Sky Glass Review: A Comprehensive Look at Sky's All-in-One TV Solution
When Sky Glass first launched, it aimed to revolutionize the way we experience television by integrating picture, sound, and content into one seamless package. With no need for additional soundbars, set-top boxes, or streaming sticks, Sky Glass promised a simplified and premium TV experience. However, its initial reception was mixed, especially regarding its HDR performance. Fast forward to today, Sky has rolled out over 500 updates, refining the product. But is it now a TV worthy of your living room? Let's dive into the details.
Pros and Cons of Sky Glass
Pros:
- Great content library: Access to Sky’s vast content alongside Netflix, Disney+, and more.
- Decent sound for a TV: Built-in Dolby Atmos speaker system.
- Vivid mode improves HDR performance: Enhances colors and brightness for a more immersive experience.
- Constantly improving through updates: Sky continues to refine the product with software updates.
Cons:
- Weak viewing angles: Picture quality deteriorates when viewed from the side.
- Only three HDMI inputs: Limited connectivity options.
- Add-ons increase the cost: Additional features like Sky Live and Ultra HDR can make the TV more expensive.
- Inconsistent backlighting: Some blooming and backlight inconsistencies are noticeable.
Key Features of Sky Glass
- Entertainment OS: Aggregates content from Sky, Netflix, Disney+, and more into one easy-to-navigate platform.
- Built-in Dolby Atmos speaker system: Provides a cinematic sound experience without the need for external speakers.
- HDR support: Includes HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision for enhanced picture quality.
Design and Build Quality
Sky Glass boasts a minimalist and elegant design with a thin bezel and anodized finish. It’s available in several colors, including black Anthracite, Ocean blue, Ceramic white, Racing green, and Dusky pink, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any room décor. However, it’s a hefty unit, with the 55-inch model weighing 28 kg, so you’ll likely need help setting it up or mounting it on the wall.
For those who want to personalize their TV further, you can buy magnetized speaker grille attachments from Concino Limited on Amazon, which are available in various colors and sizes.
Operating System and Interface
Sky Glass runs on Entertainment OS, which aggregates content from Sky and other popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+. The interface is intuitive, with a rail-based navigation system similar to Sky Q. It’s divided into categories like TV Shows, Movies, Sports, and more, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
The remote control is backlit for easy use in the dark and features voice control. Simply say “Hello Sky” to activate the voice assistant, which works with apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Music. You can also use voice commands to search for content or control playback, adding to the convenience.
Picture Quality
The picture quality of Sky Glass was one of its weakest aspects at launch, particularly in HDR mode. However, the introduction of Vivid mode has significantly improved things. The 55-inch model now reaches a peak brightness of 566 nits in Vivid mode, making colors more saturated and blacks deeper. That said, it still falls short of the brightness levels offered by competitors like the Samsung Q80D.
Weaknesses:
- Viewing angles: The picture quality deteriorates significantly when viewed from the side.
- Inconsistent black levels: While dark scenes in movies like Doctor Sleep look decent, others like Dune have a noticeable green tint.
- Motion handling: Fast-moving scenes can appear slightly blurry, especially in action-packed movies.
For those who prioritize picture quality, Sky Glass may not be the best option, especially when compared to other TVs in its price range, such as the Samsung Q80D or Hisense U7N.
If you're interested in exploring alternatives, check out the Samsung Q80D or Hisense U7N on Amazon.
Sound Quality
Sky Glass comes equipped with a 215W Dolby Atmos speaker system, which includes six speakers: three front-firing, two up-firing, and a woofer for bass. The sound quality is impressive for a TV, offering clear dialogue and punchy bass. While it doesn’t replace a dedicated soundbar, it performs better than most built-in TV speakers.
For those looking for an even more immersive sound experience, you might want to consider adding a dedicated Dolby Atmos soundbar like the Sonos Arc or the Samsung HW-Q950A.
Sky Live Camera
Sky Glass also supports an interactive smart camera called Sky Live, which can be used for Zoom calls, fitness tracking, and even multiplayer games like Monopoly. While the camera is a fun addition, especially for families, it’s not essential. The picture quality during Zoom calls is grainy despite the camera's 4K resolution, and the voice pickup is better when you’re closer to the camera.
Sky Live is available as an add-on for £6/month on a 48-month contract or can be purchased outright for £290. If you're interested in buying Sky Live, you can check it out on Amazon.
Gaming Performance
Sky Glass now supports Auto Game Mode with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), making it a better option for gamers using PS5 or Xbox Series X. However, the input lag is still relatively high at 82ms, and it lacks premium gaming features like 4K/120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which are essential for a smooth gaming experience.
If gaming is a priority for you, consider looking at gaming-optimized TVs like the LG C1 OLED or the Samsung QN90A.
Final Thoughts
Sky Glass is a TV that excels in some areas but falls short in others. Its interface and sound system are excellent, and the Vivid mode brings much-needed improvements to its HDR performance. However, its picture quality is still not on par with similarly priced TVs, and the limited viewing angles and inconsistent black levels are hard to overlook.
Sky Glass is ideal for Sky customers who want an all-in-one TV solution with easy access to a variety of content. However, if you’re after the best picture quality, you might want to consider other options like the Samsung Q80D or Hisense U7N.
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FAQs
What Internet speed is required for Sky Glass?
Sky recommends a minimum of 10Mb/s for standard viewing and 25Mb/s for UHD content.
Can you use Sky Glass as a regular TV?
Yes, without a Sky subscription, Sky Glass functions like a regular TV. You can connect external devices via HDMI or use an aerial for Freeview channels.
Sky Glass is a solid option for those looking for an integrated TV experience, but it’s worth considering its limitations before making a purchase.
