Sky Glass Review

August 12th, 2024
Sky Glass Review

What Is Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is a big step forward for home entertainment. It combines a top 4K QLED TV, a strong built-in soundbar, and Sky’s streaming service into one stylish device. This new product is quite different from regular TV setups. You no longer need a satellite dish or a separate box.

How Does Sky Glass Differ from Sky Q?

sky q has been known for premium TV experiences, but Sky Glass brings it to a new level. Sky Glass does not need a satellite dish or an external box. Instead, it streams all content directly through your internet connection. This change makes setup much simpler. Now, it’s a plug-and-play solution for modern homes that understand tech.

It's important to know that the streaming-first method has some downsides. Sky Q gives you great recording options, while Sky Glass is more about on-demand and streaming shows. If you enjoy keeping a collection of recorded programs, you may need to adjust to this change.

What Are the Key Features of Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is not just a regular smart TV. It changes how we watch content completely. Here are some of its top features:

  • It has a stunning 4K QLED screen that supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
  • A powerful built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar fills the room with rich audio.
  • It offers advanced voice control that goes beyond simple commands.
  • The innovative 'Playlist' feature helps you curate content from several streaming services.
  • It works well with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • You don't need a satellite dish or external box, making setup simple.
  • It comes in three sizes (43", 55", and 65") and five stylish colours to fit any décor.

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Sky Glass Setup and Design

How Is Sky Glass Installed?

One of the best things about Sky Glass is how easy it is to set up. You don’t have to wait for a technician to put up a satellite dish. With Sky Glass, you can start watching in just a few minutes.

  1. Take your new TV out of the box. Sky delivers it for free, and the packaging is eco-friendly and recyclable.
  2. Set it up where you want or hang it on the wall if you like.
  3. Connect the TV to power and your home Wi-Fi.
  4. Sign in to your Sky account and begin watching!

It's good to know that the setup is easy to use. However, Sky also provides professional installation. You can choose this option if you want extra help or if you wish to have it wall-mounted.

What Design Features Stand Out in Sky Glass?

Sky Glass shows off a smart, modern design. You can choose from several colours like Ocean Blue, Ceramic White, Racing Green, Dusky Pink, and Anthracite Black. Sky wants this TV to be more than just a plain black rectangle in your living room.

The anodised aluminium frame makes it feel very high quality. The speakers are covered with a colour-matched acoustic mesh, which adds a stylish look. Most notably, Sky Glass is the first TV in the world to have a CarbonNeutral® certification. This shows Sky's dedication to being environmentally friendly.

Sky Glass Setup and Design

Picture and Sound Quality

How Does Sky Glass Handle HDR and 4K Content?

Sky Glass has a 4K QLED screen. It supports several HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. This means you get bright colours, deep blacks, and great contrast, especially when watching HDR shows.

The picture quality is impressive, even if it is not as high as the best OLED TVs. This is especially nice because the device is all-in-one. Sports fans will be happy to hear that Sky has added HDR for Formula 1 broadcasts. This makes every race a great visual experience.

What Is the Audio Quality Like on Sky Glass?

One great feature of Sky Glass is its built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar. It has six speakers and a subwoofer inside the TV. This setup provides a sound that fills the room and beats many separate soundbars.

Sky Glass can handle everything from the loud engines in a Formula 1 race to the gentle music in your favourite drama. While some people who love sound might still want a fancy separate sound system, most users will find the built-in audio more than good enough.

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Content and Streaming Integration

How Are Streaming Services Integrated with Sky Glass?

Sky Glass changes how we see content. You no longer need to switch between different apps. Instead, Sky Glass combines content from several streaming services with Sky's own shows. All of this is available in one easy-to-use screen.

You can find everything you want on your home screen. Whether it's a new Netflix original, a classic movie on Disney+, or a Prime Video exclusive, it’s all there. The global search feature is really great. It lets you search for content on all these platforms with just one search.

What Is the Playlist Feature on Sky Glass?

The Playlist feature is a great new option in Sky Glass. It lets you make a watchlist just for you. This watchlist can include live TV, on-demand content, and different streaming services. If you find something you want to save, just press the '+' button on your remote. It will add that show or movie to your Playlist. This makes it easy to find and watch later.

This feature will really help people who forget about shows they want to watch. It will also assist them in keeping track of content on different platforms.

Interface and User Experience

How User-Friendly Is the Sky Glass Interface?

Sky Glass's interface shows how much Sky cares about giving you a great viewing experience. The home screen acts like a hub for content. It displays your favourite shows from Sky channels, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services all together. This means you are never far from your next show to binge-watch.

The TV guide has changed for streaming. You can still look at live channels like on a regular Sky Q box. But now, the guide also includes on-demand shows from streaming services. This means you can start watching a show from the start, even if you joined when it was halfway through the live broadcast.

Sky Kids offers a safe space for children to enjoy their shows. Families can feel good about the content available for their kids. Sports fans will love how easy it is to find content from Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

What Is the Voice Control Experience on Sky Glass?

