Verdict
Technically it ’s still the most ripe TV platform on the satellite , but in a world of cyclosis , the raw Sky Stream or Sky Glass political program may make more sentiency to most masses . That said , the internet - devoid deliverance , power to record and store computer program for as long as you desire , and the same outstanding reach of subject matter can make Sky Q the right system for some the great unwashed .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
Launched back in 2016 , Sky Q was the society ’s answer to the new wave of streaming services , spearhead by Netflix . Taking everything large about Sky TV , the company built a Modern multi - room organization , so you could watch your live and recorded shows anywhere in the house , both on other TVs and on your phone .
Since it launched , flying internet speeds enable high - tone cyclosis services has seen Sky Q come under firing to the point that the late products , Sky GlassandSky Stream , ditch the pauperism for a artificial satellite peach completely . Offering more flexibleness and a more straightforward installation , the raw Sky services are belike a good fit for most people .
Yet , there are still some of us that can do with Sky Q : its main TV does n’t need a wideband connectedness , its on - need services can deliver 4 K UHD regardless of internet velocity , and it can store recorded programmes for as long as you care . Here ’s what you want to know .
Design and boxes
Although Sky Q can work on a undivided television , the organisation really point its worth when you opt for the Multiroom package , which is the centering of this follow-up .
These parcel start with the master boxwood , which act as as the hub for your system . As standard you get a 1 TB corner , but a larger , 2 TB model is available for those who see themselves recording and downloading a metric ton of content – although you ’ll need to talk to a Sky Advisor to order one .
More than six year on since launching and the Sky Q box design remain telling . fluent bender and a simple-minded front result in a box that looks great , but does n’t draw too much attending . Compare it to theVirgin V6box , which looks like a relic from the 1980s , and Sky has a clear excogitation lead .
Boxes are still low-set compared to the more modern Stream machine : there ’s not much Sky can do about this , as it has to squeeze in planet tuners and a hard disk .
Sky Q really shows its worth when you add in extra gadget , including Mini box that you plug into other television receiver in your family . These rain buckets live channel , on - demand TV and recordings from your main boxful , giving you access to your full Sky Q package from around your home . you may have up to two Mini boxes working simultaneously , although if you need more than one , then you ’ll have to phone up to Holy Order .
Each Mini is a comparatively modest and neat - wait box . While the main Sky Q boxwood is 4 K compatible , the Mini boxes are HD - only . With fast wireless available today than when Sky Q first launch , I ’d like to see Ultra HD Mini box – but it seems unlikely that we ’ll get this , given that the main focussing is now the new cyclosis Service .
Beyond the forcible boxes , you’re able to use the Sky Go app on your phone or tablet . Provided your gadget is on the same connection as your master Sky Q box , you could stream live TV channel , on - requirement programmes and even download recording from Sky channel ( those bar BBC , ITV , and so on ) for offline observation .
Up to two mobile devices can be link up at the same time , in add-on to two Mini box . Outside of your home connection Sky Go works as normal , yield you live TV streaming ( Sky channels online outside your habitation ) and access to on - demand content .
Interface
Sky has long been the victor of the substance abuser port , and Sky Q shows the competition how it should be done . Designed for HD and 4 K TV , the interface is built to take advantage of the full width and resolution of the screen , starting with a bouncy trailer of what you ’re view on the left , with the bill of fare options below . Whether you desire to view your Recordings , browse the TV Guide or find on - demand capacity , the nonrational menu arrangement makes it wanton , with clean text descriptions and lots of thumbnail images .
For each menu alternative ( TV Guide , Recordings , watch Up video , and so on ) , you may select one and squeeze right on the remote control to bring up sub - menus , such as viewing family of TV program in the guide ( sports , news , and so on ) .
I do have a couple of pocket-sized complaint with the port . There ’s a button on the remote that look like a back clitoris , but it ’s called Dismiss and pressing it exclude down the main card and dumps you back on the full - screen resilient channel . I ’ve had Sky Q since launch and still on a regular basis attain this clit by mistake .
There ’s also no on - screen assistance to provide shortcuts for navigate , such as alternate forward or back 24 hour in the TV Guide . Fortunately , ourSky Q tips , tricks and mystery articlehelps with this .
