Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV and Camera Add-On; Sky launches "Stream"...as does Virgin

Fed up talking videogames? Why?

How do you watch TV (mostly)?

Freeview
5
19%
Subscription TV (Sky, BT, Virgin...)
8
30%
Streaming (Amazon, Netflix, NowTV...)
14
52%
 
Total votes: 27
NickSCFC

PostSky to launch "Sky Glass" TV and Camera Add-On; Sky launches "Stream"...as does Virgin
by NickSCFC » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:05 pm

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... ghts-costs

Sky is to make its full TV service of hundreds of channels available without the need for a satellite dish for the first time, as it looks to stem customer defections to rivals such as BT.

The pay-TV giant, which had an 18% plunge in profits at its UK business in the last six months of 2016 thanks to spiralling Premier League rights costs, said it would launch the broadband-delivered TV service next year.

Jeremy Darroch, the Sky chief executive, said it would allow Sky to target up to 6m households across Europe who cannot, or will not, have a satellite dish.

“This is the first time we have been able to offer the full Sky TV service without a satellite dish,” he said. “It is a big moment for the business.”

Customers can currently use the Now TV broadband service to watch a limited range of Sky channels without a dish, but the new offering will allow access to potentially all of its 270 channels.

The initiative, which could open up about 2m homes in the UK for Sky to target, comes as the company revealed that the rate of customers defecting to rivals has climbed significantly.

Sky said its churn rate, a key metric watched by the City, rose to 11.6% in the last six months of 2016. This is up significantly on the 10.2% in the same period the previous year.

Darroch blamed the jump in churn to the “highly promotional” and competitive UK market with broadband customers proving to be deal hunters more likely to switch to a rival.

Sky is also launching a loyalty programme to “reward and recognise members” based on how long they have been a customer as part of its strategy to stem customer churn.


Doesn't say what form this will take, but I'm guessing it'll be a Smart TV app similar to how Now TV works.

Last edited by NickSCFC on Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:55 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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KK
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PostRe: Sky to offer full TV service online
by KK » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:09 pm

Am I imagining things, because I could have sworn they announced this last January.

The loyalty app has also already launched (been around for 6 months or so, I think - they gave me a free movie download and DVD in the post).

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NickSCFC

PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2019
by NickSCFC » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:22 pm

Wouldn't moving online also remove the barrier to all channels becoming 4K?

Effectively changing channels on this would be no different to selecting another movie on Netflix.

It's quite painful that many TV channels still only have Standard Definition options.

NickSCFC

PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19
by NickSCFC » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:31 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42815603

The move will allow properties that cannot have a dish to get Sky, a spokesperson said. Customers will still need a Sky box, however.


Oh well

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Moggy
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Moggy » Fri Jan 26, 2018 7:40 am

This isn’t a terrible idea, but it’s going to need some work on getting areas with slow broadband up to speed. Also it is not going to be much fun when you move house and are without internet for the 2 weeks or so that it takes Openreach to connect you up.

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KingK
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by KingK » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:33 pm

Sky Glass: New 4k UltraHD smart TV set to replace satellite dishes and boxes
http://news.sky.com/story/sky-glass-new ... s-12427480


Sky is launching a new smart television called Sky Glass which aims to declutter homes by binning set-top boxes and satellite dishes while giving customers access to their favourite films and shows.

The streaming TV integrates all of the hardware and software otherwise spread out across living rooms, including sound-bars, into a device with just a single wire and one plug.

It comes as the company moves to solve what it sees as a consumer frustration with content as well as hardware being spread out across numerous gadgets and digital platforms.

Available in five colours and three sizes (43", 55", and 65"), Sky Glass is the first major product launch from the company since it was acquired by Comcast for £29.7bn in 2018.

It has a 4K UltraHD Quantum Dot display, using nano-crystals that offer an upgrade on the range of colours (over a billion shades according to Sky) and brightness available on the screen.

In keeping with the move to declutter, Sky Glass also does away with the need for a nest of electronics cables for their audio, with six integrated speakers and a sub-woofer.

The launch comes as companies like Sky figure out how to manage the competition from streaming services such as Netflix and Disney.

