topic Re: Sky Stream 'Capabilities' and what's included in Sky Stream

Sky Stream 'Capabilities' and what's included

lanky_doodle — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:12:38 GMT

Hi,

I currently have a 2017 NVIDIA Shield TV, so in turn pay separately for all the streaming services I use, this includes Netflix 4K UHD option at £18.99 a month, and NOW TV Ent+Cin+UHD Boost (but we've paused NOW TV for now).

Looking at all the Sky Stream options, they appear to include Netflix Standard, even essential TV at 'only' £15 a month. Does this mean I'll get a discounted Netflix 4K UHD package since I'd already be paying for Netflix Standard as part of Stream?

Does Stream essentially include NOW TV bundle?

Also, what is the user interface like. Is it a copy of Sky Q where Sky's stuff in terms of traditional EPG is forefront, or is it more like an actual streaming box where you just have a screen of apps to launch - I much prefer the latter approach.

Thanks

Re: Sky Stream 'Capabilities' and what's included

mikealanr — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:28:06 GMT

Hi @lanky_doodle

It's notike NowTV bundle, completely different propositions. Glass and Stream user their own Entertainment OS different from Q. See: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-stream-faqs

The video under Features > using sky stream.

Yes you can upgrade netflix and you are essentially paying the difference between standard with ads and premium. https://www.sky.com/help/articles/netflix-plans-and-billing

Note the channel line up is different to Q and there is no local recording some content cloud records and some points your to broadcasters apps e.g iPlayer.

MikeAlanR

Re: Sky Stream 'Capabilities' and what's included

lettice — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:45:37 GMT

As @mikealanr has mentioned.

Have a read of the Sky Stream FAQ linked above, reading all the sections and watching all the videos under Features.

It should cover all your questions and provides an overview of the Sky OS on Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

If you have a local Sky shop near to you, you can have a play with the Sky OS interface, that is the same for Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

If it helps, have a read of my journey linked in my signature from Sky Q to Sky Stream that I did two years ago.

Re: Sky Stream 'Capabilities' and what's included

Angel_Aka — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:55:46 GMT

@lanky_doodle

If you are used to an Nvidia Shield then using a Stream puck will feel a bit Fisher Price.

The Shield gives you much more control over app choice, frame rates, audio, etc and is a much more flexible device, despite its age.

Sky Stream and the SkyOS which runs on it is very much controlled by Sky. The puck is a slave device designed to be as simple as possible for as many people as possible. Most of the OS and all the apps (which Sky choose) are server-based so there can be added latency at busy times.

Sky Stream works well for a great many people, particularly those who watch a lot of live TV, but if you prefer being in control of your apps, having more flexibility and having a simpler UI layout which you can tweak, the Shield wins.