That was an exceptionally good run through of the Sky stream box. I’ve signed up for one with their broadband on the back of this review. Thanks for taking the time 👍
Agreed, great video but I've decided NOT to sign up on the basis of this video 😂 Horses for courses, I suppose. I was ready to pull the trigger over the weekend but it's a hard No, for me now.
The reality of the age of streaming is this exact fragmentation, I think it's going to be extremely rare that you find a system as well integrated as what you're asking for. The streaming service providers have all the leverage and don't want to put all this development time into other people's products. They would also never trust another company like Sky to tinker with their applications.
For anyone who doesn't know about it, the simplest way to get Sky channels that doesn't even involve buying a single piece of hardware from Sky, is NOW TV or just NOW as they rebranded to recently. It's just Sky's take on a streaming service like any other and has access to all their channels live. The app is available on Samsung, Sony & LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks & Rokus, along with the givens like mobile and desktop. If the overlap with other streaming apps on the Stream is annoying you then this is the way to avoid that, because the only programmes that are going to show in the NOW TV app are they programmes actually available on Sky.
Agree. I find that ok for occasional viewing, but the quality isn’t great. I’ve been waiting for sky stream for F1 in 4k HDR, and to get Sky Atlantic. F1 looks *amazing* and overall I’m pretty happy so far. Most/all content is available enough on catch up that ‘bookmarked’ content works as an alternative to actual HDD recording
Now is the cheapest way to get the Sky Sports channels. Stream and Q force you to buy a base pack before you can add the Sky Sports channels. It’s a shame that the Now app on AppleTV with the boost pack doesn’t have 5.1 audio for unknown reasons. Now often has special offers to keep subscribers. I’m on a 12 month £20 a month sports offer. Now is clearly aimed as the budget offering but can be a good way to get the sports channels for a cheaper price. If Now added 4k UHD with a boost+ pack it would be good as that is the big quality difference compared to Stream
The main mistake people made with sky glass is to go for the biggest TV when it's not a top spec TV. It's still pretty decent as it supports Dolby Atmos and Vision and is a decent VA panel when you manually sort the brightness. In short the 43 inch is awesome TV for the kitchen or bedroom as no need for a separate soundbar. You can also power a 4K Amazon stick via the back USB C port. I've got the pucks linked to better TVs and the sky glass is mint on the kitchen wall for an all in one option. My main annoyance with sky pucks is the removal of the optical out (same with most modern technology including consoles).
That's a fair point, still nice that I can now get it without any sort of TV since I didn't really need a new bedroom one but the Sky Glass does seem like a decent option for a bedroom TV. My only concern would be that since, if you sold the TV on, it can't then be activated as a Sky device by the new owner, it likely won't have the same resale value as a conventional TV. As for the optical output, this is fairly common nowadays as the optical standard has very much been superseded by HDMI. While "fibre optic" sounds modern, it's actually a standard from the 80s and can't handle more than 2 audio channels without compression whereas HDMI can handle full uncompressed surround sound. If you need an optical output (e.g. for an older sound system that doesn't support HDMI) then you can get "HDMI Audio Extractors" which are relatively inexpensive and will provide an optical audio output from an HDMI feed while passing through he HDMI video to your display.
@@camerongray1515 all good advice but in a small bedroom environment where I can only fit a Samsung m5 TV and wanting to use a Sonos ray with sky puck/apple TV/ps5 and Xbox I’m already running out of plugs and ports 😂 I just wanted to use optical to the Ray. I know it is dead really. Be nice if sky added AirPlay out as an option. I’ll probably just watch most none sky stuff via Apple TV and use AirPlay to Sonos (saw you have a Mac mini in your setup too…I use one as Plex server). Thanks for the reply! Side note the puck also fits in an IKEA malm single makeup mirror tray and as Bluetooth really good option in a small space 😂
My Sky TV contract expires next week. After 20 years, that's it for me; it's too expensive. With SKY Q, I do like recording TV, but your explanation of the 'Playlist' function is useful and the decision-maker for switching to Sky Stream. With using the network's own apps I know I would forget a programme, so having the option to take me straight will be handy. The issue you mentioned with Simpsons being on SKY and Disney+ is not a big issue for me, I am a great 911 fan , originally on Sky Witness now the latest series on Disney+, so this will be the same. Next week I will have to decide if to cancel or even switch to NOW TV for my SKY Atlantic fix.
Really detailed video. Despite it almost being midnight, you explained everything thoroughly. Not even the opening of the box was rushed 😉 My only criticism is the placement of your Dyson fan! It is very distracting. And now you've read this, you're going to move it because you can't not notice it while watching the telly 😂I've just found your channel and subscribed. Look forward to going through the backlog and for your future videos!
I suspect the aerial / DVB-T tuner will be key in Italy where there are a number of local channels on terrestrial - in fact the Sky Q box over there has a DVB-T tuner too which has always been interesting.
Great video: I have been with sky for 9 years and had Sky Q since it was launched. We recently renovated the living room and wanted the TV on the other side of the room but was restricted by the satellite cables. Bought cable extensions and ran them round the room but it looked awful so rang Sky last week and ditched Sky Q for Sky Stream. Had it almost a week and me and my wife love it. We rarely used the record function as pretty much everything is available on demand now. I had 2 Sky Q boxes which ended up corrupted and lost all of my recordings. Everyone will have their preferences. If the internet goes down then do the old fashioned thing called talking to each other. In the 9 years with Sky my internet went down once. Even the agent on the phone said that satellite dishes are so 1990s and said streaming is the way forward. Each to their own and I respect everyone’s choices but this solved the issue of not having cables trawling around my room and just looks neat and tidy.
Thanks for putting this up Cameron. Great review. Not sure I want to change from Sky Q just yet but your video was just what I wanted to see Stream in action.
I wondered why Sky went for a full on TV and not a stream box. The thing I don't really understand now is: - Why not create a smaller device footprint. Something more like a ticket pen drive. With nVME drives, you could potentially fit an entire stream and recording device in a smaller area. - At this point, why not just create an app for your phone that also works on other hardware such a Google TV streamer or firestick etc? I do understand the implications on account sharing etc, but it will come eventually, I'm sure.
One thing I find annoying was seeing a program on sky news I wanted to “record” and watch later like I would have on Sky Q but it added the program as a playlist but the specific program episode was nowhere to be found!
Great in-depth review, Cameron. I ordered Stream off the back of watching this. Been streaming all my content for the past 5 years, so this was a bit of a change for me. Tried it for a week, but ultimately decided to return it and cancel the service. Strikes me as a ‘nearly’ product, but I’m informed the software will evolve over time so maybe I’ll revisit it in a year or two.
Fabulous pointing to the box. Riveting video. The pointing was superb. Made the video a bit of a roller coaster emotionally. Even the whole hand was impressive. But the opening was Oscar performance, 3 minutes of Video bliss.
The fact that so many UK residences are protected makes me wonder if there isn't some non-mounted dish option available? If a sensor-driven motorized auto-correction for the angle can be figured out, I could see dishes on tripods coming into existence over there. Or whatever Dish uses over here for those portable dishes.
I just love instructional videos where there's a remote being waved around and just do this like that where you can't see what he's done. Thanks a lot.