To this end the company expects to invest in more Sky Originals such as Gangs of London and Chernobyl, and is building a new 32-acre TV and film studio at Elstree in Hertfordshire.

But it's also making it easier for people who want the content available on competitors' platforms to access that programming though its own devices.

This began with Sky Q, a box that aggregated terrestrial and subscription broadcast content alongside digital streaming services.

That same capability is now inside Sky Glass, allowing consumers to access content from Sky, BBC iPlayer, Amazon, Netflix, Disney+, ITV Hub, All4, Spotify, Peloton and others using a single remote or its voice-activated interface.

Speaking at an event to mark the launch of the device, group chief executive Dana Strong said: "Sky Glass is the streaming TV with Sky inside, providing the total integration of hardware, software and content.

"Built on over 30 years of understanding what our customers want, this is a TV that only Sky could make. We believe this is the smartest TV available, and that customers will love it."

The company also plans to launch a 4k smart camera next year that will pair with Sky Glass and allow people to watch films together, play games, workout and join in calls.

Sky has committed to being Europe's first net-zero carbon entertainment company by 2030, and Sky Glass is the world's first television to be certified as carbon neutral.

It also has energy-saving features including auto-switch-off and has completely recyclable packaging, according to the company.

Consumers will be able to either buy it in one go or to spread the cost with interest-free monthly payments in the same way they do when purchasing a mobile phone.

:? :dread: No way would I get a tv manufactured by Sky just to keep watching Sky TV. I want the freedom to choose my own tv and plug in a set top box.

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Victor Mildew
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Victor Mildew » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:44 pm

Amstrad make sky's stuff by the way, which is why their boxes fail all the time.

Amstrad TV, yeah I'll pass :lol:

Hexx wrote:Ad7 is older and balder than I thought.
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Moggy
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Moggy » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:51 pm

Buy the TV, get a free rooflight.

https://skyglass.co.uk/

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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by KK » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:00 pm

I don't get it.

The streaming TV integrates all of the hardware and software otherwise spread out across living rooms, including sound-bars, into a device with just a single wire and one plug.

Otherwise known as a "TV".

It also has energy-saving features including auto-switch-off and has completely recyclable packaging, according to the company.

Otherwise known as a "TV" in a "cardboard box".

That same capability is now inside Sky Glass, allowing consumers to access content from Sky, BBC iPlayer, Amazon, Netflix, Disney+, ITV Hub, All4, Spotify, Peloton and others using a single remote or its voice-activated interface.

Otherwise known as a "Smart TV". Very few households aren't going to have any device attached, such as a games console - which again also has access to all these services.

The only thing that seems newish to me is the ability to purchase the TV via a subscription method whilst also paying for the content (£39 per month for the 43" model for 24 months).

I presume the major selling point of SkyQ (recording) has been dumped. That could have been achieved remotely (US cable companies currently offer this).

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Tomous
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Tomous » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:02 pm

I've been fed up at how spread out my software is across the living room so this is perfect for me

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Victor Mildew
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Victor Mildew » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:04 pm

Why is the tv so thick? Its about 8 times deeper than my tv.

Hexx wrote:Ad7 is older and balder than I thought.
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Knoyleo
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by Knoyleo » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:08 pm

Tomous wrote:I've been fed up at how spread out my software is across the living room so this is perfect for me

Have you considered an internal hard drive?

pjbetman wrote:That's the stupidest thing ive ever read on here i think.
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by KK » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:35 pm

The spec sheet:

Display type: UHD Quantum Dot
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Colour: Over 1 billion colours
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG
3x HDMI 2.1 - eARC and CEC supported
USB C - 1 (for power only – up to 15w)
Image refresh frequency rate: 60Hz
Bluetooth: 5.0 LE & Classic
AC Port: 230V
Audio Speakers: Dolby 3.1.2 output; 3.1.2 Configuration; 3x outwards-firing; 1x central subwoofer; 2x upwards-firing
Audio format: Dolby Atmos
Sound output: Up to 215W
Channels: Up to 140 channels
Apps: 21
Voice control: Far-field voice detection
Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) available: No
Search: Single search across live, on demand and apps
Minimum guaranteed availability of software and firmware updates: 8 years
Minimum guaranteed product support: 7 years

Power consumption (HDR)

Small 43": 72 W
Medium 55": 109 W
Large 65": 160 W
Power Saving: Auto-standby using motion / with no interaction; Overnight power saving; Ambient light sensor

Advertising: Fast forward ads included free for 12 months, then £5 a month. All Sky TV packs have a 31 day contract.

