Skyglass IPTV is a new smart TV launched by Sky that comes with Sky’s streaming services built-in, removing the need for a satellite dish or set-top box. One of the key features of Skyglass is that it provides access to Sky Glass IPTV service allowing viewers to stream live TV channels over the internet instead of via satellite. This provides more flexibility and potentially better picture quality. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how Sky Glass works and what it offers.
What is IPTV?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. It involves delivering television content over Internet Protocol networks instead of traditional cable, satellite or terrestrial broadcasts. IPTV encodes TV channels and streams them directly to compatible devices over the internet.
Some Key Advantages of IPTV over Traditional TV Delivery Methods Include:
- More flexibility – Viewers can access content on any device with an internet connection, not just a TV.
- Potentially Better Quality – IPTV is digital from source to screen, avoiding analog degradation.
- More Content – IPTV providers can offer thousands of channels.
- Interactivity – IPTV systems can integrate interactive features like time-shifted programming.
How SkyGlass IPTV Leverages?
With SkyGlass, Sky has integrated IPTV technology directly into their smart TV system. Instead of relying on a satellite dish, Sky Glass IPTV gets Sky entertainment channels streamed over the internet.
This allows SkyGlass to provide a more seamless viewing experience. Features enabled by IPTV include:
- Integrated content – All of Sky’s live, on-demand and streaming services are accessed directly through the SkyGlass interface, with no need to switch inputs or boxes.
- 4K streaming – Key live sports and entertainment channels are available in 4K ultra HD quality thanks to IPTV distribution.
- Voice control – You can use voice commands via the built-in microphone to instantly search content and control playback.
- Personal profiles – Separate profiles allow family members to access their own playlists and recommendations.
- Multi-room– Content can be viewed on different SkyGlass TVs around the home in perfect sync.
Technical Requirements for SkyGlass IPTV
To deliver this seamless IPTV experience, Sky Glass relies on a few key connectivity requirements:
- High-speed broadband – A minimum broadband speed of 10Mbps is recommended to reliably stream multiple HD channels. Fiber broadband is ideal.
- WI-FI 5 router – A dual band router supporting the latest Wi-Fi 5 wireless standards enables smooth streaming to the TV wirelessly.
- Powerline adapters – These can enhance connectivity by turning electrical wiring into a wired network connection if wireless coverage is poor.
Meeting the minimum technical requirements is key to ensuring SkyGlass IPTV can deliver the promised experience. Faster broadband and more advanced Wi-Fi networks will enable the highest quality streaming.
Content and Features
Sky Glass provides a deep content catalog spanning TV channels, on demand shows, sports and movies. Key highlights accessible through SkyGlass IPTV include:
- 150+ channels – From MTV to Discovery, Sky Glass carries all the major UK terrestrial and satellite channels.
- 4K content – A selection of premium entertainment, movies, sports and nature are available in 4K HDR.
- Box sets – Hit shows from Sky, BBC, HBO and more are available on demand, with full series ready to watch.
- Sky Cinema – The latest blockbuster movies are available at the same time as DVD releases.
- Sky Sports – Catch Premier League football, F1 racing, golf majors and more in HD or 4K.
- Spotify – SkyGlass IPTV can access Spotify music streaming to enjoy playlists, albums and podcasts.
- Smart assistants – Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built-in, enabling voice control.
Sky is constantly expanding the content catalogue and refinements to the platform like updated voice abilities and personalization features are delivered over-the-air.
Pros and Cons
Some key pros and cons of SkyGlass IPTV service include:
Pros
- Integrated, flexible TV system
- Intuitive voice control features
- Access to full Sky content suite
- 4K streaming available
- Syncs across multiple TVs
Cons
- Requires strong broadband connection
- Base package has limited channels
- Upfront device cost is high
- Can’t combine with Sky Q
The future of SkyGlass TV
Looking ahead, Sky is well-positioned to leverage IPTV technology to improve their TV service. The company is expected to build on the capabilities of Sky Glass by:
- Expanding 4K and HDR content.
- Improving personalization and recommendations.
- Enhancing voice control abilities.
- Developing new interactive IPTV features.
- Integrating third-party streaming apps like Netflix.
The Satellite TV still keep some advantages. IPTV appears poised to become the dominant standard for reliability, quality and flexibility. Provided Sky continues investing in IP delivery, Sky Glass has an exciting roadmap thanks to its modern IPTV foundation.
Conclusion
Sky Glass represents an exciting new chapter for Sky, transforming their TV service by integrating IPTV streaming directly into the TV system. Early reviews have been very positive, with the simplified set-up, voice control and content aggregation proving major selling points.
By leveraging IPTV Imagen, Sky Glass offers far more flexibility for viewers, unlocking innovations not possible with traditional satellite distribution. If Sky can continue enhancing personalization, voice control and 4K streaming features, Sky Glass has the potential to set a new benchmark for premium smart TV experiences thanks to IPTV Imagen.