SKY Q UHD HDR

[Maverick88]

We have just signed up for a 2TB UHD Q box, when the engineer installs it in December,  will it be the latest version box to include HDR ?

[nigea99 · Accepted solution]

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@Maverick88 wrote:

We have just signed up for a 2TB UHD Q box, when the engineer installs it in December,  will it be the latest version box to include HDR ?

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hi @Maverick88 

Probably  but no guarantee unless you called and specifically stated it

All 2TB are UHD capable but the original versions are UHD but not HDR - Hardware Version 32B0nnn but note this is not specified on the box - I can't remember the version references listed on external case labels

The other two  2TB versions are HDR caoable - 32B1nnn (this version has a separate power supply) & 32B2nnn

If you had ordered a UHD 1TB then it would be as the 1TB only comes in non UHD & UHD/HDR 

[Tarrantino]

I upgraded to UHD with a self install, and I got the HDR box today. 

[Big+Stevie]

I have the 32B064 2TB box, so it's UHD but not HDR compatible.

Is there much difference in picture quality between a UHD box and one that is also HDR?

I have the UHD subscription, so is it worth paying the upgrade fee for the HDR box?

[nigea99]

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@Big+Stevie wrote:

I have the 32B064 2TB box, so it's UHD but not HDR compatible.

Is there much difference in picture quality between a UHD box and one that is also HDR?

I have the UHD subscription, so is it worth paying the upgrade fee for the HDR box?

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hi @Big+Stevie 

Of course, it is always subjective but I found ordinary UHD over HD to appear mnimal, HDR makes a big difference & is generally very noticeable. 

You do need to be aware that SKY's HDR uses a format called HLG which causes some lesser spec'd TVs to go very dark   - although this spec is not always that easy to find (or available) but ideally you need a TV with 600 nits (aka cd/m2) peak brightness - any OLEDs are fine

I guess whether it is worth it depends on how much you might watch UHD/HDR content be it Sports and/or films/entertainment

Try watching somthing like the nature docs (e.g. Green Planet) on your TV's BBC iPlayer app in UHD (not the app on SKY Q ) as that also uses HLG HDR

[Big+Stevie]

Thank you

I do have a Panasonic JZ1500 OLED TV and I watch a lot of UHD content on 4K DVD, and like you I appreciate the improvement in picture quality over HD.

I was considering paying Sky to swap my UHD box to a HDR compatible version, but wasn't sure of the noticable difference visually between UHD content shown via my Sky box and a HDR box. So your answer has helped clarify that.

I might take the leap and request a new HDR box, and whilst I mostly watch films I'm also consider adding Sky Sports to my package, though I have 12 months left on my Sky contract and am not sure if I would then need to then sign up to a new 24 month contract if adding Sports? I guess thats a different topic.

[MightyQuinn]

Hi @Big+Stevie   In my opinion, yes it is worth it if you watch sports. I wouldn't bother for films etc. As long as you have a quality TV.

[Big+Stevie]

Thanks MightyQuinn

I am considering adding Sky Sports to my package so it would be an ideal time to upgrade my Sky box. I just need to fnd the best way of contacing Sky to request a HDR box.

[nigea99]

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@Big+Stevie wrote:

Thank you

I do have a Panasonic JZ1500 OLED TV and I watch a lot of UHD content on 4K DVD, and like you I appreciate the improvement in picture quality over HD.

I was considering paying Sky to swap my UHD box to a HDR compatible version, but wasn't sure of the noticable difference visually between UHD content shown via my Sky box and a HDR box. So your answer has helped clarify that.

I might take the leap and request a new HDR box, and whilst I mostly watch films I'm also consider adding Sky Sports to my package, though I have 12 months left on my Sky contract and am not sure if I would then need to then sign up to a new 24 month contract if adding Sports? I guess thats a different topic.

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@Big+Stevie In which case no problem with using HDR on your TV (I have a GZ980)  & you will be used to HDR content via Discs - which of course SKY Q can't match (especially as it doesn't have DV) but it is not too far off

BTW You will probably have aready noticed with UHD content that the sound also can't match the discs even if it is Atmos (DD+ vs TrueHD /DTS Master is no contest  really) - although this will also depend on your set up

Sports wise - you need to be aware that there are only 2 live HDR channels + odd ad hoc. SKY Sports Main Event which usually has the Football but at other times Cricket & fills with other upscaled content & the dedicated F1 channel (which I watch)    

[nigea99]

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@Big+Stevie wrote:

Thanks MightyQuinn

I am considering adding Sky Sports to my package so it would be an ideal time to upgrade my Sky box. I just need to fnd the best way of contacing Sky to request a HDR box.

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If you have the MY SKY app I think you may be able to find a number there - especially if you are a SKY VIP member
If not go this page & scroll to the bottom and expand the link need more help & scroll down

https://www.sky.com/help/home

If you have SKY Mobile or SKY Talk land line then I think you can also call 150

[nigea99]

@Maverick88 

P.S. If you do upgrade don't forget to take out your Viewing card before handing the box over for the swap

[Big+Stevie]

Thanks again. I'll give Sky a call tomorrow.

I understand that Sky Sports show NFL in UDR, with Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns on Sky Sports Main Event tonight.

I think NFL and F1 would be the main sports I'd watch in UHD, not sure if Darts woul dbe UHD?  So I may give Sports and a HDR UHD box a try.

My only hesitation is whether to delay this as the NFL and F1 season is coming to an end, and any new 2yr contract would always expire mid season for these two sports. I'll either bite the bullet now or wait until after Superbowl 2025 so I get to watch Superbowl 2026 & 2027 in UHD.

[Big+Stevie]

So am I right in assuming that my 32B064 2TB box can play UHD content to my 4K OLED TV, but not HDR content?

[nigea99]

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@Big+Stevie wrote:

So am I right in assuming that my 32B064 2TB box can play UHD content to my 4K OLED TV, but not HDR content?

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hi @Big+Stevie 

That is correct

[MightyQuinn]

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@Big+Stevie wrote:

So am I right in assuming that my 32B064 2TB box can play UHD content to my 4K OLED TV, but not HDR content?

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Hi @Big+Stevie   Debatable, certainly the 32B0xx does not switch HDR on but I found that when I had a 32B0xx, the results were acceptable if I turned on HLG HDR manually. All the 32Bxxx boxes play UHD content.