Sky Offer TV Without a Satellite Dish

On the 18th October (2021), Sky launched Sky Glass, a new way to access Sky TV without the need for a satellite dish. Unlike other Sky TV services, Sky Glass uses a specially designed TV, eliminating the need for a separate box. The new service utilises an internet connection, with a minimum speed of 10mbps to stream the channels, instead of a satellite dish. However, the TV can be connected to a terrestrial aerial, which functions as a backup only for a limited number of channels, should the internet connection fail.

The channel line up broadly mirrors that of the main Sky service, with all Sky Channels (including Pick and Challenge), plus those from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, ViacomCBS, Warner Bros. Discovery, UKTV, and BT Sport available. HD (high definition) channels are include as standard, including (for the first time on any platform) all BBC One regions in HD, and HD versions of 5 Star, 5 USA, and Paramount Network not currently in HD via satellite.

However, not all channels available with Sky’s satellite service are available on Sky Glass, as Sky has not concluded carriage deals with all broadcasters for inclusion on Sky Glass. Notable absentees are Freesports, GB News, Great TV and other Great branded channels, children’s channel Pop, QVC, and the Now branded music channels, amongst others. Some of these may be added in the near future, but Sky are yet to confirm this.

The usual Sky Q features, such as voice control and the pausing of live programmes are also included in the new Sky Glass TVs. However, unlike with previous Sky Q and Sky HD boxes, recordings are stored ‘in the cloud’ on a remote server instead of the users device. It is unclear what impact this will have, but this should enable users of the TV to access recordings on another device should the TV fail. However, Sky have not confirmed this. One drawback is that viewers will be unable to access recordings without an internet connection.

The new Sky Glass TVs are ulta HD (4K) compatible, and also feature Dolby Vision, 5 speakers, and a sub-woofer. This reduces the need for an external sound bar. The TV is available in 3 sizes; small (43″), medium (55″) and large (65″), and can be bought upfront or with the cost spread over 24 or 48 months. The TV costs £26, £34, or £42 a month respectively if spread over 24 months (not including the subscription). An ongoing Sky subscription is required to access most features, however. Sky will deliver and set up the TV, but although the Sky Glass TV can be wall mounted, you will need to arrange for this yourself.

Like Sky Q, Sky Glass can also be added to other TVs, using a device called Sky Puck. This is a set top box which plugs into your existing TV, costing £50 each. This adds a £10 surcharge to the subscription cost, but a single surcharge covers all Sky Puck devices. Unlike Sky Q miniboxes, the new Sky Puck devices are 4K compatible.

This is not the first time Sky have innovated with a new product idea. Sky has already successfully launched dish free services in Germany and Italy, but this has been with a more convential set top box based service. Time will tell if the new Sky Glass service is successful.

Now TV App Launches on Sony TVs

Sky’s Now TV app, which allows users access Sky content with out a contract, is now available on Sony Bravia TVs, powered by Google’s Android TV operating system.

Compatible TVs are from 2016 onwards, and the full list is available from industry website Advanced Television. If you are unsure if your TV is compatible, consult your manual, or contact the manufacturer or retailer.

Users can download the app via the Google Play store.

New Short-throw Projector from Samsung

Following in the footsteps of LG, Samsung has launched a new ultra short-throw projector. The new projector can be placed just in front of the projection surface, making it ideal for home use.

The projector is available in two sizes, 120″ (LSP7T), and 130″ (LSP9T). Both can deliver 4K image resolutions using laser technology, with the LSP9T also having High Dynamic Range 10+ certification.

Both have a ‘Filmmakers Mode’, and come with Samsung’s Smart TV options.

New Flagship TV from Toshiba

Toshiba has launched a new flagship 4K TV, available in 43 inch, 50 inch and 58 inch screen sizes, and designated the UK4B.

Among the features are:

  • Alexa voice control
  • 4K HDR screen
  • Toshiba TV’s TRU Picture Engine
  • Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
  • Sound by Onkyo

The range has built in Freeview Play, allowing access to a variety of apps and streaming services when connected to the internet, alongside the regular selection of terrestrial Freeview channels