Sky Glass TV: Features, subscription and benefits

Dan Howdle • August 30th, 2024

Sky TV is UK’s premier TV service provider, and Sky Glass marks a significant leap forward for the satellite TV giant. It’s not just Sky’s first broadband-based TV package, but it also introduces Sky’s own TV hardware, featuring 4K HDR images with Dolby Vision and running Sky’s proprietary operating system.

Sky Glass offers something genuinely unique: A premium TV service integrated into a bespoke flatscreen. However, it may not be as versatile as a separate TV and the Sky Stream/Sky Q system. This guide will take you through the package’s features and the tech behind it, helping you decide if Sky Glass is the right deal and experience for you.

What is Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is Sky TV’s new platform for delivering its TV service entirely over broadband, freeing customers from the need for a satellite dish. It’s also the name of the smart TV that comes bundled with the service and is currently the only way to access Sky Glass.

The Sky Glass service includes 150 channels in its Sky Entertainment base package, paired with Netflix Basic. This is fewer than the 300+ channels available through Sky Q, but you still get all the mainstream channels without needing a large TV box or a dish on your home.

A broadband connection from any provider is sufficient as long as it supports at least 10Mbps download speeds for HD content and 25Mbps for 4K HDR content.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the Sky Glass platform.

Playlist and Cloud DVR

Sky’s new 'Playlist' feature lets you create a queue of shows to watch later. This feature centralises content from both live TV and on-demand apps (like Netflix, Apple TV+), recording upcoming episodes in Sky’s 'Cloud DVR' storage if they’re broadcasted or streaming them directly from the respective apps.

Sky Glass OS

The Glass service and TV run on Sky’s proprietary operating system, designed specifically for the Sky Glass TV. This OS integrates seamlessly with Sky’s ecosystem and offers a range of third-party apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, All4, ITV Hub, and more.

However, unlike standard smart TVs, Sky Glass does not have an app store, a web browser, or the ability to install additional apps. This means some popular apps like Nvidia GeForce Now, Steam Link, and Twitch are not available.

Viewing Packs

Sky offers several viewing packs that enhance the Sky Glass experience, allowing for a more immersive and varied viewing experience:

• Sky Ultra HDR and Dolby Atmos – To experience the stunning Ultra-HD (4K) image quality with vibrant HDR colors and Dolby Atmos surround sound across Sky channels (like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, and Sky Sports), you need to opt for the 'Sky Ultra HDR and Dolby Atmos' add-on.
• Whole Home – This pack allows you to watch Sky TV on additional TVs in your home using Sky Stream Pucks. These pucks connect to your broadband and offer 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos support. The first puck is included with the Whole Home pack.
• Ad Skipping Add-On – This feature allows you to fast-forward through adverts in your recordings stored in the Cloud DVR, a useful add-on for uninterrupted viewing.

Channels

Entertainment Channels

Sky Glass includes some of the top entertainment channels in the UK. Sky Atlantic remains the flagship, showcasing popular Sky Originals like "Succession," "The Gilded Age," and "Gangs of London," as well as exclusive HBO content like "The Last of Us."

Sky Max, which has replaced Sky One, offers a mix of drama and comedy, including shows like "A League of Their Own," "The Flight Attendant," and "COBRA." Sky Sci-Fi (formerly Syfy) continues to cater to sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts with series like "Resident Alien," "SurrealEstate," and the reimagined "Day of the Dead."

Additional channels include Sky Witness, known for its crime and legal dramas like "The Equalizer" and "Law & Order: SVU," and Sky Comedy, which offers a mix of British and American sitcoms, including "The Office" (US) and "Parks and Recreation."

Documentary Channels

Sky Documentaries provides access to some of the most compelling documentaries from the UK and abroad, including new releases like "The Trump Show," "The Vow," and "Tiger Woods: The Comeback."

Sky Nature offers stunning wildlife and environmental documentaries in 4K HDR, featuring shows like "Wild Animal Babies" and "Gangs of Lemur Island." Meanwhile, Sky History delivers in-depth historical programming with series like "Forged in Fire," "Alone," and "Ancient Aliens."