This video was intended as a review and demonstration, not an instructional video, hence me not focusing on explaining exactly how to use it. Had I spent longer explaining and showing exactly how to do everything, the video would have dragged on even longer than it did and wouldn't have been useful for the average person who just wants to see a review of Sky Stream before they decide to order it. If you need organised instructional content, Sky have tutorial videos on their own RUclips channel.
What they could have done with the "puck" is put an on board hard drive and had an option to record programmes. It need not have cost that much more and it would helped the migration over to streaming with customers who were resistant about switching from the traditional SKY box. You can get a TB of on board memory in a unit that size.
Thanks for this video. Does it show what episodes you've already watched on the series link/play list? what happens when a new show comes out? will it be at the top?
Useful overview. Was thinking of getting one for my Nana. But while I'd have no bother navigating it, the janky nature of the "recordings" feels like it would confuse her.
Great overview. I had Sky glass in May 22 and sent it back and re-installed Sky Q. I never thought the TV picture quality was particularly good and I hated the playlists. Especially for channels like ITV. If you added something like Coronation Street, it would be hard to find the latest show or shows fro that week as they were numbered and they would add every bloody episode going back years. Yawn!! Paying for skipping adverts was a joke as well after the first year. Completely taking the piss. So having just a puck that can stream sky is interesting but would have to deal with playlists again. Is the amount of pucks you have limited ? I still think it’s early days for sky software and they need to come up with a better playlists or recording mechanism before I’m go back.
Notice Stv player can you get itv x as I hate stv also bbc Scotland do have add post code when stalling or can you use a English post code so get BBC South channels. As current Sky Q can add channels to your TV get via Google for frequency?
Really appreciate this video from an opinion I respect. Answers pretty much all the questions I had as I’ve been pretty interested in moving to this for a while.
Superb review matey , trees are messing with my dish , so I need an alternative… I like Skys interface and use Zen broadband, so it’s a good option..👍🏼👍🏼
They're all working great, for the front channels I'm using the Bronze 50s and then Bronze FXs for the surrounds. I made a video about them all here: ruclips.net/video/WUwCIxJg2XM/видео.html. Then for the sub I'm using a BK XLS-200FF which I made a video about here: ruclips.net/video/xv4VpPAdI6k/видео.html
Sky Q is 1080P or 4K10bit and yes Sky Q has the full watch from start. and Sky Q also shows stuff from apps that you might not subscribe to which has always been the case as a way to get you to subscribe recorded films is the say if you later remove your movies sub recorded films can no longer be played.
This is a great fair review, I have just moved to the steam service, I have a large property with a 2TB SkyQ main box and 3 mini's - I don't have Sky BB as its poor so I moved to Virgin 350m which is great! Skey engineers came last week as boxes keep disconnecting and we have one in the annex next door (In laws) and said the only way is to hard wire all the boxes (I don't want cables everywhere and neither does the wife), so I moved to Stream and bar some subtitle issues it's been fine, picture is better, we shall see how it performs over the coming weeks....
Ive had 2 of these for about a year now, they now both have developed the same issue, the sound is fine when when I first put the TV on but over time the audio starts to lag, last night it was approx 1.5 seconds behind, the only way to resolve the issue is to switch the sky stream box off and the back on, very frustrating. Internet search provides that others have experienced the same. Sky blame Internet speed, I have fibre direct and very fast speed.
Thanks! I watched your video and decided to get Sky Stream. I've had it for a couple of days and am very happy with it. I find the user interface better than using the NowTV dongle.
Sky Q has everything shown in this video. In my opinion the interface on Sky Q is better (not my favourite but better). Also Sky Q works much faster, so if you're going from Q to streaming you'll probably be slightly annoyed. As I was watching, it literally felt like an eternity for the speed in which the channels changed, but I suppose it's personal preference & it isn't the end of the world. Cool that the remote lights up though, Q doesn't do that & I can see that being quite useful so long as it isn't blinding whilst using it, because I'd imagine you're only going to need that feature in a dark room & from experience white lights in your face (unless dim) is very uncomfortable even if it's in the corner of your eye whilst looking at something else, which most of the time is how you'd use a remote. In my opinion Sky+HD is the best version of Sky. - Superior remote design (I really hate the 'new' button mapping & I rarely if ever use the voice/microphone button which could of been added to the old remote, just like they did when they added a pause/play, fast forward/rewind button. Which were in my opinion better placed in the middle of the remote & not right at the top. What were they thinking? - The interface was clean & simple to use. The new interface in my opinion is a complete mess & too full. I'd recommend to anyone new to Sky to just get the Sky+HD version if you can still get it & buy 4K Fire TV Stick (or a different streaming hub) for your Netflix, Prime, Disney, RUclips, etcetera... Atleast until Sky cleans up Q & the streaming versions. : )
I completely agree. I held off getting sky q for the longest time. We only use the base package so around £20 a month but thought a good time to upgrade. Honestly feels mostly like a downgrade compared to Sky+HD
I’m old school and I still have the sky+ hd box. It does everything I want it to and I have the latest Roku stick for my apps. All brilliant when I get a signal from EE!..😂
As an employee working for sky, that's true sky+Hd is a better box, however sky q has alot more amazing features, it's lot more easy and convenient to use, anddd you can add much better content then what you get on sky + hd
First time viewer. Thanks Cameron for a thorough review of Sky Stream! Think I am going to get this. Wonder if they will do a Black Friday deal? I am pretty useless with Tech - do you know if it is possible to get the remote to turn on and control a sound bar as well? Thanks 👍
When it comes to multi-room/multi-screen (whatever they call it), Sky Stream is slightly cheaper per month than Sky Q, and there is the added bonus of not having to have the main box on in order for the additional boxes to function (with Sky Q, rather than having a connection to the dish for each additional box, the additional boxes connect to the main box), and plus, the cost of the additional boxes is cheaper than Sky Q Also, with Sky Stream, you can have 3 Sky Glass TVs, and 6 Sky Stream Pucks per account/address (if you have multi-room/multi-screen), whereas Sky Q only allows you to have it on up to 4 or 5 TVs total (can’t remember the exact number)
I have a smark 4k ultra HD OLED tv when I ordered mine I asked for the added extra to get a better picture but he said I don't need it the picture will be good enough he didn't ask if I had a HD tv or anything like that ,so is the picture quality good
Unfortunately not which is pretty annoying, it also doesn't seem to accept CEC commands for control so you'd be limited to IR control. Thankfully it does at least support that (even though the remote is Bluetooth it does support IR commands and the remote can be switched into an IR mode) but if network control is important to you, you'd be better off going with Sky Q.
Great video. Thank you. Quick question: Let’s say I’ve missed the first 10 minutes of live football match, can I start from the beginning without going into that channel? I’d hate to see the scoreline whilst doing it
In the US Comcast Cable's Xfinity X1 does the same thing with teasing things I can't access, it tries to take me to Netflix or Disney+ which I don't want to have or use. I wish I could do the same and tell it to not show anything relating to them
The lack of recording is fine for situations where it’s a series show or on catch up, but if I were to be out during a live sports show and wanted to record it, you wouldn’t be able to cause sky don’t put the whole programme on catch-up, just the highlights. This is a particular pain for f1. Ik not an issue with your particular circumstances, however I fear sky are going to eventually push to kill off the satellite tv entirely. I have family that live literally in the middle of nowhere and the only internet you can get is satellite with like kilobytes download speeds, so in that situation satellite is the only option. Personally we still use Sky+HD as it does everything you’d want from tv and is still supported.
