The world of television has witnessed a paradigm shift with the introduction of Sky Glass, a revolutionary 4K TV offering from Sky. By integrating a premium TV service directly into a bespoke flatscreen, Sky Glass has eliminated the need for a standalone telly box and external dish aerial. This all-streaming alternative to Sky Q is set to shake up the entire premium TV market and provide a new viewing experience for consumers.
A New Era of Streaming TV
If you’ve been contemplating a 4K TV upgrade, Sky Glass might be the perfect choice for you. Available in three screen sizes – Small (43 inches), Medium (55 inches), and Large (65 inches) – Sky Glass caters to a wide range of preferences. The TV boasts impressive specifications, including UHD Quantum Dot display technology, a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, and support for over 1 billion colors. With Dolby Vision HDR and HDR 10, the visuals are stunning and vibrant.
In terms of audio, Sky Glass features a powerful Dolby 3.1.2 speaker output with Dolby Atmos support, ensuring an immersive sound experience. With up to 215W of sound output, the TV delivers impressive audio quality that enhances your viewing pleasure.
An All-in-One Viewing Experience
One of the standout features of Sky Glass is its all-in-one viewing experience. By integrating the TV service directly into the flatscreen, Sky has created a seamless and user-friendly interface. The Sky user interface, similar to Sky Q, offers curated highlights from channels like Sky Max, Sky Atlantic, and Sky Cinema. The TV Guide rail provides an overview of what’s currently airing across select channels.
With a wide range of streaming apps available, including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, Sky Glass ensures that you have access to a variety of content. Additionally, the TV offers apps like Peloton and Fiit for wellness enthusiasts, as well as music streaming service Spotify and a selection of casual games.
Embracing Voice Control
Usability is a key aspect of the Sky Glass experience. The TV heavily relies on voice control, allowing you to easily navigate and access content. While voice control is the primary method of interaction, the traditional remote control is also available for those who prefer a more tactile experience.
However, the everyday usability of Sky Glass does come with some caveats. Instead of recording content, you add it to a Playlist, which can be fed from various sources. While most movies and TV shows are readily available, some content may have restricted availability or cannot be re-streamed after broadcast. It’s important to consider your viewing habits and preferences before diving into the Sky Glass experience.
Pricing and Availability
Sky Glass is available as part of your monthly Sky package, eliminating the need to purchase the TV separately. The pricing plan varies depending on the length of your contract and the Sky services you choose. With a 48-month contract, the Small (43-inch) Sky Glass is priced at £13 per month, the Medium (55-inch) at £17 per month, and the Large (65-inch) at £21 per month. Opting for a shorter 24-month contract will result in higher monthly payments.
In addition to the monthly subscription, you’ll need to consider the cost of your chosen Sky subscription channel package, as well as any additional packs like the ‘Ultra HDR and Dolby Atmos’ pack. The availability of multiroom functionality also incurs an additional cost.
Design and Features
Sky Glass sets itself apart with its unique design. The TV features a deep, flat-back design with a metallic grille housing two upfiring height drivers. The remaining speaker array faces forward behind a fabric panel, creating a minimalist and chic look. The TV is available in five different color options – Ocean Blue, Ceramic White, Racing Green, Dusky Pink, and Anthracite Black – allowing you to match it to your interior decor.
On the connectivity front, Sky Glass offers three HDMI inputs with e-ARC support. The TV supports Dolby Vision HDR, and there’s even a terrestrial Freeview aerial input for backup when your broadband connection is down.
The Sky Glass user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with curated highlights and a wide range of streaming apps available. However, it’s worth noting that Sky Glass lacks the ability to record shows to a hard drive, a feature that is present in Sky Q. Instead, you can add shows to a Playlist and access them via a ‘Cloud DVR’ system. Some content, such as BT Sport channels, cannot be added to the Playlist at all.
Picture and Sound Quality
When it comes to picture quality, Sky Glass delivers impressive visuals. With its QLED display technology, Intelligent Zonal local dimming, and Auto picture management, the TV offers vibrant colors and excellent detail performance. The default viewing mode is Auto, but there are also dedicated presets for Entertainment, Movie, Sport, and more. While the TV performs well in terms of average picture brightness, it may not be the most dynamic HDR performer on the market.
The audio performance of Sky Glass is equally exceptional. With its six-speaker 3.1.2 array and Dolby Atmos support, the TV creates a wide and immersive soundstage. The audio system outperforms rival mid-range LED models, delivering a powerful and balanced sound experience. However, it’s important to note that the TV does not support headphone output, either wired or Bluetooth.
Sky Glass vs. Other 4K TV Brands
When comparing Sky Glass to other popular 4K TV brands, it’s clear that Sky Glass offers a unique all-in-one viewing experience. While it may not have the same level of channel variety and recording functionality as some other options, Sky Glass excels in its integration of streaming apps and its seamless user interface. The pay monthly pricing model also makes it an attractive option for those who want a new 4K TV without a hefty upfront cost.
In terms of picture and sound quality, Sky Glass holds its own against rival mid-range LED models. The QLED display technology, Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos support ensure a visually stunning and immersive viewing experience.
Conclusion
Sky Glass has ushered in a new era of premium TV with its integration of a 4K TV service directly into a bespoke flatscreen. With its all-in-one viewing experience, extensive streaming app selection, and impressive audiovisual performance, Sky Glass provides a unique and convenient solution for consumers. While it may not be a straight replacement for Sky Q, Sky Glass offers a compelling alternative for those looking to upgrade their TV and enjoy a seamless streaming experience.
