The Sky Glass TV has made waves in the market. Promising an all-in-one entertainment solution, it eliminates the need for satellite dishes and separate set-top boxes. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve deeper.
Design and Build Quality
Sky Glass TV comes in three sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch. The design is robust, featuring slim matte black aluminum bezels and a thick bar at the bottom housing the speakers. The TV is available in various colors, including Ocean blue, Ceramic white, Racing green, and Dusky pink.
However, one downside is its weight. Even the medium 55-inch model is hefty, requiring assistance for movement. This is particularly relevant when the initial setup, which typically involves delivery and installation by Sky’s team, is complete.
User Interface and Features
Sky Glass TV integrates seamlessly with a Sky subscription, giving access to hundreds of live TV channels and on-demand content without needing a satellite dish. You also get integrated apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
The user interface is intuitive but not without its flaws. Some users find the UI to be less than intuitive, leading to frustration. This is a significant point, as the TV aims to cater to both tech-savvy individuals and the general public.
Picture Quality
The Sky Glass TV features a Quantum Dot (QLED) display, promising bright and colorful images. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. However, the picture quality has been a point of contention.
First, it lacks dynamic range, which hampers the impact of HDR content. Blacks are not as deep, and bright scenes do not pop as much as they should. This is particularly noticeable compared to higher-end models from other brands.
Moreover, the Auto Backlight Adjustment feature is buggy, affecting overall image brightness. Poor black levels, shadow details, and panel uniformity issues further detract from the picture quality.
Sound Quality
Where the Sky Glass TV shines is in its sound performance. Featuring a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar with a power output of 215 watts, it delivers an immersive audio experience. This makes it suitable for everyday viewing as well as movie nights. The integrated sound system negates the need for an external soundbar, though audiophiles may still prefer a more advanced setup.
However, there are minor issues, such as a slight lack of dynamics and envelopment in film soundtracks. Additionally, one review unit had a loose driver, producing a distracting noise.
Value and Pricing
Sky Glass TV is competitively priced, starting at £649 for the 43-inch model and going up to £1,049 for the 65-inch model. You can also opt for a monthly installment plan with Sky’s subscription packages, starting at £26 per month for an 18-month contract.
The convenience of integrating Sky subscriptions and apps into a single device is a strong selling point. This is particularly appealing for those who do not want the hassle of dealing with multiple devices and cables.
Installation and Setup
Setting up the Sky Glass TV is straightforward. The delivery team handles the installation, assembling the TV and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. Once set up, you only need to enter your PIN to access your Sky account.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that Sky Glass isn’t for everyone. If you have a poor internet connection, the experience can be frustrating, as the TV relies heavily on streaming. A Freeview tuner is included for backup, but you’d need to plug it in to use it.
Gaming Performance
Gaming enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. The Sky Glass TV lacks features like a 120Hz refresh rate and has a high input lag of 132ms, making it less suitable for gaming.
Ongoing Improvements
One of Sky Glass’s unique selling points is its potential for continuous improvement. Regular updates tweak the software, add new features, and improve system performance. Recent updates have included better local dimming, higher contrast, and the introduction of personalized playlists.
Conclusion
Sky Glass TV offers an all-in-one solution that is hard to ignore, especially if you are already a Sky subscriber. Its major strengths include its integrated sound system, ease of setup, and seamless integration of various streaming services.
However, it comes with some notable shortcomings. Its picture quality, while good, falls short of the standards set by competitors in a similar price range. Additionally, the user interface, while generally intuitive, can be cumbersome at times.
