Sky has announced a new set top box for its NOW TV streaming service which offers content from Sky Movies and Sky Sports without a long-term contract.
First launched last year, NOW TV has so far been available only through third party hardware including YouView, games consoles and tablets.
The new box allows Sky to offer a fully branded service and control hardware specs, a move which should help guarantee subscribers a high quality user experience.
Priced just £9.99, the NOW TV box also includes contract-free access to BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, BBC News App and Sky News.
Sky says the low selling price offers “an affordable and simple way for any broadband-connected home to join the online TV revolution.”
Gidon Katz, Director of NOW TV, said: “Millions of people are switching on to the convenience and flexibility of on demand TV, choosing when and how they want to watch. Now there’s an easy and extremely affordable way to make every TV a ‘smart TV’.
“For under a tenner, the NOW TV Box offers the best terrestrial catch-up, plus pay-as-you-go access to must-see sport and the option to enjoy latest blockbuster movies on demand – all on the big screen. It’s also easy for anyone to use – simply plug in to your TV, connect to your WiFi and you’re away.”
The company has also announced “more than 50,000 individual users” purchased Sky Sports day passes, which offer 24 hours access to all six Sky Sports channels for £9.99, in the three months since the service went live.
Box specs:
Size: 84mm x 84mm x 23mm
Weight: 85 grams
Networking: 802.11n Wi-Fi (b/g/n compatible) with WEP, WPA and WPA2 support
Video outputs: 480i (NTSC over composite video) 480p (over HDMI) 720p (over HDMI)
Video modes: 720p 16:9 anamorphic 4:3 standard
Audio outpust: Analogue Stereo (mini-jack to left/right/composite video RCA) Digital over HDMI
Remote: Infra Red – Compatible with various universal remotes
Ports: HDMI (cable included)
Power consumption: Less than 2W (typical) when streaming video
Power input: 5.2V – 1.0A power adapter