Considered by some to be the broadcaster’s future, Sky Stream Box is the first streaming box bearing the Sky name (as compared to Now TV). This TV Box has become crucial in a time when a large number of people rent and are unable to own a satellite dish but can get fiber internet. This device is no short of smart features and remarkable specifications. It owns everything needed to have a full-fledged smart entertainment hub at your home.
Smaller than an Apple TV 4K, this streaming device is provided at no cost, making it an enticing proposition. While it delivers high-quality 4K content and Dolby Atmos support, some quirks like the absence of HDMI-CEC and occasional interface lag are noted. The subscription-based model, starting at £26 (35 USD) per month, includes Sky’s core channels, Netflix, and optional add-ons like sports and movies.
It’s a compelling addition for movie enthusiasts and sports fans, offering a taste of Sky’s renowned content. However, its overall flexibility falls slightly short of being an all-encompassing streaming solution.
Sky Stream Box: Pricing
The Sky Streamer, more than just a hardware investment, operates on a subscription basis, starting at approximately $35 per month for the core Sky Entertainment and Netflix package. This includes access to Sky’s primary channels, such as Sky Atlantic and Sky Max, alongside standard UK channels, Eurosport, and more, all available on-demand or in real-time streaming. The base package is in HD without Dolby Atmos, but upgrading to UHD and Atmos requires an additional approximately $8 per month.
For a comprehensive experience, including Netflix Premium, the total cost can reach around $48 per month. Optional add-ons like Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Sky Cinema, and Sky Kids come with varying monthly fees, with Sky Cinema also incorporating Paramount Plus for an extensive selection of movies and TV shows. Additionally, an extra $6.50 per month allows viewers to skip ads at the beginning of on-demand shows. These costs make Sky’s subscription model a comprehensive yet potentially expensive streaming solution.
Sky Stream Box: Ingenious Features
This smart streamer takes your streaming experience to the next level! Easily discover your favorite shows with the interactive playlist feature, and navigate effortlessly with the sleek remote. It offers many snappy features to offer you the best streaming experience. Let’s take a deep look at its smart features:
4K and Dolby Atmos Upgrades
The smart gadget offers users the option to enhance their streaming experience with a monthly upgrade of £6, providing access to stunning 4K resolution and immersive Dolby Atmos audio support. Notably, users seeking the same upgrades for Netflix can opt for a Premium subscription at an additional £8 per month, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement in the streaming quality.
Comprehensive Streaming Services
This streamer seamlessly integrates various streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. The platform’s diversity lies in its ability to merge on-demand and live TV channels. Thus, giving users a unified streaming experience. So, the users don’t have to buy the subscriptions separately, but this device offers them on a single platform.
Add-Ons for Diverse Content
Users can tailor their streaming packages with a range of add-ons. Sky Sports, priced at £25-27 per month, delivers a variety of sports content, while TNT Sports, available at £30 per month, offers an extensive sports selection. The Sky Cinema package, priced between £11 and £13 per month, not only includes Sky Cinema’s movie offerings but also incorporates a Paramount Plus subscription, significantly expanding the available movie and TV show choices. Additionally, Sky Kids, priced at £6 per month, unlocks access to children’s content from popular channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
Dolby Vision Support
The streaming device excels in delivering high-quality 4K Dolby Vision pictures, ensuring a visual feast with vivid and detailed visuals. Advanced high dynamic range (HDR) technology like Dolby Vision improves visual contrast, brightness, and color for a more realistic and engaging viewing experience. Scene-by-scene, this technology changes the metadata of the material to deliver the best possible image quality on compatible screens. It’s important to note that Dolby Vision is specifically available when using built-in apps such as Netflix or Disney Plus on this media streaming Box.
Dolby Atmos Support
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support on this little smart gadget elevates the audio experience to new heights. Dolby Atmos is an audio technique that generates a three-dimensional, auditory environment, giving sounds a new dimension. With the use of surround sound technology, the audio may freely travel around the listener in three dimensions, giving a more lively and dramatic sound experience. Users may experience rich, realistic audio with Dolby Atmos, improving their enjoyment of movies, TV shows, and other material. Dolby Atmos support is available for compatible content and apps on the Sky Streaming gadget.
