Sky reckons its new Q box service will be a game changer. But what's included, what will it cost and when will it go be released?
Sky's new 'Sky Q' service launches next week, which it reckons will put pressure on the likes of Netflix and Amazon.
‘Sky Q’ is being billed as the network’s premium offering, entirely separate from its existing NOW TV and Sky+HD services.
What do you get?
There are two boxes to choose from, which offer slightly different things.
The first is the standard Sky Q box. It comes with a 1TB hard drive, which is big enough to hold around 150 hours of high definition programming. It also allows you to record three different programmes while watching a fourth, all at the same time!
The upgraded version is Sky Q Silver. This has much more significant storage – it can hold 350 hours of high definition TV! Unlike the standard Sky Q box, it supports Ultra High Definition 4K content too. With the Sky Q Silver box you can record four programmes at the same time while watching a fifth.
What does it cost?
Standard Sky Q will set you back £42 a month, while Sky Q Silver will cost more, starting at £54 per month. Both bundles come with an 18-month contract.
There are additional installation costs too.
If you go for the basic Sky Q bundle, you will have to fork out a one-time £249 fee, called Smart Features. This jumps to £299 for the Sky Q Silver bundle. On top of that is a £50 installation cost.
However, if you have a monthly Sky Sports or Sky Movies subscription, the Smart Features fee drops to £99.
Struggling to keep up with your Sky payments as it is? We show you How to reduce your Sky bill.
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