Can't see this working for Ireland for playlist as we are not allowed access to BBC iPlayer App and The Irish RTE player plays at least four adverts before each program.
Sky and BBC have come to some arrangement about Ireland. It's currently in place for Sky Glass. It's not full-fat iPlayer, but it's not nothing either. Hard-disk recording of BBC is definitely still the better opinion for Irish viewers imo.
Great video. Would I be right in thinking that it is not possible to skip adverts when using STV, or any other channel with adverts? Great thing about having a recorder is the ability to circumvent the ads.
Very good well explained video. It could be i missed something, but can you set the tv channels in order, or as a favourite list rather than scrawl through tons of channels to get the channel i want,..Also I would never remember the channel number i was looking for... Hope this makes sense. Thanks Danny
This is very much what Apple were trying to do with Apple TV and has the same issues! Greedy companies unwilling to play together for a better experience for the end users.
Great review mate! Is there a away to speed up the transition between live channels? It looks like about 5 seconds delya before the picture show up. Thanks
Update after I subscribed to sky stream. As far as I can see there is no integration with netflix at all. Netflix programmes don't show in search results and cannot be added to the playlist. Also when you add programmes to the playlist, sky decides to add the subscription services rather than the free services ie it will add a program from prime instead on chl4. So the playlist gets cluttered up with services that I haven't subscribed to even though the programmes are available for free elsewhere. It's supposed to record to the cloud but half the time it just adds the series to the playlist. It's all very confusing and hasn't really met my expectations. I am thinking of cancelling and going back to youview with a nowtv subscription.
Got my late last week. So far pleased with it though a couple of niggles. The video and sound were out of synch so I had to switch Audio from PCM to Auto which resolved the issue. However the other issue is that none of my viewed content is 'remembered' so every time I return to a TV I have to remember what episode I have got to. It remembers that session but as soon as turn it off and back on it loses all of the viewing history. I have checked the settings about allowing content details to be shared and it still makes no difference. Apparently this is quite a common issue but since launch it does not appear to have been addressed which is shame. Hoping they resolve this unless anyone else knows how to fix this...?
One of the best things about my current Sky HD box (it's not Sky Q) is that the catch up is completely independent of the normal catch up streaming services (BBC iPlayer, My5 etc.). I have no idea why they have chosen a weird, hybrid integration with these services for Sky Stream. It is a huge backwards step.
Reference local news on BBC and itv...then app players don't give you local news ...so...can you add local news to play lists? I get home at 8pm and missed 6pm Yorkshire news..how do I catch up on it?
Another good in-depth video, thanks Cameron. Agree Sky Glass seemed a bonkers proposition and this is much more sensible (esp for a lot of flats), however pricing still seems pretty punchy. Between Netflix, Amazon Prime and iPlayer (along with Plex for existing content I've got) I'm not sure there's much in the basic Sky package that would tempt me for £33/mo. I don't care about sports either and found (when I did have Sky) the film channels were pretty repetitive and didn't have that much new content each month so I just got rid of it altogether! Now TV (also owned by Sky) seems a potentially cheaper option for some of their content, but presumably that misses out some things?
If I remember correctly, Now TV only gives you access to the channels that Sky operates, whereas this gives access to some pay to view channels that are not operated by Sky in addition to the ones that are (and i am not entirely sure, but there is also a possibility that sky excludes some of their own channels from Now TV) I suppose the only real benefit this offers over Now TV outside of the extra channels is that a basic Netflix subscription is included (I was previously signed up to Now TV, but i canceled my subscription due to it being inconvenient (having to switch over to a separate device, TV not a smart TV), and when i saw this service on the Sky website, i decided to see how good it was for myself)
Yeah, Now TV doesn't seem to include quite as many channels as Sky Stream and when you factor in the cost of Netflix which is included with Stream, you end up basically paying the same to get Sky Stream including Netflix vs separate NowTV and Netflix subscriptions
@@camerongray1515 sounds sensible. I get Netflix at 20% off after some deals on supermarket gift cards (on top of some Google chromecast offer) so just pay for it direct and no Sky/Now TV but agree if you want the service then this seems a better value way that you've done it 👍
Yup - just looking at Stream vs Nowtv (im fully loaded except sport) and prices are almost the same with netflix on top. Around £40, with all the Now HD/ and NFx UHD switches on, but on 18mth contract However - on Stream, you do get Paramount+ free with Cinema, (which you dont on Now) ....and you can get UHD and Atmos (though you have to pay) . Now maxes out at HD and std 5.1 with the Boost upgrade, which can get a bit annoying when other App have stuff on UHD and Atmos. Obv these difference may be appealling or not, but thought they were worth mentioning here :) On the bad side - The UHD option OR if you move over to monthly rolling options takes Stream above seperate subs. If you get deals on NFx and Now - which many people do - then it may not be worthwhile. Youre also locked into NFx with Stream, and i quite like being able to drop subs im not watching (even tho im rubbish at it :D) Its the ability to get UHD and atmos on all subs which is just about swinging it for me, and im keen to try the aggregated interface (so your video has been helpful) its just the locking in part which is holding me back (and im rubbish at deciding things like this :D) Be interesting Cameron, if youre still enjoying it/using it after a few weeks, and if anything changes when it learns your watching habits Alan - I think Plex added something similar a few months ago - re: App aggregation - i did try it briefly, but could only get it on my Nvidia Shield and it was a little clunky transitioning between apps. not sure if its got any better. The Sky version does look somewhat slicker
@@homiedontshake Nigel, I enjoyed reading your input. I'd appreciate it if you could clarify the point in the first para where you stated that Stream and Now TV are on 18 month contracts. It was my understanding that they were both on one month rolling contracts and this was a big advantage of both options compared to Sky Q which would be an initial 18 month contract.
the 4K HDMi copy protection.... I have the same thing with my Virgin box and AV receiver. My work around is sending picture to TV direct, and sound to AV via optical. Sky stream doesn't have optical - but I REALLY hoped it wouldn't have this copywrite issue. that would make it a hard no unfortunately. WHY is this an issue???????????????????
Appreciate your videos mate. I'm changing over to sky stream and ditching sky q as i need 4k sky mini boxes in 3 rooms and sky's mini boxes are only HD, only the main box is 4k. My only concern is that I need a way of being able to record on the sky stream puck, do you know of a workaround? Like using a DVR. I know you can add programs to a playlist but some don't stay available indefinitely. Cheers!
The most you could maybe do is using some sort of HDMI capture device but this would be akin to connecting a Sky box to a VCR - it'll only record the video source that is currently being played back and if a programme runs for an hour, it'll take an hour to capture it. You may also run into HDMI copy protection issues. My suggestion would be to stick with Sky Q for now and live without 4K and if you need 4K apps for things like Netflix, either use the smart TV apps or get a 4K capable smart TV stick type device. Hopefully Sky will release 4K capable mini boxes in the future.
