Pay TV giant Sky has unveiled its next-generation TV service which boasts an all-new look and collection of internet connected set top boxes which can share content around the home.
Half the size of a current Sky+ HD box, the new Sky Q Silver box has 12 tuners which allow it to record up to four channels simultaneously and stream live channels to a mini companion box and tablet app over WiFi.
Customers can also load recordings into their tablets for viewing when out of the home or stream them from the main box to the mini box in a second room.
Boxes are UltraHD ready and CEO Jeremy Darroch said 4K content from all genres including sport, films and entertainment would be available next year.
As well as Sky’s existing range of channels and on-demand content, the new service includes apps for YouTube and Vevo, the ability to push photos from smartphones to the big screen, and content from a number of major lifestyle brands including Vogue, Wired, GQ and Vanity Fair and GoPro.
Boxes are also compatible with Apple’s Airplay so customers can stream music from their mobile devices and take advantage of their surround sound systems or sounders to enjoy the best possible listening experience.
To ensure customers have the best possible WiFi experience around the home all boxes will act as signal boosters, potentially eliminating WiFi dead spots.
The firm says launch dates and prices will be confirmed early next year.
Darroch described Sky Q as “a brilliant new way for customers to experience TV on their terms.”
He added: “We wanted to re-imagine TV so that it’s flexible and seamless across different screens and to put a huge choice of entertainment at their fingertips.
“We think customers are going to love Sky Q and the great news is that it will get even better with much more to come in the future.”
