Sky Q IPTV Box in the test: This is how Sky runs over the Internet
Anyone who has not previously had a satellite dish, cable or Telekom DSL with a MagentaTV receiver could only use Sky offers for the Bundesliga, for example, with an additional Sky ticket subscription. But Sky now offers an alternative: the Sky Q IPTV Box. The only requirement is an internet connection with at least 6 megabits per second. How well does this work? And what does the recent 4K update bring? COMPUTER BILD tested the box in practice.
Update finally brings 4K – with restrictions
Update on the test: Since March 24, 2022, Sky has been gradually installing software on its IPTV boxes. This allows streaming films to be played back in 4K or UHD via the Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and RTL+ apps. Unfortunately, the update cannot be triggered by Sky itself, it is automatically loaded and installed in the background. Sky users report that UHD playback is possible from software version QS005.08.0P. Hook: UHD content from Sky cannot be played back yet. Instead, some Sky content is now being output with multi-channel sound (Dolby Digital 5.1). Important: UHD playback (resolution: 2160p) must first be activated in the settings (under My Sky Q / Settings / Setup / Picture and sound / 2160p).
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Set up the Sky Q IPTV box
The setup is easy: The Sky Q IPTV Box is connected to the TV via HDMI, then you follow the instructions on the screen to pair the remote control and set up the WLAN connection. Unlike most streaming sticks, thanks to the LAN socket on the back, a connection to the router can be established via network cable as an alternative to WLAN. This rules out radio interference.
Sky Q IPTV: remote control and operation
Not everyone who uses other streaming sticks like the Fire TV 4K or the built-in apps in their smart TV is excited about another external box. But the practical test shows: Precisely because the box and remote control are well coordinated here, the operation works well in principle. There are buttons for zapping. To control the box, the remote control is connected via Bluetooth, so the box does not have to be in line of sight. The TV remote control can remain partially in the closet. Thanks to the HDMI-CEC standard, the box switched on the TV in the test, and the Sky-Q remote control regulates the TV volume via an infrared signal. Unlike the MagentaTV stick, channels cannot be controlled directly using the number button on the remote control. And both changing the HDMI source and switching off the television (Philips OLED754) was only possible in the test using the original TV remote control. If the sound is output via an AV receiver, the volume must be controlled via the receiver. The voice search worked well in the test, for example to search for films or to change the TV channel. Similar to the Fire TV Stick, all you have to do is hold down the microphone button on the remote control to speak your wish.
Sky Q IPTV: menu and channel selection
The main menu is similar to other Sky-Q receivers: the current program is shown in the preview at the top left, and recommendations for films, series and TV programs can be found on the right. TV channels, sports programs, films and series can be called up as a separate overview in a list. It is important for normal television to define the desired channels as favorites. As a sub-entry of the “TV Guide” menu, this list of favorites allows the usual TV channels to be selected quickly. Alternatively, the plethora of Sky channels can quickly become confusing.
TV picture quality and zapping in the test
The picture quality when watching TV was good in the test, and as with the MagentaTV stick, TV playback is in Full HD (1080p) even after the 4K update for third-party streaming apps. There were no noteworthy dropouts on the Vodafone gigabit cable connection used in the test, but as with all Internet TV offers, this also depends on your own Internet line. Despite the corresponding option for Dolby Digital, the TV sound is usually only output in stereo on normal TV, only individual Sky programs come in Dolby Digital 5.1. In a direct comparison with MagentaTV via the Internet and MagentaTV stick, there are good and bad points. Good: Zapping from one TV channel to another only takes about two seconds, with the MagentaTV stick it takes about twice as long. In return, the signal from normal TV channels on Sky IPTV arrived several seconds later. Another disadvantage at the time of the test: Although the corresponding buttons are available on the remote control, unlike MagentaTV, there is neither a pause (timeshift) nor a recording function in the cloud. Both should be retrofitted with a future update. The date is not yet known.
Netflix, Amazon Prime & Co.: streaming apps now with 4K
The most important streaming apps are also installed on the Sky IPTV Box: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Dazn, RTL+. AppleTV Plus is also available, but only allows access to Apple’s subscription offers, unlike other Smart TVs, but no retrieval of purchased films from the iTunes Store. In addition, customers have access to the media libraries of the TV stations. Since the update from the end of March 2022, streaming apps can also transmit films in 4K (UHD).
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Channels, program packages and prices
After the Sky price increase in early 2022, the Sky Q basic tariff costs just as much as satellite or cable: 20 euros a month for the “Sky Entertainment Plus” package including Netflix. However, there are always Sky offers with a discount (in March, for example, via the link above for 17.25 euros per month). Like any Sky subscription, it can be expanded with additional packages. For example, there is an additional 20 euros a month for Sky Bundesliga, and it is also worth taking a look at special offers for beginners, which can often be had at a significantly reduced price for the entire minimum term of twelve months. Dazn, Netflix and RTL+ can also be booked. The Sky Q IPTV Box is provided on loan for the duration of the contract, there is only a one-time fee of 29 euros. Compared to Sky Q via satellite and cable, there are no costs for satellite installation or the basic cable fee. On the other hand, both public and private TV channels in HD are already included in the basic package.
Multiscreen and Sky Go: Reception on other devices
If you want to use Sky Q on other televisions via the Internet, for example on the Sky Q apps of some televisions or Apple TV, you have to pay an additional 10 euros a month for the multiscreen option. However, some private TV channels are not included in the Sky Q app (in the test on the Apple TV); a second Sky Q IPTV box can be ordered for the full range of functions. Alternative: The customer can stream content via the Sky Go app on a smartphone, tablet or notebook, the Sky Go log-in is included in the tariff.
The best streaming boxes and sticks
tomson
Details about the test
Per
Easy operation
Large streaming selection
NVIDIA
Details about the test
Per
Perfect picture quality
Very good sound including Dolby Atmos
against
microSD slot so close to the HDMI port that it’s barely usable for media playback
Amazon Fire
Details about the test
Per
Large app selection
High working pace
against
Advertising in the on-screen menu
Apple
Details about the test
Per
Very simple operation
Top picture and sound quality
Apple
Details about the test
Per
Very simple operation
Top picture and sound quality
Apple
Details about the test
Per
Very simple operation
Top picture and sound quality
roku
Details about the test
Per
Good to very good HD and UHD streams
Easy installation and operation
against
Few connections
No bluetooth
Google
Details about the test
Per
Very handy remote control
Large variety of apps
against
Doesn’t run on the USB from the TV
Amazon
Details about the test
Per
Easy handling
Good Alexa voice control
against
Few connections
Not all Echo features
telecom
Details about the test
Per
Good picture quality including 4K
Quick access to Live TV, EPG
against
Not fast forwarding on all channels
No HD recording for RTL channels
Complete List: The Best Streaming Boxes and Sticks
Sky IPTV is portable – and suitable for travel
An advantage of the IPTV box is its portability. It is relatively small and works without a fixed location on any Internet connection – at least in Germany. If a TV with an HDMI connection and a fast internet connection are available on vacation, the box can be connected in the hotel, for example. Alternative: Since SkyGo is included in the contract, you can watch TV while traveling via tablet, smartphone or notebook (the latter can also be connected to the TV with HDMI).
Conclusion: Sky via Internet via IPTV box
The Sky Q IPTV Box closes an important gap in the TV offering and is finally a convenient way to use Sky on any Internet connection without a cable or satellite dish. The box makes the transition easier for everyone who is only used to watching normal television – at least once they have found their way to the TV favorites in the menu. After 4K, Sky must also quickly retrofit the pause button (time shift) for television. Who wants to base their pee breaks on commercial breaks?