SKY is set to launch its "most significant" new product in years at press conference this week.
Broadcast firm Sky is preparing to launch a brand-new step-top box and updated service.
The satellite company has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday November 18th 2015.
It has teased the announcement with the tagline "It's time to set your TV free" and included the social hashtag, #SetTVFree.
Industry sources have previously told NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com that Sky is planning to launch a new television service with hardware to match
The new product – which sources claim is the "most significant" in years – is rumoured to be codenamed SkyQ.
Here’s everything we know so far about the major Sky shake-up.
What is SkyQ?
SkyQ is believed to be an entirely new television service from Sky, which blends live and on-demand content.
It is expected to be separate from the satellite broadcast and Now TV on-demand business.
SkyQ is rumoured to finally bring Ultra HD 4K video quality to the broadcast – a first for Sky television.
Amazon, BT and Roku have all recently unveiled new hardware compatible with the new pin-sharp pixel-packed format.
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| Sky’s new hardware is expected to boast a radical new user interface |
However the recently refreshed Apple TV on-demand set-top box cannot stream 4K quality video.
As well was the ability to stream Ultra HD 4K video, the new service is expected to ship with an entirely new interface.
Sky is reportedly planning to ditch its current text-heavy, blue on-screen TV guide for an Apple-esque carousel with an emphasis on high resolution images.
The new SkyQ broadcast will also employ some intelligent recommendations features, which blend on-demand and live content.
Similar to functionality already on offer from rivals Netflix and Virgin Media, the SkyQ could be Sky’s opportunity to leapfrog the competition.
It’s thought the new intelligent set-top box will recommend shows based on your viewing habits, both live and via catch-up services.
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| Sky is facing tough competition from Ultra HD 4K compatible rivals, like Amazon |
Finally the SkyQ box is rumoured to be able to stream video content around the home to up to four different devices at once.
This means families can each watch a different recorded or live show on their chosen tablet or smartphones at the same time.
What will SkyQ look like?
Very little is known about the design of the new hardware.
Sky currently uses Roku hardware for its Now TV on-demand service, but this is unlikely to be the case for the new SkyQ box.
Whether or not the new SkyQ will resemble the current Sky+ HD hardware or smaller on-demand boxes – like the Fire TV – remain to be seen.
Why is it launching now?
Broadcast firm Sky hasn't updated its current Sky+ box for a number of years.
Although the service is supports is still on the best on offer, the software does feel a little tired.
Many newer television services including EE, BT and Virgin offer more features than Sky and it is time the satellite broadcaster gets back on top.
Ultra HD is fast becoming more mainstream with more content being filmed and streamed in this stunningly sharp format.
Coupled with the price cut to Ultra HD 4K ready televisions, the time is right for Sky to start to offer 4K to customers.
If the rumours prove correct, SkyQ could truly blend the lines between traditional broadcast television and online streaming services – combining the two types of media consumption into one seamless user interface.
SkyQ could quickly become the one-stop-shop for catch-up services, live television, on-demand movies and TV shows.
When can we expect SkyQ?
Sky has set its exclusive press announcement for Wednesday 18th at 9am.
NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com will be at the event, bringing you all the latest as it happens.
With the announcement schedule for mid-November, Sky could be planning to make its new offering available for customers before Christmas..
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