@@DjKProductions You'll likely be able to do that to record Freeview channels but I highly doubt it'll let you record an HDMI source such as the Sky box.
@camerongray1515 ok, I'll probably try a hdmi capture device, even with it's limitations. Not sure what u mean by HDMI copy protection issues, will it stop me from recording certain channels or programs?
Thanks for such an in depth review. I've just read somewhere that there is no way of switching between HDMI ports on the remote, is this correct? My son currently switches ports when he wants to use his Play Station. Is this still possible? Thank you.
There isn't any sort of input control on the Sky remote however for that you'd just need to use your TV's regular remote. The Sky remote will control your TV's volume and turn it on/off but for anything else you'll need your TV's own remote.
If you want to record on sky stream you need and hdmi converter to digital to create digital channel your freeview recorder or dvd recorder can recieve so you can record the programme to the hard drive and dvd recorder.
That's definitely an option (known as a DVB-T Modulator) although these are relatively expensive and are designed more for distributing the video to different rooms. A cheaper alternative could be using some sort of HDMI capture device to record to a computer. That said, I basically have zero interest in recording in this sense, if it's important to you to have traditional recording, then Sky Q is the product to go for.
The problem I had with this is that I'd be watching 'Live' football and my neighbours would be celebrating a goal that I hadn't seen yet. It's at least 30 seconds behind the live broadcast. If you're ok with that, then it's an excellent service I would say.
That's an interesting issue! Not something that bothers me since I don't know the first thing about football but definitely a very valid concern if this sort of thing would affect you!
Is their any lag between the channels on sky stream. For example the sky q box is 2 minutes ahead of sky go. If sky stream has no delay then that’s a game changer
You could get this for £26 a month on a contract (29 without) but honestly I would go for nowtv for £10 entertainment for a month, your existing smart TV probably supports it. You get access to the sky channels on there. If not you can get a Roku streaming stick for £30 from Argos which can run the now TV app.
Standard quality 720p with stereo sound (worse than sky stream). You can pay £5 per month for the "boost" add-on for nowtv, which also gives you the ability to use 3 devices at once, which provides 1080p and 5.1 sound (same as sky stream standard offering)
Sky Stream isn't a replacement for Sky Q, it's just a different option for people who don't want a dish. If you already have Sky Q then there aren't many reasons to switch to Stream.
Sky stream works excellent if you have a good internet connection, there are many positives and negatives, it's just depends on what you're comfortable with, i have handled many customers, i only discuss sky stream if they have requirement or else we just discuss about sky Q
Does it work on any 'host' internet provider or is it only 'certain providers' that can stream through? The building I am moving to is new but and is not wired up to the 'main providers....they only installed 'Hyperoptic' in the building so will this be compatible?
Without WebTV as the world’s first thin Internet client, none of this would have been possible. The idea TVs and set top boxes could deliver content was a new one. From that world, emerged smart TVs, the Roku Ultra, DirecTV Stream and in the UK, Sky Stream. They’re still thin Internet clients but instead of bringing the World Wide Web into the home, they now deliver entertainment.
So expensive for what is still a fragmented frustrating experience. The problem with this is it's purpose is not to show the customer TV in a nice way, but to encourage them to upgrade to higher tiers. I genuinely still prefer free to air boxes as I can totally customise them to what I want
Absolutely, definitely one of the benefits of this - can just move the box around rather than paying extra for multiroom if you only infrequently need it in different rooms.
You should just need to set the resolution to UHD. There is also a judder reduction option you could try but if it affects other devices too then you'd be better off checking the settings on your TV itself.
Adding to playlist Test match cricket from another country with time difference is hopeless, e.g. 5am start for recent England versus Pakistan, starts at the beginning fine when I get up say at 10am, but it will stop when the live recording stops around 12-12.30...ie it will only give me the first 2+ hours.
Hi, great video. Had a quick question please. I’m considering purchasing this however I have access to a UHD Netflix account so I don’t need to pay the £8 extra with sky. Is it possible to sign into Netflix on Sky Stream with a different account than what is linked to your Sky Account without the bills merging? Thanks in advance.
Get Sky Stream (Affiliate): tidd.ly/3FpCXIA
Who remembers Sky Digital, the interactive button and Beehive Bedlam?
Beehive bedlam is still on sky
I remember fathom too!
Bumble tumble
Yes, and now I feel old
I loved beehive bedlam 😂
That was an exceptionally good run through of the Sky stream box. I’ve signed up for one with their broadband on the back of this review. Thanks for taking the time 👍
Agreed, great video but I've decided NOT to sign up on the basis of this video 😂 Horses for courses, I suppose. I was ready to pull the trigger over the weekend but it's a hard No, for me now.
The reality of the age of streaming is this exact fragmentation, I think it's going to be extremely rare that you find a system as well integrated as what you're asking for. The streaming service providers have all the leverage and don't want to put all this development time into other people's products. They would also never trust another company like Sky to tinker with their applications.
Excellent review.great work.there’s a lot of bad quality reviews of sky stream on RUclips.this is the best one I’ve found.thanks
For anyone who doesn't know about it, the simplest way to get Sky channels that doesn't even involve buying a single piece of hardware from Sky, is NOW TV or just NOW as they rebranded to recently. It's just Sky's take on a streaming service like any other and has access to all their channels live. The app is available on Samsung, Sony & LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks & Rokus, along with the givens like mobile and desktop.
If the overlap with other streaming apps on the Stream is annoying you then this is the way to avoid that, because the only programmes that are going to show in the NOW TV app are they programmes actually available on Sky.
Agree. I find that ok for occasional viewing, but the quality isn’t great. I’ve been waiting for sky stream for F1 in 4k HDR, and to get Sky Atlantic. F1 looks *amazing* and overall I’m pretty happy so far. Most/all content is available enough on catch up that ‘bookmarked’ content works as an alternative to actual HDD recording
Ooh so that’s why I couldn’t find a now TV box anywhere, it’s on the fire stick now so I know what gift to get for F1 fan!
It's called NOW TV in UK? In Germany they call it WOW :D
Now is the cheapest way to get the Sky Sports channels. Stream and Q force you to buy a base pack before you can add the Sky Sports channels. It’s a shame that the Now app on AppleTV with the boost pack doesn’t have 5.1 audio for unknown reasons.
Now often has special offers to keep subscribers. I’m on a 12 month £20 a month sports offer. Now is clearly aimed as the budget offering but can be a good way to get the sports channels for a cheaper price. If Now added 4k UHD with a boost+ pack it would be good as that is the big quality difference compared to Stream
Resolution is badly hampered on Sky NOW and GO. Stream is a much better platform even in its infancy.
The main mistake people made with sky glass is to go for the biggest TV when it's not a top spec TV. It's still pretty decent as it supports Dolby Atmos and Vision and is a decent VA panel when you manually sort the brightness. In short the 43 inch is awesome TV for the kitchen or bedroom as no need for a separate soundbar. You can also power a 4K Amazon stick via the back USB C port. I've got the pucks linked to better TVs and the sky glass is mint on the kitchen wall for an all in one option. My main annoyance with sky pucks is the removal of the optical out (same with most modern technology including consoles).