Voice control on Sky Glass is more than just basic commands. You can say "Hello Sky" to look for certain shows, open apps, or get suggestions just for you. The system can understand how people really talk. So, you can ask things like, "What should I watch tonight?" and it will give you suggestions based on what you have watched before.

Additional Features

What Is the Glance Motion Technology on Sky Glass?

Glance Motion Technology is a cool feature that wakes up Sky Glass when you walk into the room. It shows you tailored content suggestions. This makes your TV feel more engaging and part of your everyday life.

How Does Sky Glass Support Gaming and External Devices?

Sky Glass may not be the best option for hardcore gamers because it has a 60Hz refresh rate. However, it provides a good gaming experience for casual players. This TV has three HDMI 2.1 ports. You can connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or other devices easily.

The sky stream puck is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy Sky Glass in more rooms. This small device allows you to use the full Sky Glass interface on any TV at home. It helps create a multi-room setup without needing several Sky Glass TVs.

Additional Features

Price and Subscription Options

What Are the Costs Associated with Sky Glass?

Sky Glass has a new way to pay for your TV, like buying a smartphone. You can pay all at once or pay in parts over 24 or 48 months. The TV is available in different sizes: 43”, 55”, and 65”. The smallest model costs £649 if you pay upfront.

To watch content, you need a Sky subscription along with the TV cost. Sky has different packages for you to choose from. These include Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and options for UHD + Dolby Atmos. You can change these packages to fit your likes and budget.

How Does the Subscription Model Work for Sky Glass?

Sky Glass subscriptions are flexible. You can pick a base package and add or take away extras each month. For instance, you might add Sky Sports when the football season starts and remove it when the season ends.

The good news is that many of these subscriptions have a 31-day rolling contract. This gives you more flexibility compared to traditional 12 or 18-month contracts.

Are There Financing Options for Sky Glass?

Yes, Sky provides interest-free credit choices for Sky Glass. You can pay for it over 24 or 48 months. There is a small upfront fee. This helps many homes in the UK afford the latest TV technology.

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Environmental and Build Quality

What Are the Environmental Credentials of Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is a TV that is proudly called the world's first CarbonNeutral® TV. It is made to be energy-efficient and is built using recycled materials. This TV also has a function that turns it off automatically to save energy when it’s not being used.

How Durable and Long-Lasting Is Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is made with top-quality materials. It is created to last in your home for a long time. With the soundbar and streaming technology built into one unit, you will need to keep track of fewer devices. This means less maintenance and fewer replacements as time goes on.

Environmental and Build Quality

Comparison with Other TVs

How Does Sky Glass Compare to Other Smart TVs?

Sky Glass stands out when you compare it to other smart TVs from brands like Samsung. It might not have the best panel available, but it combines a good-quality TV, a strong soundbar, and an all-in-one content platform. This mix makes it special.

The combined interface that includes live TV, on-demand content, and streaming services is really impressive. Not many other smart TVs can offer this.

What Makes Sky Glass Unique Among Smart TVs?

The main thing that makes Sky Glass different is how well it connects with Sky's content and services. It has a Playlist feature, doesn’t need a satellite dish, and mixes live TV with streaming services. These traits make it stand out compared to regular smart TVs.

The flexible subscription model and the chance to spread payments make it a great choice. It helps people who want to improve their home entertainment setup. They can do this without making a large upfront payment.

FAQs on Sky Glass

What Channels Are Available on Sky Glass?

Sky Glass has many different channels for you to enjoy, including:

  • All main UK free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.
  • Sky's own channels, which are Sky One, Sky Atlantic, and Sky News.
  • Sky Sports channels, which need an extra subscription.
  • Sky Cinema channels, which also need an extra subscription.
  • Sky Kids channels.
  • A mix of entertainment, documentary, and lifestyle channels.

It's important to know that some special channels you get with traditional Sky Q may not be available on Sky Glass. The channels you see can change based on your subscription package.

Can You Use Sky Glass Without a Sky Subscription?

Sky Glass works best when you have a Sky subscription. However, you can still use it like a regular smart TV even without a subscription. You can:

  • Watch free channels.
  • Use streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4.
  • Connect other devices using HDMI.

You need a Sky subscription to access Sky's channels. Without it, you won't be able to use all the features that make Sky Glass special. This includes the ability to find content across different platforms.

Is Sky Glass Suitable for Gamers?

Sky Glass might be good for casual gamers. However, it may not be good enough for serious gaming fans.

Pros:

  • 4K resolution
  • HDR support for compatible games
  • Low input lag in Game Mode

Cons:

  • The screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be the best for fast-paced competitive gaming.
  • There is no support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
  • It lacks the special gaming features that some high-end TVs provide.

For casual gaming, Sky Glass should work fine. But serious gamers may want a TV that has higher refresh rates and special features for gaming.

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