In late 2021, Sky launched its ambitious Sky Glass TV, aiming to revolutionize the home entertainment experience. Fast-forward to today, and the question on everyone’s mind is: is Sky Glass worth it? This comprehensive Sky Glass review delves into the features, performance, pros, and cons to help you decide whether this TV is a worthy addition to your home or just another overhyped gadget.
What is Sky Glass?
The Sky Glass TV is an all-in-one television system that integrates Sky’s streaming services and eliminates the need for additional devices such as a satellite dish or a TV box. It comes in three sizes (43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch) and five different colors, offering a customizable experience for users.
Sky Glass TV Dimensions Offer Versatility
Sky Glass TVs come in three sizes, catering to various spatial needs. The Small model features a 43-inch display, the Medium version offers a 55-inch screen, and the Large variant boasts a 65-inch screen. These diverse options ensure that the Sky Glass TV series fits perfectly in any room, delivering premium entertainment with adaptable viewing experiences
Key Features
1. All-inclusive entertainment hub:
Access to Sky’s streaming services, as well as popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar:
To provide an immersive audio experience.
3. Voice-controlled remote:
Simplifies navigation.
4. Quantum Dot technology:
For vivid color reproduction.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Sky Glass TV is sleek yet functional. The QLED panel stretches to the corners, leaving a minimal screen border. However, it’s not the most elegant model on the market, especially when compared to high-end Samsung or Sony models. The Sky Glass TV, with its dimensions of 144.98 x 91.20 x 28.8 cm and a weight of 35kg including the stand, is well-suited for medium to large-sized living spaces.
Picture Quality
When it comes to picture quality, the Sky Glass TV review reveals a mixed bag. The TV features a 3840 x 2160p (4K) resolution with HDR10+, and the QLED panel excels in vibrant color delivery. Dynamic scenes in movies like Avatar: The Way of Water shine brightly, bringing cinematic visuals into your living room.
However, it struggles with dark scenes, creating blotchy shadows and grainy textures that detract from the viewing experience. This issue is particularly noticeable during streaming, even with a robust internet connection. On the other hand, playing 4K Blu-rays provides a significantly better picture, suggesting that the TV’s streaming performance is its Achilles heel.
Sound Quality
One area where the Sky Glass TV truly excels is sound quality. The built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar delivers booming, cinema-like audio that fills the room. Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or a quiet drama, the sound remains crisp and clear, even at high volumes. The bass boost and speech enhancement features add to the overall auditory experience, making it one of the best in its category.
Ease of Use
Navigating the Sky Glass TV is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive home screen that offers suggestions from both Sky channels and other streaming platforms. The voice-controlled remote is responsive, making it easy to switch between apps and services. However, accessing certain settings and inputs can require a few extra clicks, which may feel cumbersome at times.
Performance and Additional Features
With a refresh rate of 60Hz, the Sky Glass TV performs adequately for most uses, including gaming on consoles like the Xbox Series X. However, it falls short of competing models when it comes to high-speed action scenes or fast-paced gaming, primarily due to its limited refresh rate.
Connectivity Options
The TV offers three HDMI ports, an Ethernet connection, a USB-C port, and a coaxial aerial port. While one of the HDMI ports is labeled as HDMI 2.1, the TV can only output at a 60Hz refresh rate, limiting its future-proofing capabilities.
Price and Packages
The price of the Sky Glass TV varies based on the payment plan and package you choose. You can purchase the 65-inch model outright for £1,199 or opt for a more flexible payment plan at £24 per month for 48 months. While the TV alone offers a decent value, the real benefits come from integrating it with a Sky entertainment package.
Payment Plans
Sky provides various payment options that can be tailored to your needs. Depending on your chosen package, you can add channels, streaming services, and more, which will affect the overall cost. This flexibility and integration of features make the Sky Glass TV an appealing choice for consumers seeking a comprehensive and streamlined entertainment solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Amazing sound quality: The built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar provides a cinema-like audio experience.
- Easy navigation: The intuitive home screen and voice-controlled remote make it easy to find what you want to watch.
- All-in-one solution: Eliminates the need for additional devices, consolidating your entertainment needs.
