It looks set to be an incredibly exciting week for Sky TV fans. The satellite company will hold a media event on October 7, teased with the tagline “something magical is coming”, where it’s widely-expected to announce a slew of new hardware. Express.co.uk has previously revealed that a new set-top box that swaps the satellite dish for a fast broadband connection is being tested in the UK ahead of launch, but sources have also described a new Sky-designed 4K TV that’s set to debut this week too.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Sky has experimented with hardware beyond its set-top box. Back in 2018, the company announced the Sky Soundbox, which was created in collaboration with high-end French audio brand Devialet, to boost sound when watching movies and sports on Sky Q. The chunky soundbar was sold at a discounted rate to Sky Q subscribers and could be controlled with the same Sky Q Voice Remote used for the set-top box.
According to sources speaking to internet-centric blog ISPreview, the R&D teams at Sky have been preparing something much, much more ambitious for this week. The satellite company is expected to reveal a QLED TV product line called Sky Glass. Unlike rival TVs from Samsung, Sony and Hisense, Sky Glass will ship with all of the smarts needed to stream Sky TV channels, watch on-demand boxsets and blockbusters from Sky Cinema, and watch Sky Sports in crisp 4K HDR.
Like the rumoured new set-top box, believed to be based on the hardware already revealed by Sky’s US parent company Comcast last month, viewers won’t need to rely on a satellite dish drilled into the wall outside to watch the latest live channels and on-demand content. Instead, Sky Glass will arrive with a new device referred to as a “puck”, which will enable viewers to stream the Sky Q experience. Those who don’t want to tune-in – or have a contract with Virgin Media – can presumably leave the “puck” unplugged.
Sources speaking to Express.co.uk revealed that Sky will require a minimum broadband speed of 6 Mbps to stream its terrestrial channels. For comparison, Netflix recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps to watch in High Definition picture quality.
It doesn’t appear as if the Sky Soundbox will be bundled with the new QLED TV. Instead, these panels will come with an integrated Dolby Atmos soundbar in the design. Leaked images reveal a sizeable chin beneath the vibrant display to house the speaker. Sky Q supports Dolby Atmos, so it makes sense that Sky would opt for this ultimate audio standard when designing its own televisions.
In terms of sizing, sources speaking to ISPreview claim Sky Glass will arrive in 43-, 55- and 65-inch display sizes. Pricing remains unclear, but some sources have suggested the 43-inch model will start from around £650. For comparison, Samsung sells its 43-inch QLED TV – which has 4K and HDR support, but no included sound system – for £629. If the reports are accurate, it suggests that Sky won’t be charging a premium compared to its rivals.
That would make sense. After all, most 4K Smart TVs ship with a number of content providers preinstalled. Samsung TVs boast a wide range of free advert-supported content via its Samsung TV Plus service, as well as applications for Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and many more. Roku-branded TVs include the same technology that powers its hugely-popular streaming dongles, including its own free-to-watch Roku Channel and Sky’s contract-free NOW service.
It’s possible that Sky Glass will be sold as a premium QLED TV that happens to include the smarts to sign-up to a Sky Q-like experience over your broadband. For those who are looking to upgrade to a new television – and are tempted to catch-up on some of the exclusive shows, channels, and sport fixtures only available from Sky – it could be a brilliant option.
Like Sky Q, you’ll be able to pause a recorded show on one screen and pick-up in another room with Sky Glass or another Sky-branded set-top box. Recordings can be downloaded and taken away with you via the Sky Go app on tablets, iPhone and Android.
It’s unclear whether Sky Glass and the new streaming-only set-top box will replace the existing Sky Q set-top box. Either way, there’s not long to wait. Express.co.uk will be in the audience during the “Something Magical” event held by Sky.
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