Sports Channels

While the most popular Sky Sports channels require an additional subscription, the base Sky Glass package includes Eurosport 1 and 2, which cover events like the French Open, Tour de France, and Winter Olympics. Sky Sports Racing is also included, offering comprehensive coverage of horse racing events.

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Even More Content

Sky offers a variety of additional content packs for those looking to expand their viewing options:

• TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) – Offers a wide range of sports, including the UEFA Champions League, UFC, and Premier League football.
• Sky Cinema – Includes access to the latest blockbuster movies, such as "Dune," "No Time to Die," and "The Matrix Resurrections."
• Sky Kids – Offers a variety of children's programming, including channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Baby TV.

The Sky Glass TV

Sky Glass is not just a service but a fully integrated smart TV that comes with the Sky platform built-in. It is available in three different screen sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch, and five color options, including Ocean Blue, Ceramic White, Racing Green, Dusky Pink, and Anthracite Black.

The TV supports 4K UHD resolution and includes features like Quantum Dot technology for enhanced color accuracy, Dolby Vision HDR, and a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar for an immersive audio experience. The Sky Glass TV connects directly to your broadband, eliminating the need for a satellite dish, and includes a backup Freeview tuner in case of internet outages.

Key Specifications

Screen Sizes Available	43in (small), 55in (medium), 65in (large)
Panel Type	Quantum Dot LCD with local dimming
Colours	10-bit colors (over 1 billion colors)
Peak Brightness (HDR)	630 nits
Color Gamut	70% coverage of DCI-P3
Resolution	4K UHD (3,840 X 2,160)
Refresh Rate	60Hz
HDR Support	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Audio System	Integrated Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 speakers
Speakers Output	215W
Headphone Support	No
HDMI Ports	3 x HDMI 2.1 (including 1 x eARC)
Gaming Features	None
Tuner	IPTV (main), Terrestrial (backup)
Wireless Connectivity	WiFi 6, 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, (WPS supported)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0 (for TV remote only)
Ethernet	1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
USB	1 x USB-C for power delivery only (delivers up to 15W)
Smart Assistant(s)	Hello Sky
Smart Platform	Sky Glass OS

Image

Sky Glass features a 4K UHD QLED display with HDR support, offering enhanced brightness, color accuracy, and contrast. The combination of Quantum Dot technology and local dimming allows for deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it ideal for viewing HDR content.

Gaming

While the TV supports HDMI 2.1, it lacks advanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which might be a drawback for dedicated gamers looking for the latest console features.

Audio

The integrated Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 soundbar provides a powerful audio experience with three outward-firing speakers, a central subwoofer, and two upward-firing speakers. This setup creates an immersive surround sound experience without the need for additional speakers.

Sky Glass TV with Sky Broadband

Although Sky Glass can be paired with any broadband provider, bundling it with Sky Broadband offers a seamless experience and a discount. Sky Broadband is known for its reliable service and offers packages that cater to different needs, from standard to superfast connections.

If you’re considering Sky Glass, it’s worth looking into Sky Broadband packages to maximise your savings and simplify your billing.

Alternatives

If Sky Glass doesn’t meet your needs, you might consider other options:

• Sky Q – Sky's satellite-based service offers more channels and the ability to record content locally. It also allows you to use your existing TV, giving you more flexibility in choosing your display.
• NOW TV – A more flexible option with no contract, NOW TV offers Sky channels and on-demand content. However, it’s limited to 720p HD streaming unless you add the Boost package for 1080p Full HD.
• Virgin Media TV – Virgin offers a similar range of channels, including some Sky content. However, Sky Atlantic is not available on Virgin, and the 4K HDR content offering is more limited.

Conclusion

Sky Glass offers a convenient all-in-one entertainment solution, especially for those who want to avoid a satellite dish. With its 4K UHD display, Dolby Vision, and integrated Dolby Atmos soundbar, it provides a high-quality viewing experience.

However, for those who prioritise channel variety or gaming features, alternatives like Sky Q or a custom setup with a high-end TV and separate sound system might be more suitable. Overall, Sky Glass is an excellent option for users who value simplicity and seamless integration.

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