Sky Glass TV: Features, subscription and benefits

Dan Howdle • April 11th, 2025

Sky TV is now exclusively available through Sky Stream, which is delivered via the internet – no more satellite dishes. This is offered in two distinct flavours – either via the Sky Stream Puck (a teeny-tiny set-top box that plugs into your telly), or via Sky Glass.

Sky Glass offers something genuinely unique: A premium TV service integrated into a bespoke flatscreentelevision. And just recently Sky has launched the 'Gen 2' version of Glass, which offers improved picture and sound and a snappier operating system. Let's take a look at everything Sky Glass offers.

What is Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is a platform for delivering its TV service entirely over broadband via an actual television with the technology built in.

The Sky Glass service includes the same 150+ channels in its Sky Ultimate TV package, paired with Netflix. This is fewer than the 300+ channels that were once available through the satellite-based Sky Q service, but those that have been cut are +1 time-shifted channels and any channels that still broadcasted standard definition versions. Everything on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream comes in HD as a minimum with many upgradeable to 4K if you opt in to the UHD & Atmos add-on.

A broadband connection from any provider is sufficient as long as it supports at least 10Mbps download speeds for HD content and 25Mbps for 4K HDR content.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the Sky Glass platform.

Playlist and Cloud DVR

Sky’s 'Playlist' feature lets you create a queue of shows to watch later. This feature centralises content from both live TV and on-demand apps (like Netflix, Apple TV+), recording upcoming episodes in Sky’s 'Cloud DVR' storage if they’re broadcasted or streaming them directly from the respective apps.

Sky Glass OS

The Glass service and TV run on Sky’s proprietary operating system, designed specifically for Sky Stream and the Sky Glass TV. This OS integrates seamlessly with Sky’s ecosystem and offers a range of third-party apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, All4, ITV Hub, and more.

However, unlike standard smart TVs, Sky Glass does not have an app store as such, a web browser, or the ability to install additional apps other than the handful that Sky wants you to download. This means some popular apps like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Steam Link, and Twitch are not available.

Viewing Packs

Sky offers several viewing packs that enhance the Sky Glass experience, allowing for a more immersive and varied viewing experience:

• Sky Ultra HDR and Dolby Atmos – To experience the stunning Ultra-HD (4K) image quality with vibrant HDR colors and Dolby Atmos surround sound across Sky channels (like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, and Sky Sports), you need to opt for the 'Sky Ultra HDR and Dolby Atmos' add-on
• Whole Home – This pack allows you to watch Sky TV on additional TVs in your home using Sky Stream Pucks. These pucks connect to your broadband and offer 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos support. The first puck is included with the Whole Home pack
• Ad Skipping Add-On – This feature allows you to fast-forward through adverts in your recordings stored in the Cloud DVR, a useful add-on for uninterrupted viewing

Channels

Entertainment Channels

Sky Glass includes some of the top entertainment channels in the UK. Sky Atlantic remains the flagship, showcasing popular Sky Originals like "Succession," "The Gilded Age," and "Gangs of London," as well as exclusive HBO content like "The Last of Us."

Sky Max, which has replaced Sky One, offers a mix of drama and comedy, including shows like "A League of Their Own," "The Flight Attendant," and "COBRA." Sky Sci-Fi (formerly Syfy) continues to cater to sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts with series like "Resident Alien," "SurrealEstate," and the reimagined "Day of the Dead."

Additional channels include Sky Witness, known for its crime and legal dramas like "The Equalizer" and "Law & Order: SVU," and Sky Comedy, which offers a mix of British and American sitcoms, including "The Office" (US) and "Parks and Recreation."

Documentary Channels

Sky Documentaries provides access to some of the most compelling documentaries from the UK and abroad, including new releases like "The Trump Show," "The Vow," and "Tiger Woods: The Comeback."

