Good & Bad points? Glass tv.

[S4RA-__-]

Can anyone outline some pros and cons for Sky glass as I'm scared to get in over my head if it will be better to just get broadband only.

Thanks in advance! 

[TimmyBGood]

@S4RA-__- 

The current Glass model (all sizes) is rather more than two years old (which means it's a pandemic product) and wasn't a particularly highly rated set back then, although the audio specification is still better than that from most other televisions.  It's actually more expensive now than at launch, which is really quite unusual in the television marketplace where models are typically heavily discounted a year after release, and then reduced to clearance pricing.

As a summary, Glass may be worth considering if you particularly like the design aesthetic and/or really need the generous credit term, otherwise much more recent, more versatile and higher specified sets are available at similar or lower cost, to use in conjunction with a Stream puck for exactly the same Sky content, plus a far wider range of apps.

[CoffeeDrinker]

Pros:

• All major streaming services in one place, all searchable (Sky's own content, Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Apple TV+, Paramount+ etc), less jumping in and out of apps to watch content.
• 4K capable set along with high dynamic range (HRD10, Dolby Vision, HLG)
• Built in Atmos soundbar. Not the greatest but easily better than most TV's built in sound.
• All in one design, so just the power cable (Ethernet network cable if not using WiFi)
• If you already subscribe to Netflix and/or Paramount+, the basic Sky Glass/Stream TV package includes Netflix. Sky Cinema includes Paramount+, potentially offsetting the price a bit.

Cons:

• TV itself is merely 'ok' for the money. Can get a better picture quality buying other TVs in the same price range.
• TV is not great when no longer subscribing to Sky's TV packages. It will work as a TV still though.
• Fewer channels compared to Sky Q & Sky+HD. All the major channels are there but many minor ones are not. Check before buying/subscribing!
• No recordings - everything is streamed on-demand. Sounds obvious (you cannot 'record' Netflix.) but catches some people out who are used to recording programmes 'off of Sky TV'.
• Sky's own content can be had much cheaper with a NowTV subscription, although limited to HD (not 4K) and 5.1 (not Atmos) at best. 
• Extras such as 4K/Atmos, whole home (to watch on more than one TV), ad-skipping, Netflix without ads etc are all paid for extras which can soon add up.

If you have any specific concerns or questions, ask away. We've been really happy with our 43" dusky pink Glass TV & puck, along with Sky's streaming service itself, since buying in in January last year and plan to continue with it once our 18 month introductory offer expires in July.

[Fothergill1]

@S4RA-__- You have already had 2 excellent replies from @CoffeeDrinker and @TimmyBGood but I wanted to add that I had a 55" Glass TV for 18 months before deciding to move to a Stream Puck a couple of months ago.  I took advantage of the Black Friday deals on a 2023 model 65" Samsung TV and Soundbar. Even with the deals it was still a little more expensive than a Glass TV  but I could have purchased a cheaper smart TV.  The end result is a stunning viewer experience streets ahead of the Glass TV.

[Jporch316]

@S4RA-__- '

i quite like my 55 inch glass .... I think mainly due to the fact that it has the best integrated sound of any tv I've had and (in my room at least) negates the need for an external soundbar with all the extra clutter that comes with it .

i would agree with some of the other comments in that the product is 2 years old now and probably doesn't represent good value for money ......

[Fothergill1]

@Jporch316  I fully agree about the soundbar.  The Glass TV has the best built in sound of any TV I have ever come across.

If I hadn't got a half price Black Friday deal on my soundbar it's normal retail price would have been just under £500 and TBH it is only a little better than the Glass TV soundbar.

Picture quality is a different matter though.

[JimH1964.]

The only problem I have had is my sky super fast broadband is not capable of streaming live programs at times and no fibre cable in my area other than that I like sky glass

[S4RA-__-]

To give context I am in my 60's have been with Virgin Media for 26 years..

This contract ends not quick enough for me and I need help in choosing the right package for me and because someone here mentioned that they bought a Samsung tv it had never occurred before that I could get tv on the never never and chose a broadband provider to go with it.

 I am not savvy with technology so really need the help!

Can anyone tell me if I bought one of these tv's that have all included programs do I still need broadband 

I have an iPhone and laptop plus kindle that is everything because my bedroom set has a Google cast thing.

No gaming etc.

thanks in advance.

[TimmyBGood]

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@S4RA-__- wrote:

Can anyone tell me if I bought one of these tv's that have all included programs do I still need broadband 

---

Without broadband, a television set can only receive broadcast Freeview via an aerial. 

Apps, on-demand and catch-up services all use broadband.

The Sky Glass television uses broadband for all Sky subscription content and services.

[S4RA-__-]

@TimmyBGood   Thanks pal 👍🙌🏼

[DGL18]

Beware - despite the positive reply I've noted, we've had a dreadful experience since moving from Sky Q  to streaming TV with Sky.  Although we have FFTP with Sky, giving a minimum of 600mbps, and pay for their  WiFi guarantee, we've not had a single day since 15/01 when we've been able to watch tv with dreadful glitches. 
I have spent hours and hours on the phone to very sympathetic but ultimately ineffective Sky staff - switched on/off, rebooted, updated firmware, changed channels, checked download speeds, moved boosters and had a new router from Sky, and we are currently waiting to see if another WiFi engineer from Sky can visit. 

I'd go back to Sky Q in the blink of an eye, but suspect we'll move to BT..... so my advice is don't do it, or at least make sure you give it up within the cooling off period if it doesn't meet your expectations, because they will definitely not fix it for you. 

[paulg78]

I've had a 55 inch Sky Glass and 2 pucks for nearly 15 months and the software updates have improved the set (in my opinion)

The best thing I personally done was replace the router supplied by my isp (Vodafone full fibre via Cityfibre) and Virgin Media before that (hub put into modem mode)

I changed it to a Draytek 2763 and to be honest, it's been flawless, I can't remember the last time it dropped a frame or buffered, even watching UHD live channels.

My contract expires in June so hoping a new deal can be made then for my TV viewing 

The Glass and puck both meet my wife and mine requirements and makes her happy with only a power cable and ethernet cable needed.

[Tammyb97]

You'll still need broadband with sky glass

[Newskysportsapp]

[removed] I'm on my 3rd telly and still having problems , the system was brought out before it was perfected, stay with Qbox if you have it, save your money!

Moderator note: removed inappropriate comment 

[Chloe-W22 · Accepted solution]

Hey all! Welcome to the Sky Community forum if you're new here, where customers like you are on hand 24/7 (almost) to offer some fantastic advice and help on all things Sky-related.

If you haven't seen it already we have a Community News article outlining the relevant tech specifics, colours, wall mounts on both Gen 1 and Gen 2, and more. Take a look: Sky Glass Gen 2 is here!