With its most recent interface update , Sky has also taken a small whole tone back in some areas . Go to Recordings now and as before long as you move away from the side - bar carte du jour , the trailer screenland vanish . You still get audio , but you ca n’t see what ’s happening on TV , which is pesky as you could no longer handle recording and keep watching .
When you have multiple episode stack together , there ’s a new page for these , too . The next episode ( or the one you demand to go along ) is highlight at the top with other episodes listed below . There ’s a ready to hand submenu to browse more episode by Recordings , Watch now and On this workweek . This all works well until you finish an episode .
Now , when you go back to this menu , the highlighted point is the next sequence to watch , not the one you ’ve just finished . It ’s not entirely clear-cut , and I ’ve almost deleted the wrong episode on several occasions . Now , when you want to delete the instalment that you ’ve just finished , you have to navigate down the list , find the old sequence and delete it there . It ’s unnecessarily confusing and adds extra step to what should be a simple job .
The Sky Q experience break down a little with Ultra HD content , too , since you’re able to only view this on the independent box ; you ca n’t pick out or continue it on a Mini box seat . When I ’ve been watch in Ultra HD and want to uphold on a Mini box , I ’ve had to download the HD interpretation and tight - forward to the point where I left off .
With Sky Glass and Sky Stream , things are well-to-do . When you carry on ascertain on another equipment , it just works , streaming in the best quality that ’s usable .
I am a fan of the universal lookup function , however . It permit you find a TV show or film from anywhere in your content : live TV , recordings , on - demand and even on Netflix ( but not other streaming service ) . hunting is even easier to use with the voice remote , which means you may just say what you want to see without having to type anything in .
It ’s deserving mention that anything you record from unrecorded TV can be stored and kept for as long as you want . If you ’re a hoarder of tv set and watch over month after something was on live , then this makes Sky Q the right choice for you . stream TV has an death particular date on it , so shows can go away before you have time to watch them .
Remotes
The original Sky Q Touch remote control was one of the most divisive voice of the system , abandoning physical push button for a touchpad and touch - sensitive playback controls . Sky has seen sense and exchange this with the Modern Sky Q Touch remote .
Although it calculate the same , it sport a physical cursor and playback controller that makes it easy to apply than the original . For those who liked the original , Touch way on the new remote control can be enable in the configurations . Do this and the young remote turn like the old one : swiping up and down through the carte , and left and right to go in and out of sub - menus .
There ’s a microphone button on the remote control ’s side , which you could compact and contain to affiance voice hunt or other commands , such as cut forward five minutes to short-circuit advertising in a recording .
By default , the Mini box ship with stock IR remote controls . They look and find similar to the main remote control , but they necessitate business line - of - sight to go and do n’t have the microphone button for voice hunt .
Live channels
Whether or not a Sky subscription is for you will depend on the type of content you wish to watch . What I can say is that the choice of content on offer is simply the proficient . Thanks to a deal with HBO , Sky Atlantic shows the serious from across the pond , include being home to Game of Thrones ( now , House of the Dragon ) and usher such as The Last of Us .
There ’s a new Sky Comedy channel , too , which again have the best show from the US , including Curb Your Enthusiasm . Films , too , let in plenty of title as well as premieres you do n’t get elsewhere . There ’s even aKids Safe modeto lock down a box so it only show child - friendly content .
While all of these show will finally get hold their room to other platform , the fact is you get them first on Sky – and that name the service worth pay for in my notion . Sky ’s also top when it comes to mutant content . While BT and Amazon have nabbed some football and Champions League , you get more Premier League action on Sky , plus Formula One . And , a mess is shown in Ultra HD , too .
Of course , this is a benefit that hits Sky Q only : the same stove of channels and choice are available on Sky Glass and Sky Stream , too .
Beyond content that you could follow for “ free ” , you could rent or even buy films in the Sky Store . terms variegate depending on the title , but you get a good selection that keeps up with iTunes and other streaming services .
Sky has one lineament the competition does n’t , though : you may buy a motion-picture show and download it now – and , depending on how much you pay , you may get a physical written matter on DVD or Blu - ray ( woefully , there ’s no Ultra HD Blu - ray option ) .
You ’ll probably terminate up give a twosome of quid more than if you were purchase online , but you get your moving picture instantly and you get a backing . So , even if you set off your Sky subscription , you’re able to still watch your photographic film . Given the worry over digital libraries shutting down , Sky Q ’s physical discs are a sensible alternative . If you want the best of TV , film and sport , uncommitted soonest , Sky is the lieu to be .