Cons:
- Picture quality issues: The TV struggles with dark scenes, resulting in blotchy shadows and grainy textures, especially during streaming.
- Limited refresh rate: The 60Hz refresh rate may not be sufficient for fast-paced gaming or action-heavy content.
- Occasional software bugs: Users have reported minor issues, such as the volume bar disappearing or the remote becoming unresponsive.
- Bulky design: Compared to modern, slim TVs, the Sky Glass TV has a relatively thick profile, which may not suit all interior designs.
Is the Sky Glass TV Worth It?
The answer to the question “Is Sky Glass worth it?” depends on the user’s specific needs, preferences, and priorities. If you’re a loyal Sky customer who values an all-inclusive entertainment experience, the Sky Glass TV can be a worthwhile investment. The seamless integration of Sky’s services, combined with the impressive sound quality, makes it an attractive option.
However, if you prioritize a flawless 4K viewing experience, the Sky Glass TV may not be the best choice. The picture quality issues, particularly during streaming, can be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, the limited refresh rate and occasional software bugs may be frustrating for those who demand a polished performance.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sky Glass TV doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are several alternatives worth considering:
- Samsung Crystal UHD TV: Offers excellent picture quality and a sleek design at a competitive price point.
- Sony X950H/X900H: Delivers outstanding 4K HDR performance and advanced features for a premium home theater experience.
- LG OLED TV: Known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors, OLED TVs provide a superior visual experience.
- Amazon Fire TV: A more affordable all-in-one entertainment solution, with a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of streaming services.
Conclusion
The Sky Glass TV is a bold step forward in the world of home entertainment, offering a comprehensive and convenient package for Sky customers. While it excels in sound quality and ease of use, its picture quality issues and occasional software bugs prevent it from being a flawless choice.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Sky Glass TV comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re willing to overlook its shortcomings and prioritize the all-inclusive entertainment experience, it can be a worthwhile addition to your home. However, if you’re seeking a top-notch 4K viewing experience, you may find better options elsewhere.
FAQs on Sky Glass TV Review
How much does Sky Glass cost?
Sky Glass is available in three sizes: 43 inches (small) for £699, 55 inches (medium) for £949, and 65 inches (large) for £1,199. The monthly subscription plans start at £13 a month, excluding the Sky Ultimate TV package fee, which includes Netflix.
Is Sky Glass better than Sky Q?
Sky Glass provides a more seamless and cohesive experience compared to Sky Q, eliminating the requirement for a satellite dish. However, Sky Q provides more stability through traditional satellite connections and local storage for recordings, which can be beneficial if your internet connection is unreliable.
What internet speed is required for Sky Glass?
To ensure optimal performance, Sky Glass necessitates a minimum internet speed of 10Mbps for standard definition content and 25Mbps for ultra-high definition content. It is compatible with any ISP and also supports Wi-Fi 6 for better connectivity.
Does Sky Glass support Dolby Vision and HDR10?
Yes, Sky Glass supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10, offering vivid and lifelike picture quality. It also includes HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) for compatible HDR content.
Can I use Sky Glass without a Sky subscription?
While Sky Glass can still function as a regular TV without a Sky subscription, many of its integrated features and services would be unavailable. Most users find it more beneficial when accompanied by a Sky subscription package.
What are the sound features of Sky Glass?
Sky Glass comes with a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound system built-in. This setup includes six speakers and offers a total output of 215W, eliminating the need for an additional soundbar.
What are the differences in Sky Glass sizes?
Sky Glass comes in three different sizes: 43 inches, 55 inches, and 65 inches. Each size offers the same core features but differs in terms of price and physical dimensions. Buyers can choose based on their room size and budget.
What apps are available on Sky Glass?
Sky Glass supports a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and YouTube. This makes it a versatile entertainment hub.
Are there any disadvantages to Sky Glass?
A significant downside of Sky Glass is the lack of gaming features such as Game Mode or support for 120Hz refresh rates. Additionally, it has no local storage for recordings and lacks support for Bluetooth headphones.
Can I use my own sound system with Sky Glass?
While Sky Glass includes an excellent built-in soundbar, users can also connect external sound systems via its HDMI eARC port. However, you cannot remove the built-in soundbar from the TV.