Ad-Free Option
Ads in the middle of your favorite shows can be annoying for sure. But, with Sky Media Streamer, you have an option to get rid of them. For an enhanced viewing experience, users have the option to skip ads at the beginning of on-demand shows by subscribing to the ad-free feature at £5 per month. This ensures an uninterrupted and seamless streaming experience.
Interactive Playlist Feature
An innovative addition to the Sky Stream experience is the ‘Playlist’ feature, which is accessible through the remote. Users can set up a customized watchlist to make searching information easier. It’s important to remember that this feature’s functioning could change based on the streaming provider.
See More: MyGica Android TV Box
Sky Stream Box: Design Layout
The device offers a compact and user-friendly design layout that mainly focuses on simplicity and functionality. It is notably small in size, ensuring it can be easily placed near your TV without occupying much space. The back of the device has well-organized and color-coded ports for smooth connectivity. The ports are clearly labeled, with distinct colors for easy identification. For instance, the power port is designated with blue, while the TV connection uses red, simplifying the setup process for users.
Coaxial Connection (Disabled in the UK)
While the media streamer includes a coaxial connection, it’s important to note that this feature is disabled in the UK. Coaxial connections are commonly used for antennas, but in the UK, this functionality is not activated.
User-Friendly Remote
The accompanying remote is designed with user convenience in mind. Despite being larger than some counterparts, it remains easy to hold and operate. Backlit buttons increase visibility, and the clear labeling makes sure that users can quickly locate the desired controls.
To cater to users familiar with traditional channel-changing methods, the Sky Stream Box’s remote includes number buttons. This facilitates quick and straightforward channel selection, catering to those accustomed to conventional TV navigation.
Sky Stream Box: Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Dimensions | 10.8cm x 10.8cm x 1.8cm |
| Weight | 0.1kg |
| Supported Formats | 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1, Coaxial (disabled in the UK) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Remote | Backlit, Number Buttons, ‘Playlist’ Feature |
| Monthly Subscription Cost | Starting from £26 per month (~$34.66) |
| Add-Ons Cost | Varies (e.g., Sky Sports £25-27 per month) |
| Ad-Free Option Cost | £5 per month (~$6.63) |
| Supported Streaming Services | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc. |
| Interactive Features | ‘Playlist’ Button, Voice Control |
| Dolby Vision Availability | Limited to Built-in Apps (e.g., Netflix) |
| HDMI-CEC | Not Available |
Sky Stream Box: What’s in the Box?
The Sky Media Streamer package includes the essential components to get you started with your streaming experience. Here’s what you can expect to find in the box:
Sky Stream Box
The central streaming device is compact and designed to connect to your TV and deliver streaming services.
Remote Control
A user-friendly remote control that allows you to navigate through the interface, control playback, and access additional features.
Power Cable
The cable is required to power the Sky TV Streamer and keep it running during use.
HDMI Cable
An HDMI cable for connecting the Sky Streamer to your TV, ensuring high-quality video and audio transmission.
Batteries
Batteries for the remote control ensure that you can start using it right away without the need for additional purchases.
User Manual
A detailed guide providing instructions on how to set up and use the streaming gadget effectively.
Sky Stream Box: How to Set Up?
Setting up the Sky TV Box is a straightforward process designed for user convenience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Unboxing
Inside the box, you’ll find the Sky Streaming device, a remote (similar to the Sky Glass remote), an HDMI cable, and a power cable. These cables are color-coordinated for easy identification.
Physical Connection
- Connect the device to your TV using the provided HDMI cable.
- Plug in the power cable to provide the necessary power to the device.
Placement
The Sky TV Box is compact, with dimensions of 10.8cm x 10.8cm x 1.8cm and a weight of 0.1kg. It can be discreetly placed in your TV unit or even behind the TV itself.
Ports
On the rear of the device, locate the HDMI 2.1 port for video output, an ethernet port for a wired network connection (optional), and an aerial tuner (currently non-functional).
