- TNT Sports 1
- TNT Sports 2
- TNT Sports 3
- TNT Sports 4
TNT Sports currently covers sports including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, FA Cup, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC, cricket, golf, cycling, tennis and snooker.
Not every event shown by TNT Sports is available in 4K. TNT Sports Ultimate is generally used for selected events where an Ultra HD production is available.
BT TV Is Now EE TV
Another major difference from the original 2015 article is the television platform itself.
The BT TV brand has increasingly been brought under EE TV, reflecting BT Group’s decision to use EE as its main consumer brand.
EE TV now combines live television, streaming services and subscription packages through several different devices.
These include:
- EE TV Box Pro
- EE TV Box Edge
- Apple TV 4K with EE TV
The EE TV Box Pro supports 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos and can operate using either an internet connection or a conventional TV aerial.
The smaller TV Box Edge works over the internet and does not have an aerial input.
Can You Still Watch TNT Sports in 4K?
Yes.
TNT Sports Ultimate remains available in 4K UHD, although you need a compatible package, television and viewing device.
EE currently includes TNT Sports Ultimate in 4K UHD within selected EE TV packages.
You’ll normally need:
- A 4K/UHD-compatible television.
- A compatible EE TV box or other supported device.
- An appropriate TNT Sports or EE TV subscription.
- A suitable broadband connection for internet-delivered UHD content.
- HDMI equipment capable of supporting the required 4K resolution.
Availability can differ according to the package and platform you use, so it is worth checking the current EE or TNT Sports terms before subscribing specifically for UHD sport.
TNT Sports Is Now Available Through HBO Max
The way viewers stream TNT Sports has changed again in 2026.
TNT Sports is now available through HBO Max in the UK, replacing the previous discovery+ arrangement for many streaming customers.
The TNT Sports offering includes TNT Sports 1-4, TNT Sports Ultimate and additional live sports feeds.
Supported devices include a wide range of televisions and streaming products, such as:
- Samsung smart TVs.
- LG smart TVs.
- Apple TV 4K.
- Amazon Fire TV.
- Android TV devices.
- Chromecast.
- Roku.
- PlayStation.
- Xbox.
- EE TV boxes.
- Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
This is a considerable change from 2015, when watching BT’s new Ultra HD channel primarily meant having BT Infinity broadband and a dedicated YouView set-top box.
YouView Has Become Less Central
The original BT Sport Ultra HD box was developed in partnership with YouView, which at the time played a major role in BT’s television strategy.
YouView combined channels received through a television aerial with internet-delivered subscription and catch-up services.
The television market has since moved much further towards broadband-based delivery.
Modern EE TV equipment can now provide many free-to-air and subscription channels entirely over the internet, meaning an aerial isn’t essential for every EE TV installation.
However, aerial reception is still supported by the EE TV Box Pro.
Do You Need a TV Aerial for EE TV?
Not necessarily.
Both the EE TV Box Pro and Box Edge can receive television services over broadband.
However, the TV Box Pro can also be connected to a conventional TV aerial.
EE calls these Internet Mode and Aerial Mode.
There are several advantages to using Aerial Mode.
EE says the Box Pro can record up to four programmes simultaneously when using an aerial, compared with two when operating in Internet Mode.
Connecting an aerial can also provide access to additional Freeview channels that aren’t available through EE’s Internet Mode.
For example, EE confirms that some Freeview channels require the TV Box Pro to be connected to a television aerial.
4K Television Has Become Mainstream
One of the biggest differences between 2015 and 2026 is the television itself.
When BT Sport Ultra HD launched, 4K televisions were still comparatively expensive and BT even offered customers a voucher worth up to £500 towards selected LG UHD televisions.
Today, 4K resolution is standard across a large proportion of new televisions.
The focus has therefore moved beyond resolution alone towards technologies including:
- HDR.
- Dolby Vision.
- Dolby Atmos.
- Higher frame rates.
- Improved streaming compression.
- Faster broadband connections.
For sports viewers in particular, picture processing, motion handling and reliable connectivity can be just as important as the 4K resolution itself.
From BT Sport Ultra HD to TNT Sports Ultimate
The original £15 BT Sport Ultra HD package was groundbreaking for its time, but almost every part of the service has subsequently changed.
Then: BT Sport Ultra HD
Now: TNT Sports Ultimate
Then: BT TV
Now: EE TV
Then: BT Infinity required
Now: EE broadband and multiple streaming options
Then: Dedicated YouView Ultra HD box
Now: EE TV boxes, Apple TV, smart TVs and other compatible streaming devices
Then: BT Sport apps
Now: TNT Sports through HBO Max and supported TV platforms
The underlying idea, however, remains much the same: giving sports fans the best possible picture quality for major live events.
Having Problems With Your TV Reception?
Although modern EE TV can operate entirely over broadband, the EE TV Box Pro can still use a traditional TV aerial, giving viewers access to the full range of Freeview channels available in their area.
If you’re experiencing missing Freeview channels, pixelation, picture break-up or weak signal warnings, the problem could be with the aerial, cabling or signal rather than the EE TV equipment itself.
WeFitAerials can help with TV aerial installation, aerial repairs, additional TV points and Freeview reception problems, helping you get reliable television reception alongside today’s streaming and 4K services.