That's a fair point, still nice that I can now get it without any sort of TV since I didn't really need a new bedroom one but the Sky Glass does seem like a decent option for a bedroom TV. My only concern would be that since, if you sold the TV on, it can't then be activated as a Sky device by the new owner, it likely won't have the same resale value as a conventional TV. As for the optical output, this is fairly common nowadays as the optical standard has very much been superseded by HDMI. While "fibre optic" sounds modern, it's actually a standard from the 80s and can't handle more than 2 audio channels without compression whereas HDMI can handle full uncompressed surround sound. If you need an optical output (e.g. for an older sound system that doesn't support HDMI) then you can get "HDMI Audio Extractors" which are relatively inexpensive and will provide an optical audio output from an HDMI feed while passing through he HDMI video to your display.
@@camerongray1515 all good advice but in a small bedroom environment where I can only fit a Samsung m5 TV and wanting to use a Sonos ray with sky puck/apple TV/ps5 and Xbox I’m already running out of plugs and ports 😂 I just wanted to use optical to the Ray. I know it is dead really. Be nice if sky added AirPlay out as an option. I’ll probably just watch most none sky stuff via Apple TV and use AirPlay to Sonos (saw you have a Mac mini in your setup too…I use one as Plex server). Thanks for the reply! Side note the puck also fits in an IKEA malm single makeup mirror tray and as Bluetooth really good option in a small space 😂
My Sky TV contract expires next week. After 20 years, that's it for me; it's too expensive. With SKY Q, I do like recording TV, but your explanation of the 'Playlist' function is useful and the decision-maker for switching to Sky Stream. With using the network's own apps I know I would forget a programme, so having the option to take me straight will be handy.
The issue you mentioned with Simpsons being on SKY and Disney+ is not a big issue for me, I am a great 911 fan , originally on Sky Witness now the latest series on Disney+, so this will be the same.
Next week I will have to decide if to cancel or even switch to NOW TV for my SKY Atlantic fix.
Really detailed video. Despite it almost being midnight, you explained everything thoroughly. Not even the opening of the box was rushed 😉 My only criticism is the placement of your Dyson fan! It is very distracting. And now you've read this, you're going to move it because you can't not notice it while watching the telly 😂I've just found your channel and subscribed. Look forward to going through the backlog and for your future videos!
I suspect the aerial / DVB-T tuner will be key in Italy where there are a number of local channels on terrestrial - in fact the Sky Q box over there has a DVB-T tuner too which has always been interesting.
Great video: I have been with sky for 9 years and had Sky Q since it was launched. We recently renovated the living room and wanted the TV on the other side of the room but was restricted by the satellite cables. Bought cable extensions and ran them round the room but it looked awful so rang Sky last week and ditched Sky Q for Sky Stream. Had it almost a week and me and my wife love it. We rarely used the record function as pretty much everything is available on demand now. I had 2 Sky Q boxes which ended up corrupted and lost all of my recordings. Everyone will have their preferences. If the internet goes down then do the old fashioned thing called talking to each other. In the 9 years with Sky my internet went down once. Even the agent on the phone said that satellite dishes are so 1990s and said streaming is the way forward. Each to their own and I respect everyone’s choices but this solved the issue of not having cables trawling around my room and just looks neat and tidy.
Your lucky you got a box. They just ripped me off. Took my money and no box
Thanks for this review. My Sky Q contract is coming to an end, and I was debating switching over. This was very informative.
Thanks for putting this up Cameron. Great review. Not sure I want to change from Sky Q just yet but your video was just what I wanted to see Stream in action.
I wondered why Sky went for a full on TV and not a stream box.
The thing I don't really understand now is:
- Why not create a smaller device footprint. Something more like a ticket pen drive. With nVME drives, you could potentially fit an entire stream and recording device in a smaller area.
- At this point, why not just create an app for your phone that also works on other hardware such a Google TV streamer or firestick etc?
I do understand the implications on account sharing etc, but it will come eventually, I'm sure.
great video.ordered my sky stream today.thanks very much.
One thing I find annoying was seeing a program on sky news I wanted to “record” and watch later like I would have on Sky Q but it added the program as a playlist but the specific program episode was nowhere to be found!
Great in-depth review, Cameron. I ordered Stream off the back of watching this. Been streaming all my content for the past 5 years, so this was a bit of a change for me. Tried it for a week, but ultimately decided to return it and cancel the service. Strikes me as a ‘nearly’ product, but I’m informed the software will evolve over time so maybe I’ll revisit it in a year or two.
Great video. Well thought out, in my opinion. Informative and demonstrated understanding.
Fabulous pointing to the box. Riveting video. The pointing was superb. Made the video a bit of a roller coaster emotionally. Even the whole hand was impressive. But the opening was Oscar performance, 3 minutes of Video bliss.
The fact that so many UK residences are protected makes me wonder if there isn't some non-mounted dish option available? If a sensor-driven motorized auto-correction for the angle can be figured out, I could see dishes on tripods coming into existence over there. Or whatever Dish uses over here for those portable dishes.
apart from the recording issue - the other thing is not all programmes appear on catch up
That, and the live channels suffer from delays
How to use the remote!? To setup my remots not working
so every program is catch up, no recording to be made, I'm ok with that but how do you skip through the adverts?
You pay an extra £5 pm for this feature but is free on sky Q
So, after 2yrs, have your complaints been addressed. Such has playlist integration with apps ??
Thank you for your review, I’ll stick with SkyQ, since I can record my own programmes
I just love instructional videos where there's a remote being waved around and just do this like that where you can't see what he's done. Thanks a lot.
This video was intended as a review and demonstration, not an instructional video, hence me not focusing on explaining exactly how to use it. Had I spent longer explaining and showing exactly how to do everything, the video would have dragged on even longer than it did and wouldn't have been useful for the average person who just wants to see a review of Sky Stream before they decide to order it. If you need organised instructional content, Sky have tutorial videos on their own RUclips channel.
What they could have done with the "puck" is put an on board hard drive and had an option to record programmes. It need not have cost that much more and it would helped the migration over to streaming with customers who were resistant about switching from the traditional SKY box. You can get a TB of on board memory in a unit that size.
EE are starting to offer Sky Stream through their service on October 15th.
Thanks for this video. Does it show what episodes you've already watched on the series link/play list? what happens when a new show comes out? will it be at the top?
Useful overview. Was thinking of getting one for my Nana. But while I'd have no bother navigating it, the janky nature of the "recordings" feels like it would confuse her.
Great overview. I had Sky glass in May 22 and sent it back and re-installed Sky Q.
I never thought the TV picture quality was particularly good and I hated the playlists.
Especially for channels like ITV. If you added something like Coronation Street, it would be hard to find the latest show or shows fro that week as they were numbered and they would add every bloody episode going back years. Yawn!!
Paying for skipping adverts was a joke as well after the first year. Completely taking the piss.
So having just a puck that can stream sky is interesting but would have to deal with playlists again. Is the amount of pucks you have limited ?
I still think it’s early days for sky software and they need to come up with a better playlists or recording mechanism before I’m go back.