Sky Nature offers stunning wildlife and environmental documentaries in 4K HDR, featuring shows like "Wild Animal Babies" and "Gangs of Lemur Island." Meanwhile, Sky History delivers in-depth historical programming with series like "Forged in Fire," "Alone," and "Ancient Aliens."

Sports Channels

While the most popular Sky Sports channels require an additional subscription, the base Sky Glass package includes Eurosport 1 and 2, which cover events like the French Open, Tour de France, and Winter Olympics. Sky Sports Racing is also included, offering comprehensive coverage of horse racing events.

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Even More Content

Sky offers a variety of additional content packs for those looking to expand their viewing options:

• TNT Sports – Offers a wide range of sports, including the UEFA Champions League, UFC, and Premier League football.
• Sky Cinema – Includes access to the latest blockbuster movies, such as "Dune," "No Time to Die," and "The Matrix Resurrections."
• Sky Kids – Offers a variety of children's programming, including channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Baby TV.

The Sky Glass TV

Sky Glass is not just a service but a fully integrated smart TV that comes with the Sky platform built-in, now in its second-generation iteration. It is available in three different screen sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch, and five color options, including Ocean Blue, Ceramic White, Racing Green, Dusky Pink, and Anthracite Black.

The TV supports 4K UHD resolution and includes features like Quantum Dot technology for enhanced color accuracy, Dolby Vision HDR, and a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar for an immersive audio experience. The Sky Glass TV connects directly to your broadband, eliminating the need for a satellite dish, and includes a backup Freeview tuner in case of internet outages.

Sky Glass Gen 2 specifications:

Screen Sizes Available	43in (small), 55in (medium), 65in (large)
Panel Type	UHD Quantum Dot, VA LCD
Colours	Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver, Atlantic Blue
Peak Brightness (HDR)	Enhanced brightness (specific value not disclosed)
Colour Gamut	Not specified
Resolution	4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
Refresh Rate	60Hz
HDR Support	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Audio System	Built-in Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 sound system with seven speakers, including dual subwoofers
Speakers Output	Up to 250W
Headphone Support	No
HDMI Ports	3 x HDMI 2.1 (including 1 x eARC)
Gaming Features	None specified
Tuner	IPTV (main), Terrestrial (backup)
Wireless Connectivity	WiFi 6, 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0 (primarily for remote control)
Ethernet	1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
USB	1 x USB-C for power delivery only (up to 15W)
Smart Assistant(s)	Integrated far-field voice control ("Hello Sky")
Smart Platform	Sky OS

Gaming

While the TV supports HDMI 2.1, it lacks advanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which might be a drawback for dedicated gamers looking for the latest console features.

Audio

The integrated Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 soundbar provides a powerful audio experience with three outward-firing speakers, a central subwoofer, and two upward-firing speakers. This setup creates an immersive surround sound experience without the need for additional speakers.

Sky Glass TV with Sky Broadband

Although Sky Glass can be paired with any broadband provider, bundling it with Sky Broadband offers a seamless experience and a discount. Sky Broadband is known for its reliable service and offers packages that cater to different needs, from standard to superfast connections.

If you’re considering Sky Glass, it’s worth looking into Sky Broadband packages to maximise your savings and simplify your billing.

Alternatives

If Sky Glass doesn’t meet your needs, you might consider other options:

• NOW – A more flexible option with no contract, NOW offers Sky channels and on-demand content. However, it’s limited to 720p HD streaming unless you add the Boost package for 1080p Full HD.
• Virgin TV – Virgin offers a similar range of channels, including some Sky content. However, Sky Atlantic is not available on Virgin, and the 4K HDR content offering is more limited.

Conclusion

Sky Glass offers a convenient all-in-one entertainment solution. With its 4K UHD display, Dolby Vision, and integrated Dolby Atmos soundbar, it provides a high-quality viewing experience, especially so since its recent Gen 2 update.

However, it's still not as good a telly as those leading the market, so if you want the best quality viewing possible, you still may be better off buying a better telly and adding Sky Stream to it.

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