Sky Stream: What You Need to Know About the Latest TV Box

Sky Stream, launched on October 18, 2022, in the UK, is the latest innovation from the broadcaster, offering a new way to access live television. Unlike traditional Sky boxes, Sky Stream doesn’t rely on a satellite dish but instead uses Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection to stream content directly to your television. This shift marks a significant departure from the older satellite-based Sky+ and Sky Q systems, aligning with Sky’s ongoing transition to a more modern and flexible television service.

One of the main features that sets Sky Stream apart is the availability of a 31-day rolling contract, giving users the flexibility to cancel at any time. This is a major improvement over previous Sky TV services, where long-term contracts were the norm. This feature was previously only available through NOW, Sky’s sister streaming service (formerly known as NOW TV), but now Sky Stream users can benefit from this freedom too.

Sky is gradually phasing out its satellite dish business, meaning those with Sky+ boxes will soon need to upgrade their hardware or risk losing access to Sky TV channels. For viewers looking for an affordable way to access over 100 paid-for live channels, Sky Stream presents a cost-effective solution, especially as these channels are not available on Freeview or its upcoming successor, Freely.

Prices for Sky Stream start at £28 per month, and all orders come with free next-day delivery, making it easy to get up and running quickly. Unlike previous Sky boxes, Sky Stream can be purchased from retail stores such as Currys, providing even more convenience for customers.

With Sky Stream, there’s no need for an engineer visit. All you need to do is plug the box into a power source and connect it to your TV via HDMI, then follow the on-screen instructions. This simplicity means you could be watching your favourite shows or catching the latest sporting events within 24 hours of placing your order.

Sky Stream is powered by EntertainmentOS, a new platform designed by Sky for this set-top box and its Sky Glass TVs. If you’re also considering upgrading to a new Smart TV, Sky Glass might be an ideal option, as it combines the latest television technology with seamless access to Sky’s content.

Although Sky Stream has been widely advertised, there are still some details that many people might not know about. Here are five key things you should be aware of:

1. No Hard Drive for Recordings
   Unlike previous Sky boxes such as Sky Q and Sky+ HD, Sky Stream doesn’t come with a physical hard drive. Traditionally, Sky users would record their favourite shows and films onto the box’s hard drive. Sky Stream takes a different approach by using a “Playlist” feature. This allows you to add shows from the TV Guide, catch-up services, and streaming apps to a centralised menu, where they’ll be available as soon as they can be accessed on-demand.

2. The Playlist Feature
   The Playlist feature simplifies the process of finding and watching your favourite programmes. For example, if you add a show like Grand Designs to your Playlist, you’ll instantly have access to previously aired episodes. Instead of saving the episodes on the hard drive, Sky Stream pulls them from various on-demand libraries like Netflix or Channel 4, depending on what services you’re subscribed to. This means you can catch up on missed shows with ease, without needing to worry about storage limitations.

3. No Storage or Scheduling Issues
   Because Sky Stream doesn’t record shows directly to the device, you won’t run into problems like running out of storage or experiencing clashes in the TV schedule. There’s no need to worry about whether you have enough space to save your favourite programmes, and you won’t face issues with poor satellite signals disrupting your recordings, as everything is streamed on-demand.

4. Dependence on On-Demand Services
   While the Playlist feature offers a lot of convenience, it does come with some limitations. The availability of shows depends on the terms and conditions of the on-demand services themselves, such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, or Netflix. Some programmes, like Match of the Day, might not be available to stream immediately due to rights agreements. For example, Match of the Day usually appears on BBC iPlayer from midnight the day after broadcast, and it remains available only for a short period, usually until the next episode airs or after seven days.

5. Potential Disruptions Due to Licensing Issues
   The absence of a hard drive also means that the availability of certain shows can change, depending on the licensing agreements between the broadcasters and the streaming services. For instance, some shows might disappear from your Playlist sooner than expected if their rights expire or are tied to a limited-time deal. While this won’t affect all programmes, it’s something to be aware of, particularly for viewers who like to watch series or episodes long after they’ve aired.

Overall, Sky Stream offers a flexible and user-friendly way to enjoy live TV and on-demand content without the need for a satellite dish. Its simple setup, rolling contract options, and integration with popular streaming services make it a strong contender for those looking to upgrade their television experience. However, users should be aware of the differences between traditional recording methods and the Playlist system, especially when it comes to availability of content from on-demand services.