Brilliant review, thank you explains a lot of my concerns I had.
Notice Stv player can you get itv x as I hate stv also bbc Scotland do have add post code when stalling or can you use a English post code so get BBC South channels. As current Sky Q can add channels to your TV get via Google for frequency?
Ordered this today for TV upstairs, cost £19 pm includes Netflix. I use virgin TV as my main TV but will use my good vm Internet on this Sky stream.
Really appreciate this video from an opinion I respect.
Answers pretty much all the questions I had as I’ve been pretty interested in moving to this for a while.
Still got a chipper ntl box nocking around
the bit with the live TV is just what I needed to know :)
Superb review matey , trees are messing with my dish , so I need an alternative… I like Skys interface and use Zen broadband, so it’s a good option..👍🏼👍🏼
How is the M-A Bronze C150 centre channnel working for you? What config do you have and which are your other speakers? Great video, thanx!
They're all working great, for the front channels I'm using the Bronze 50s and then Bronze FXs for the surrounds. I made a video about them all here: ruclips.net/video/WUwCIxJg2XM/видео.html. Then for the sub I'm using a BK XLS-200FF which I made a video about here: ruclips.net/video/xv4VpPAdI6k/видео.html
@@camerongray1515 great, thank you! Missed the review, I'm new sub here :)
Not for me, no my5, UKTV is also missing on the apps. Plus there's a monthly subscription :-( think I'll stick with my firestick.
Sky Q is 1080P or 4K10bit and yes Sky Q has the full watch from start. and Sky Q also shows stuff from apps that you might not subscribe to which has always been the case as a way to get you to subscribe recorded films is the say if you later remove your movies sub recorded films can no longer be played.
This is a great fair review, I have just moved to the steam service, I have a large property with a 2TB SkyQ main box and 3 mini's - I don't have Sky BB as its poor so I moved to Virgin 350m which is great! Skey engineers came last week as boxes keep disconnecting and we have one in the annex next door (In laws) and said the only way is to hard wire all the boxes (I don't want cables everywhere and neither does the wife), so I moved to Stream and bar some subtitle issues it's been fine, picture is better, we shall see how it performs over the coming weeks....
Ive had 2 of these for about a year now, they now both have developed the same issue, the sound is fine when when I first put the TV on but over time the audio starts to lag, last night it was approx 1.5 seconds behind, the only way to resolve the issue is to switch the sky stream box off and the back on, very frustrating. Internet search provides that others have experienced the same. Sky blame Internet speed, I have fibre direct and very fast speed.
Hi Cameron. Any thing to add after long term use?
Thanks! I watched your video and decided to get Sky Stream. I've had it for a couple of days and am very happy with it. I find the user interface better than using the NowTV dongle.
Sky Q has everything shown in this video.
In my opinion the interface on Sky Q is better (not my favourite but better).
Also Sky Q works much faster, so if you're going from Q to streaming you'll probably be slightly annoyed.
As I was watching, it literally felt like an eternity for the speed in which the channels changed, but I suppose it's personal preference & it isn't the end of the world.
Cool that the remote lights up though, Q doesn't do that & I can see that being quite useful so long as it isn't blinding whilst using it, because I'd imagine you're only going to need that feature in a dark room & from experience white lights in your face (unless dim) is very uncomfortable even if it's in the corner of your eye whilst looking at something else, which most of the time is how you'd use a remote.
In my opinion Sky+HD is the best version of Sky.
- Superior remote design (I really hate the 'new' button mapping & I rarely if ever use the voice/microphone button which could of been added to the old remote, just like they did when they added a pause/play, fast forward/rewind button. Which were in my opinion better placed in the middle of the remote & not right at the top. What were they thinking?
- The interface was clean & simple to use.
The new interface in my opinion is a complete mess & too full.
I'd recommend to anyone new to Sky to just get the Sky+HD version if you can still get it & buy 4K Fire TV Stick (or a different streaming hub) for your Netflix, Prime, Disney, RUclips, etcetera...
Atleast until Sky cleans up Q & the streaming versions. : )
I completely agree. I held off getting sky q for the longest time. We only use the base package so around £20 a month but thought a good time to upgrade. Honestly feels mostly like a downgrade compared to
Sky+HD
I’m old school and I still have the sky+ hd box. It does everything I want it to and I have the latest Roku stick for my apps. All brilliant when I get a signal from EE!..😂
Agreed. Sky+HD is the best version
As an employee working for sky, that's true sky+Hd is a better box, however sky q has alot more amazing features, it's lot more easy and convenient to use, anddd you can add much better content then what you get on sky + hd
seeing those old sky boxes took me back lol
I have the biggest soft spot for the black Sky+HD boxes! Absolutely adore it, lol. It took me until 2020 to finally get Sky Q😂
22:37, we have Sky Q and it does do the 'play from beginning' popup so it's not unique to Sky Stream
Ahh interesting, that's good at least! Been a long time since I've used Sky Q extensively
You are one of the best tech UK youtubers I've seen, right next to Techmoan. You are awesome and good job.
First time viewer. Thanks Cameron for a thorough review of Sky Stream! Think I am going to get this. Wonder if they will do a Black Friday deal?
I am pretty useless with Tech - do you know if it is possible to get the remote to turn on and control a sound bar as well?
Thanks 👍
When it comes to multi-room/multi-screen (whatever they call it), Sky Stream is slightly cheaper per month than Sky Q, and there is the added bonus of not having to have the main box on in order for the additional boxes to function (with Sky Q, rather than having a connection to the dish for each additional box, the additional boxes connect to the main box), and plus, the cost of the additional boxes is cheaper than Sky Q
Also, with Sky Stream, you can have 3 Sky Glass TVs, and 6 Sky Stream Pucks per account/address (if you have multi-room/multi-screen), whereas Sky Q only allows you to have it on up to 4 or 5 TVs total (can’t remember the exact number)
I have a smark 4k ultra HD OLED tv when I ordered mine I asked for the added extra to get a better picture but he said I don't need it the picture will be good enough he didn't ask if I had a HD tv or anything like that ,so is the picture quality good
But after having the tv and sky for a few months now I did up grade for the better picture .
Hey Cameron have you found any way at all of controlling the Sky Stream over the network? It used to be doable with SkyQ boxes.
Unfortunately not which is pretty annoying, it also doesn't seem to accept CEC commands for control so you'd be limited to IR control. Thankfully it does at least support that (even though the remote is Bluetooth it does support IR commands and the remote can be switched into an IR mode) but if network control is important to you, you'd be better off going with Sky Q.
I just got it a few days later as you say , no instructions in the box and batteries were flat. In the controller . However+. Worked out well
Great video. Thank you. Quick question: Let’s say I’ve missed the first 10 minutes of live football match, can I start from the beginning without going into that channel? I’d hate to see the scoreline whilst doing it
In the US Comcast Cable's Xfinity X1 does the same thing with teasing things I can't access, it tries to take me to Netflix or Disney+ which I don't want to have or use. I wish I could do the same and tell it to not show anything relating to them
The lack of recording is fine for situations where it’s a series show or on catch up, but if I were to be out during a live sports show and wanted to record it, you wouldn’t be able to cause sky don’t put the whole programme on catch-up, just the highlights. This is a particular pain for f1. Ik not an issue with your particular circumstances, however I fear sky are going to eventually push to kill off the satellite tv entirely. I have family that live literally in the middle of nowhere and the only internet you can get is satellite with like kilobytes download speeds, so in that situation satellite is the only option. Personally we still use Sky+HD as it does everything you’d want from tv and is still supported.