Initial Setup
- Power on your TV and the provided streamer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts for a fuss-free setup process.
- Enter your Wi-Fi details to enable wireless connectivity.
- Update the software to ensure you have the latest features and improvements.
- Wirelessly connect the remote and any additional speaker systems paired with your TV.
Software Update
During the setup, the device may prompt you to update its software. Allow the update to ensure optimal performance.
Bluetooth Operation
- The device operates via Bluetooth, offering wireless control.
- Pair the remote with the box to enjoy hassle-free control without the need for a direct line of sight.
Your device is all set up and ready to use. Now sit back tightly to have the immersive cinematic experience at home with Sky Stream Media streamer. Your affordable media partner!
Sky Stream Box: Pros and Cons
The Sky media streamer delivers impressive visuals and sound but has some limitations. It comes with some downsides you need to consider before choosing it as your ultimate streaming solution.
| High-quality 4K Dolby Vision pictures | Pushes shows from services you don’t have |
| Overall easy-to-use interface | Lacks HDMI-CEC for TV remote control |
| Dolby Atmos audio support | Limited streaming app support |
| Some good-value subscription options | 4K and Atmos are paid upgrades |
| Comprehensive streaming service integration | |
| Interactive Playlist feature for content curation | |
| The compact design fits well under the TV | |
| Supports a range of popular streaming services |
Alternates to Sky Stream Box
Here we have listed a few alternatives you can consider for Sky streaming gadgets. All of these devices offer basic streaming capabilities with additional smart features. Choose the one that aligns with your streaming needs. Moreover, you can check our detailed reviews on these devices for further details.
Telstra TV Box
The Telstra TV Box can be considered as a promising alternative to Sky media streamer. It aims to improve customer convenience with its smart and snappy features like voice search and a companion app for smartphones. One unique feature that streamlines the watching experience is the ability to operate both the TV and Telstra TV 3 with a single remote.
This video streamer, which is positioned as the Telstra T-Hub’s replacement, has capabilities that are similar to those of Roku devices, which are a well-liked option for reasonably priced streaming in the US. As Telstra discontinues the T-Hub, the Telstra TV Box emerges as a modern alternative with promising functionalities.
Vodafone TV
Vodafone TV is an affordable streaming gadget that isn’t too expensive. It is powered by Android TV and has access to several apps in addition to major streaming services. It has a voice search remote and supports 4K streaming, despite having fewer capabilities than Telstra TV.
Moreover, it has many other smart features that can turn your basic TV into a smart one. However, it is an acceptable alternative for anyone seeking a less costly or less expensive streaming option.
Google Chromecast
The Google Chromecast is a great, affordable option for anyone who wants to stream apps on their TV; it can be found at. In essence, the Chromecast is an HDMI dongle that allows you to reflect video material from your phone onto your television. Many smart apps, such as well-known streaming services like Netflix and Stan and other entertainment apps like Spotify, are compatible with it.
Chromecast stands out because of its simple and intuitive setup process that transforms your phone into a remote control. The Chromecast Ultra, which costs, provides better performance and video quality for 4K streaming.
Conclusion
Sky Stream Box: FAQs
It is a streaming device that offers a smooth and entertaining streaming experience. With this device, users are able to all kinds of web content from different streaming platforms in one place.
The media streaming device package typically includes the streaming device, a remote control, an HDMI cable, and a power cable.
The media streamer has compact dimensions of 10.8cm x 10.8cm x 1.8cm and weighs 0.1kg. This makes the device flexible enough to adjust in different settings.
Yes, the Sky Streaming device supports 4K HDR for high-quality visuals and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.
Yes, the smart device remote includes a voice control button, enabling users to perform various actions using voice commands.
While the Sky Stream Box offers outstanding pictures and sound, it may have limitations and annoyances. Users should carefully consider these before selecting it as their primary streaming option.
Yes, it can be part of a broader Sky ecosystem. Thus, offering integration with other Sky services and devices for a comprehensive entertainment solution.