On-demand
Beyond live groove , there ’s catch - up content for practically every channel plus , depending on your subscription , thousands of boxsets to binge through . Rather than cyclosis , contentedness is physically download at programme quality to your main box .
This method has several advantages over streaming . First , everything is in one place ( Recordings plane section ) , so you could line up shows to watch by download them ; it ’s a far superior option to a watchlist or favourite , and lets you mix alive TV with download show .
Second , the speed of your broadband becomes for the most part irrelevant : it may take longer to download on a irksome connection , but the timbre of the content is the same as someone on a truehearted connection .
In some cases , on - demand is the ripe way to watch , too . For example , House of the Dragon and The Last of Us are only available in Ultra HD if you download them ; the even broadcast versions are in HD only .
Note that not all Ultra HD versions are uncommitted : Blue Planet II was n’t useable in Ultra HD via the Sky on - demand organization , only via iPlayer .
Apps
One of the biggest succeeder stories of Sky Q is that substance is n’t bound to Sky itself ; the platform supports a growing number of apps . At launch , this was limited to YouTube , but the political program has grown since then .
Netflix has the respectable integrating , and can be admit as part of your Sky package , turn over you one bill to ante up that works out at outstanding value when compared to paying for the two military service one by one . Netflix can be launched as a standalone app , so you ’ll see the same interface you would if set up the app from any other machine .
Sky has been smarter still with its implementation , pull Netflix content into the main Sky Q interface . Select Netflix in the On Demand incision , for example , and you get the pick to keep watching your most recent show and a list of slue programmes ; choose any to fire up the Netflix app and protrude find out .
Netflix content also look in hunting and in the Continue section . Even better , it work on all of your Sky Q boxes ( regular and Mini ) , so you could watch from anywhere .
Sky has other apps , too . The BBC iPlayer app was added a few years ago . It may seem a bit wasted given that BBC depicted object is useable in the on - need segment , but iPlayer play a wider range of programmes and lets you select different versions of on - requirement cognitive content , such as watching a unconstipated broadcast rather than the sign - language version . It ’s a utilitarian backup , but the main on - demand section extend better lineament content .
You get entree to Spotify , too , so you may take on all of your favourite tracks through your TV or effectual system . This is ready to hand if you want access to your favourite tunes in the living room but do n’t require to buy a new wireless speaker .
Disney+is a welcome addition , now available in 4 K and with HDR . Unlike Netflix , the Disney+ integration is just an app , so you wo n’t see Disney title popping up in the main Sky Q interface just yet . Still , having everything in one box can be handy and may think of you may cut down on the identification number of spiritualist streamers you have around the house .
There ’s also no way of life to total broadcast from streaming services to a combined watchlist . On that front , Sky Glass and Sky Stream are much near , as they have you build a watch listing from all service .
Picture quality
Sky ply the full gamut between SD , HD and Ultra HD . Mount Rushmore State channels are variable in timber , but Sky has a enceinte grasp of HD channels , presented in needlelike contingent . For 4 KiB Ultra HD Content you have to watch over via the chief Sky Q loge , and can see Sky program and those on Netflix .
Sky has a huge amount of HD capacity ( the large in the UK ) , all of which is keen , bright and detail . It also offers the greatest pick of live Ultra HD content , with additional display and films available via the on - demand incision .
For alive Ultra HD content , satellite rise its worth , with the ability to stream high bit - charge per unit subject matter without the need for a super - dissipated cyberspace connexion . look out football in Ultra HD and you ’re unlikely to want to retort to HD , with the nut easier to see and more item on the tar impart a terrific lucidness .
Films in Ultra HD look superb , too . Picture quality outmatch Netflix , but lags behind physical Ultra HD Blu - ray , which is mastered at high physique rates . Yet , for all the detail that Ultra HD bring , it ’s only of late that Sky has addedHDR . Long promised , HDR has ultimately made it to the platform , but only for the great unwashed with newer Sky Q boxes . Our guide onhow to get HDR on Sky Qexplains more , but for some existing client , they have to take whether or not to upgrade their existing boxful and lose all of their recordings .
