Sky Stream: Satellite-free streaming box for Sky TV review.

Wi-Fi delivers live/on-demand pay-TV to user-friendly box, marred by subpar apps.

Sky has compacted its satellite-free pay-TV service into a small streaming box, connectable to existing equipment via wifi. The Sky Stream box subscription begins at £25 per month with a £20 upfront fee, covering Sky’s entertainment package and a basic Netflix account for 18 months. Additional channels or content increase the price. Alternatively, opt for a flexible 31-day rolling contract, but note that the box loses functionality without an active subscription.

The Stream, a compact black plastic puck, easily conceals in a cabinet. It features a power cable, an HDMI port for TV connection, an optional ethernet port, and an unused aerial socket at the back.

It comes in a package designed to fit through your letterbox, requiring a simple plug-in without the need for an engineer’s visit. However, a minimum of 10Mbps broadband for HD content and 25Mbps for 4K is necessary. It is compatible with any broadband provider, not exclusive to Sky, but a loss of internet connectivity results in TV downtime.

Running the same software as Glass, it utilizes Entertainment OS, a unified interface displaying content from Sky and third-party apps. Since Glass’s launch in October 2021, over 200 software updates have been implemented, reflecting on the Stream as well. This continuous improvement parallels the evolution of a smartphone rather than a conventional set-top box.

The home screen showcases content recommendations at the top, followed by buttons to navigate specific content types like TV shows, movies, and sports. Although a TV guide for live channels is available, the distinction between live and on-demand content is blurred, given that all content is streamed over the internet.

Opt for playlists over locally recorded content.

The “playlist” compiles desired shows, movies, and events from searches, the TV guide, or the remote’s “+” button. Subsequently, shows and live events are automatically stored in the cloud and streamed on demand. This process works seamlessly for content hosted by Sky, encompassing its channels, Channel 5, and UKTV channels like Dave. Immediately after broadcast, the content is readily available for viewing.

Setting aside subpar third-party apps, the content’s video quality is commendable. The Sky box supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision video standards, lacking only HDR10+ commonly used by Samsung televisions. It also embraces Dolby Atmos for audio, except in the Disney+ app, which evidently requires an update.

All channels default to HD and exhibit quality comparable to or slightly better than their satellite counterparts, occasionally displaying sharper details. Channels offered in 4K HDR, like Sky’s main sports channel and BBC’s World Cup coverage through iPlayer, deliver particularly impressive visuals.

For multi-room access and robust broadband, the “whole home” subscription costs £12 monthly, enabling the use of up to six boxes. The initial box is complimentary with the add-on, while subsequent ones are priced at £40 each.

Sustainability

Sky in the UK offers complimentary repairs for the Stream, supporting the device throughout its ownership. The company recycles old Sky equipment and refurbishes previous Stream boxes. The Stream operates at less than 0.5W on standby and less than 4W in use, consuming 0.0034kWh per hour of HDR video during testing.

Neither the box nor the remote incorporates recycled materials. The company openly communicates its sustainability commitments, including a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

Price

The Stream box requires a £20 upfront payment with an £23-a-month 18-month contract, covering the Sky Entertainment and Netflix basic package. Alternatively, it can be obtained for £39.95 upfront with a £26-a-month 31-day rolling contract. Introductory bundles and discounted prices are frequently available.

For additional services, Sky Sports starts at £20, BT Sport at £30, Sky Cinema at £9, and Sky Kids at £6 per month on a rolling 31-day basis. Access to 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos incurs a £6 charge, while ad skipping costs £5. Netflix comes with an extra £4 for HD or £8 for 4K UHD. Whole-home access costs £12 a month, inclusive of a complimentary second Stream box, with subsequent boxes priced at £39.95 each.

A standard package, including entertainment, Netflix, Sky Sports, and HD Kids channels, totals £53 per month on average.

Conclusion

Stream distills the positive aspects of Sky’s Glass television into a compact, satellite-free streaming TV box. The setup process is notably swift and straightforward, contingent on robust broadband and an existing TV. The flexibility to add or remove channel packages monthly underscores its adaptability, emphasizing the growing trend of combining live broadcasts and on-demand content streamed over the internet.

The convenience of consolidating content from traditional broadcasters and streaming services into a single box with unified voice search using one remote is commendable. Cloud recordings from Sky’s platform enhance the viewing experience, rivaling local recording capabilities.

However, the seamless experience falters when viewing content stored outside Sky’s servers. While major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, and BBC iPlayer perform well, subpar third-party apps, such as ITVX, impede user satisfaction due to sluggish performance, particularly during ad breaks.

Sky endeavors to align third-party developers with its approach, unifying playback control and other aspects. Presently, each app retains its own interface and operational method, often exhibiting bugs and peculiar issues. In this aspect, Stream resembles a smart TV or streaming box, albeit without a monthly fee.

While it may not surpass Sky Q in local recording capabilities or rival Freeview for affordability, Sky Stream excels as an immediate and flexible solution for premium pay-TV content over the internet. Notably, it avoids lengthy contracts, the need for a dish, or reliance on a specific broadband provider.

Pros:

No satellite dish required, adaptable for any TV, efficient remote, unified voice search spans various services, effective Playlist system, supports most UK streaming services, enjoys prolonged service life and software support, low power consumption, offers 31-day rolling flexibility.

Cons:

Lack of local recording necessitates reliance on terrestrial catchup services, Sky subscription required even for free services, no TV access during broadband outages.