Will be interesting to see how this TV stacks up in terms of picture and sound quality over the main brands, if it's any good for gaming at all, and what the overall usability of the TV ecosystem is like if/when you dump the subscription(s).

And what is the tuner in the TV beyond streaming? Freeview HD via an aerial?

"Any third party subscriptions that you do not pay for through Sky but view on your current Sky platform will not be viewable on Sky Glass"

Locking yourself into a Sky Smart TV ecosystem, which will be hamstrung compared to the features and app availability of Google TV or LG webOS, is not something I'd even contemplate.

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Dowbocop
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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV
by Dowbocop » Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:56 pm

I've been thinking more and more about how I want TVs to go back to just being TVs. None of this fancy inbuilt smart crap, just a decent panel with a load of ports on the back (maybe a Freeview tuner if we're being fancy). I'll decide what I want to connect and use thanks very much!

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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV
by KK » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:08 pm

A bit more info on the camera, which really does look and sound very familiar...

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Sky's 4K Glass camera will attach to Sky Glass TVs and is scheduled to launch in 2022. Featuring noise-cancellation, body tracking and motion controls, Sky claims it will “transform how we chat, play games, workout, and share entertainment at home, with support for apps like Zoom and Skype.

Sky has collaborated with Microsoft so users can now watch TV together with others, no matter where they are. Sky demonstrated a software experience that allows people to see reactions of their friends and family to movies, sport and TV programmes in real time.

With the addition of motion controls, Sky Glass owners will also have access to family games they can control with their body.

Come on everyone, get off that sofa and let's all do...


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Peter Crisp
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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV and Camera Add-On
by Peter Crisp » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:12 pm

Yey, Xbox Kinnect is back and I can see what the bottom of my shoes look like again :toot: .

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Victor Mildew
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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV and Camera Add-On
by Victor Mildew » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:19 pm

Skynnect camera.

Wait.

Sky nnect

Sky nect

SKYNET!!!

Hexx wrote:Ad7 is older and balder than I thought.
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OrangeRKN
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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV
by OrangeRKN » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:46 pm

Dowbocop wrote:I've been thinking more and more about how I want TVs to go back to just being TVs. None of this fancy inbuilt smart crap, just a decent panel with a load of ports on the back (maybe a Freeview tuner if we're being fancy). I'll decide what I want to connect and use thanks very much!


Supposedly searching for monitors rather than TVs is a decent trick depending on what you are hooking up to it

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KingK
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PostRe: Sky to launch "Sky Glass" TV
by KingK » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:51 pm

KK wrote:A bit more info on the camera, which really does look and sound very familiar...

Image

Sky's 4K Glass camera will attach to Sky Glass TVs and is scheduled to launch in 2022. Featuring noise-cancellation, body tracking and motion controls, Sky claims it will “transform how we chat, play games, workout, and share entertainment at home, with support for apps like Zoom and Skype.

Sky has collaborated with Microsoft so users can now watch TV together with others, no matter where they are. Sky demonstrated a software experience that allows people to see reactions of their friends and family to movies, sport and TV programmes in real time.

With the addition of motion controls, Sky Glass owners will also have access to family games they can control with their body.

Come on everyone, get off that sofa and let's all do...



At least we know now why the TV is so thick. It's to put this camera on top!

My 2014 Samsung curved TV has a built in, retractable, camera on the top which works fine if you like that sort of thing.

This TV looks and sounds horrendous and pointless to me.

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rinks
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PostRe: Sky to launch full TV service online in 2018/19 (Update, you'll still need a box because reasons)
by rinks » Thu Oct 07, 2021 10:09 pm

Victor Mildew wrote:Why is the tv so thick? Its about 8 times deeper than my tv.

Knowing how reputable Sky are, they've probably stuck a dozen crypto-mining rigs in there, which the customer will be paying to run.


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