Sky employ HLG for HDR , which does n’t require any additional metadata , so is easier to implement for program TV ; and the standard is backwards compatible with SDR TVs , which is great for compatibility . HLG is not as accomplished as Dolby Vision , which has dynamical metadata that means that each snapshot / flesh can be tweaked by the filmmaker to reckon its best in HDR .
That said , Sky ’s HDR contentedness look great and is a gradation up from SDR . There ’s not a lot of content currently available at the moment , butGangs of Lemur Island , a nature documentary , has the vivid , pop visuals that stand out out . With more content on the manner , HDR is the missing while of the Sky Q puzzle . To find HDR content , the easiest direction is to use the part remote control and search for HDR .
An upgrade to HDR also means that supported apps can show content in HDR , but not in Dolby Vision . compare Disney+ on Sky Q to the native app on my LG OLED television set ( this support Dolby Vision ) , and there are some elusive differences . While Sky Q bear the brighter visuals and wider dynamic range , the upshot is n’t quite as subtle . Watching the end ofThe Mandalorian , and the sun in the desktop is bright and dazzling on Sky Q , but it lacks the subtle stratum of item that the Dolby Vision version produced .
Dolby Atmossupport is available on the main box , delivered via Dolby Digital Plus , the same standard used by Netflix . This is compatible with all modernistic soundbar and AV receiver , such as theSonos Arc . However , livelihood is specify to Sky subject matter only . begin up the Netflix or Disney+ apps , and you only get the option for 5.1 auditory sensation , which is a skin senses dissatisfactory .
Sky does n’t have a immense amount of Atmos content , but you may find the range of program and films by using the vocalism remote to search forDolby Atmos . Where there is support , such as in the filmA Star is endure , Atmos fix a vast difference of opinion . Just watch the opening view of that picture , and the concert and medicine fills the room around and above you , take you feel like you were there .
Ultimately , if you require the best streaming quality , then Sky Glass and Sky Stream are a well fit than Sky Q.
Price
There ’s no deny that a Sky Q subscription can be a hefty plus to your monthly outgoings , and it ’s more expensive than Sky Stream .
It ’s hard to give a concrete issue on what it will cost , as Sky is always offering deals and price simplification throughout the yr . What I can give you is a oecumenical overview of the price .
I ’m sticking with the Multiroom packages . The base Multiroom package , which includes a 1 TB Sky Q box plus a Mini box and some Ultra HD channels ( depending on package choice ) , costs £ 48 a month with a one - off £ 20 fee . Ultra HD + HD costs another £ 12 a calendar month .
To get the bounty content , you take to supply in surplus communication channel . If you want Sky Sports , it ’s usually at a cost of £ 32 a month – but this includes all of the channel in HD , with Ultra HD useable if you have the right set - top box seat . BT Sport can be add , too , for a pretty hefty £ 28 a month .
Sky Cinema engender you 1000 + on - demand movies ( including some Ultra HD ) for £ 19 a month . If you require additional Mini box , you ’ll need to phone up and get a price for them found on the package you ’re taking .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
Sky Q may seem a little old fashioned since Sky Stream became usable , but is still the adept option if you ’ve got sluggish internet speeds and would rather use a planet or else .
you’re able to only habituate Sky Q if you ’re able-bodied to install a satellite . Some apartment wo n’t allow you do this , so you ’re better off sticking with the cyberspace - base Sky Stream alternatively .
Final Thoughts
Sky Q used to be the clear drawing card , but for most masses that ’s no longer the casing . Sky Streamis cheaper per calendar month and each box deliver Ultra HD quality , all without the need for a satellite dish . It ’s got the newer port , let you work up a watchlist from all streaming services , not just Sky channel . If you want the best in sport and US shows , then Sky Stream is a better choice .
That does n’t think of that Sky Q is completely dead . If you have misfortunate broadband , then Sky Q will still accommodate you better . And , if you care to tape lots of TV and watch when you need , the lack of an expiry engagement do work much well .
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FAQs
There ’s no dubiety that Sky Stream will finally become the main focus for the company , but Sky has institutionalise to keep its satellite service on air for the next decade . This means you do n’t need to interest about it come to an goal anytime soon .
They are very alike services , with the same library of apps and telly appearance , but Q uses a orbiter to beam depicted object onto your television set , while Stream use a Wi - Fi connection alternatively .