Even the SD boxes still work, haha. Sky will never block these boxes
Can't see this working for Ireland for playlist as we are not allowed access to BBC iPlayer App and The Irish RTE player plays at least four adverts before each program.
Sky and BBC have come to some arrangement about Ireland. It's currently in place for Sky Glass. It's not full-fat iPlayer, but it's not nothing either. Hard-disk recording of BBC is definitely still the better opinion for Irish viewers imo.
Do you need an antenna for the unit to work correctly? For the live TV ? I don’t have an antenna at my house
Nope, it's purely internet based. The box has an antenna connection but it's not currently used for anything.
Great video. Would I be right in thinking that it is not possible to skip adverts when using STV, or any other channel with adverts? Great thing about having a recorder is the ability to circumvent the ads.
Great video who was your Internet provider when you reviewed this ?
TalkTalk - Realistically Sky Stream will work with any ISP as long as you have a decent, reliable connection.
thank you for your video after watching it, i ordered sky stream for the house
Very good well explained video. It could be i missed something, but can you set the tv channels in order, or as a favourite list rather than scrawl through tons of channels to get the channel i want,..Also I would never remember the channel number i was looking for... Hope this makes sense. Thanks Danny
This is very much what Apple were trying to do with Apple TV and has the same issues! Greedy companies unwilling to play together for a better experience for the end users.
Great review mate! Is there a away to speed up the transition between live channels? It looks like about 5 seconds delya before the picture show up. Thanks
For anyone with patchy freeview struggling with multiple buggy catchup apps, yes i'm looking at youview, this looks great
Update after I subscribed to sky stream. As far as I can see there is no integration with netflix at all. Netflix programmes don't show in search results and cannot be added to the playlist. Also when you add programmes to the playlist, sky decides to add the subscription services rather than the free services ie it will add a program from prime instead on chl4. So the playlist gets cluttered up with services that I haven't subscribed to even though the programmes are available for free elsewhere. It's supposed to record to the cloud but half the time it just adds the series to the playlist. It's all very confusing and hasn't really met my expectations. I am thinking of cancelling and going back to youview with a nowtv subscription.
Got my late last week. So far pleased with it though a couple of niggles. The video and sound were out of synch so I had to switch Audio from PCM to Auto which resolved the issue. However the other issue is that none of my viewed content is 'remembered' so every time I return to a TV I have to remember what episode I have got to. It remembers that session but as soon as turn it off and back on it loses all of the viewing history. I have checked the settings about allowing content details to be shared and it still makes no difference. Apparently this is quite a common issue but since launch it does not appear to have been addressed which is shame. Hoping they resolve this unless anyone else knows how to fix this...?
Hi, Dose Sky stream have a sub- title facility for the hard of hearing? Thank you
I've been using nothing but Internet for streaming for over 10 years. I have no complaints
Great review thanks. Detailed and articulated brilliantly.
All the issues mentioned also happen on SKY Q
One of the best things about my current Sky HD box (it's not Sky Q) is that the catch up is completely independent of the normal catch up streaming services (BBC iPlayer, My5 etc.). I have no idea why they have chosen a weird, hybrid integration with these services for Sky Stream. It is a huge backwards step.
True. Particularly because the catchup apps are slow and buggy
Reference local news on BBC and itv...then app players don't give you local news ...so...can you add local news to play lists? I get home at 8pm and missed 6pm Yorkshire news..how do I catch up on it?
This was so helpful….thank you so much
Sky Q is the same as Sky Stream but with Sky Q youcan record. Sky Q allows you to watch from the beginning also
Is there an app that you can use to add shows to the tvs playlist like what you can do with a sky+ box via the sky+ app?
Another good in-depth video, thanks Cameron. Agree Sky Glass seemed a bonkers proposition and this is much more sensible (esp for a lot of flats), however pricing still seems pretty punchy. Between Netflix, Amazon Prime and iPlayer (along with Plex for existing content I've got) I'm not sure there's much in the basic Sky package that would tempt me for £33/mo. I don't care about sports either and found (when I did have Sky) the film channels were pretty repetitive and didn't have that much new content each month so I just got rid of it altogether! Now TV (also owned by Sky) seems a potentially cheaper option for some of their content, but presumably that misses out some things?
If I remember correctly, Now TV only gives you access to the channels that Sky operates, whereas this gives access to some pay to view channels that are not operated by Sky in addition to the ones that are (and i am not entirely sure, but there is also a possibility that sky excludes some of their own channels from Now TV)
I suppose the only real benefit this offers over Now TV outside of the extra channels is that a basic Netflix subscription is included
(I was previously signed up to Now TV, but i canceled my subscription due to it being inconvenient (having to switch over to a separate device, TV not a smart TV), and when i saw this service on the Sky website, i decided to see how good it was for myself)
Yeah, Now TV doesn't seem to include quite as many channels as Sky Stream and when you factor in the cost of Netflix which is included with Stream, you end up basically paying the same to get Sky Stream including Netflix vs separate NowTV and Netflix subscriptions
@@camerongray1515 sounds sensible. I get Netflix at 20% off after some deals on supermarket gift cards (on top of some Google chromecast offer) so just pay for it direct and no Sky/Now TV but agree if you want the service then this seems a better value way that you've done it 👍
Yup - just looking at Stream vs Nowtv (im fully loaded except sport) and prices are almost the same with netflix on top. Around £40, with all the Now HD/ and NFx UHD switches on, but on 18mth contract
However - on Stream, you do get Paramount+ free with Cinema, (which you dont on Now) ....and you can get UHD and Atmos (though you have to pay) . Now maxes out at HD and std 5.1 with the Boost upgrade, which can get a bit annoying when other App have stuff on UHD and Atmos.
Obv these difference may be appealling or not, but thought they were worth mentioning here :)
On the bad side - The UHD option OR if you move over to monthly rolling options takes Stream above seperate subs. If you get deals on NFx and Now - which many people do - then it may not be worthwhile.
Youre also locked into NFx with Stream, and i quite like being able to drop subs im not watching (even tho im rubbish at it :D)
Its the ability to get UHD and atmos on all subs which is just about swinging it for me, and im keen to try the aggregated interface (so your video has been helpful) its just the locking in part which is holding me back (and im rubbish at deciding things like this :D)
Be interesting Cameron, if youre still enjoying it/using it after a few weeks, and if anything changes when it learns your watching habits
Alan - I think Plex added something similar a few months ago - re: App aggregation - i did try it briefly, but could only get it on my Nvidia Shield and it was a little clunky transitioning between apps. not sure if its got any better. The Sky version does look somewhat slicker
@@homiedontshake Nigel, I enjoyed reading your input. I'd appreciate it if you could clarify the point in the first para where you stated that Stream and Now TV are on 18 month contracts. It was my understanding that they were both on one month rolling contracts and this was a big advantage of both options compared to Sky Q which would be an initial 18 month contract.
the 4K HDMi copy protection.... I have the same thing with my Virgin box and AV receiver. My work around is sending picture to TV direct, and sound to AV via optical. Sky stream doesn't have optical - but I REALLY hoped it wouldn't have this copywrite issue. that would make it a hard no unfortunately. WHY is this an issue???????????????????
Appreciate your videos mate.
I'm changing over to sky stream and ditching sky q as i need 4k sky mini boxes in 3 rooms and sky's mini boxes are only HD, only the main box is 4k.
My only concern is that I need a way of being able to record on the sky stream puck, do you know of a workaround? Like using a DVR.
I know you can add programs to a playlist but some don't stay available indefinitely.
Cheers!
The most you could maybe do is using some sort of HDMI capture device but this would be akin to connecting a Sky box to a VCR - it'll only record the video source that is currently being played back and if a programme runs for an hour, it'll take an hour to capture it. You may also run into HDMI copy protection issues. My suggestion would be to stick with Sky Q for now and live without 4K and if you need 4K apps for things like Netflix, either use the smart TV apps or get a 4K capable smart TV stick type device. Hopefully Sky will release 4K capable mini boxes in the future.
@camerongray1515 thanks for the good info. Do u think I could plug something into the USB port on my Samsung S95b QD-OLED TV to record programs?
@@DjKProductions You'll likely be able to do that to record Freeview channels but I highly doubt it'll let you record an HDMI source such as the Sky box.
@camerongray1515 ok, I'll probably try a hdmi capture device, even with it's limitations. Not sure what u mean by HDMI copy protection issues, will it stop me from recording certain channels or programs?
Thanks for such an in depth review. I've just read somewhere that there is no way of switching between HDMI ports on the remote, is this correct? My son currently switches ports when he wants to use his Play Station. Is this still possible? Thank you.
There isn't any sort of input control on the Sky remote however for that you'd just need to use your TV's regular remote. The Sky remote will control your TV's volume and turn it on/off but for anything else you'll need your TV's own remote.
@@camerongray1515 thanks very much
If you want to record on sky stream you need and hdmi converter to digital to create digital channel your freeview recorder or dvd recorder can recieve so you can record the programme to the hard drive and dvd recorder.
That's definitely an option (known as a DVB-T Modulator) although these are relatively expensive and are designed more for distributing the video to different rooms. A cheaper alternative could be using some sort of HDMI capture device to record to a computer. That said, I basically have zero interest in recording in this sense, if it's important to you to have traditional recording, then Sky Q is the product to go for.
The problem I had with this is that I'd be watching 'Live' football and my neighbours would be celebrating a goal that I hadn't seen yet. It's at least 30 seconds behind the live broadcast. If you're ok with that, then it's an excellent service I would say.
That's an interesting issue! Not something that bothers me since I don't know the first thing about football but definitely a very valid concern if this sort of thing would affect you!
30 seconds if you are lucky, some people are reporting up to 90 seconds of a delay. If watching live sports it’s a no.
Does this work on normal digital to? Or only on sky glass?
Is their any lag between the channels on sky stream. For example the sky q box is 2 minutes ahead of sky go. If sky stream has no delay then that’s a game changer
I'm only after the Sky channels, which service would you recommend? I'm not fussed about quality too much, and mainly after TV shows (not Sky Sports)
You could get this for £26 a month on a contract (29 without) but honestly I would go for nowtv for £10 entertainment for a month, your existing smart TV probably supports it. You get access to the sky channels on there. If not you can get a Roku streaming stick for £30 from Argos which can run the now TV app.
@@SBBUK How's the quality compared to Sky Stream?
Standard quality 720p with stereo sound (worse than sky stream). You can pay £5 per month for the "boost" add-on for nowtv, which also gives you the ability to use 3 devices at once, which provides 1080p and 5.1 sound (same as sky stream standard offering)
I just got sky q this year. If Sky Q and the satelite dish stuff is outdated, i will buy the sky stream if i have to.
Sky Stream isn't a replacement for Sky Q, it's just a different option for people who don't want a dish. If you already have Sky Q then there aren't many reasons to switch to Stream.
Sky stream works excellent if you have a good internet connection, there are many positives and negatives, it's just depends on what you're comfortable with, i have handled many customers, i only discuss sky stream if they have requirement or else we just discuss about sky Q
Does it work on any 'host' internet provider or is it only 'certain providers' that can stream through? The building I am moving to is new but and is not wired up to the 'main providers....they only installed 'Hyperoptic' in the building so will this be compatible?
This should work with basically any ISP that is fast enough - I'm using it with TalkTalk, Hyperoptic should be absolutely fine!
@@camerongray1515 Thanks for the reply - That helps.
Without WebTV as the world’s first thin Internet client, none of this would have been possible. The idea TVs and set top boxes could deliver content was a new one. From that world, emerged smart TVs, the Roku Ultra, DirecTV Stream and in the UK, Sky Stream. They’re still thin Internet clients but instead of bringing the World Wide Web into the home, they now deliver entertainment.
So expensive for what is still a fragmented frustrating experience. The problem with this is it's purpose is not to show the customer TV in a nice way, but to encourage them to upgrade to higher tiers. I genuinely still prefer free to air boxes as I can totally customise them to what I want
Really great review thanks
I take it you can unplug the box and move it to another room and plug back in and steam sky in different rooms ?
Absolutely, definitely one of the benefits of this - can just move the box around rather than paying extra for multiroom if you only infrequently need it in different rooms.
There is a built in Freeview app but it’s only available when there’s no internet connection.
I haven't been able to get the Freeview side working
Great review, thank you for doing this.
If I have uhd TV what picture setting should I set sky stream? Sometimes on Apple TV or Netflix there is a slight judder.
You should just need to set the resolution to UHD. There is also a judder reduction option you could try but if it affects other devices too then you'd be better off checking the settings on your TV itself.
I have this problem with Sky Q, no matter what settings i use. For Netflix etc I have to use the TV apps
Adding to playlist Test match cricket from another country with time difference is hopeless, e.g. 5am start for recent England versus Pakistan, starts at the beginning fine when I get up say at 10am, but it will stop when the live recording stops around 12-12.30...ie it will only give me the first 2+ hours.
I wonder what cost would be in the states ?
Don't think this will be available in the States.
Sky also operate outside of the UK too.
Great review! I had Sky Stream but didn't like it so went back to Q.
Is this used in replacement of the sky q box or is it just for multi room and wrong sky q box does 1080p or 2160p
This is actually the future of the Sky boxes they will be killing off the sky q boxes just
like the Hd boxes and replacing them with these
Sky Q has the "start from beginning" feature as well Cameron
Hi, great video. Had a quick question please. I’m considering purchasing this however I have access to a UHD Netflix account so I don’t need to pay the £8 extra with sky. Is it possible to sign into Netflix on Sky Stream with a different account than what is linked to your Sky Account without the bills merging? Thanks in advance.
You'll have to contact Sky. I wasn't able to do this as the Netflix app immediately signs me in with the Sky account