Users can be watching a movie or TV show that they can pause on one screen and continue watching on another TV or smart device without interruption.
Sky has launched a new Ultra HD-ready home entertainment system called Sky Q that serves as an entertainment hub for the digital home.
Probably more accurately described as a wireless ecosystem or Wi-Fi hotspot, users can watch shows that are recorded or on-demand from the box on any device around the home.
The next generation device will come in a number of configurations: a main Sky Q box in silver or black that features 12 tuners and up to 2TB of storage; a Sky Q mini that can be used in rooms throughout the house wirelessly; and a Sky Q hub with powerline technology to use in-home electrical wiring to communicate with the Sky Q.
As such, users can be watching a movie or TV show that they can pause on one screen and continue watching on another TV or smart device without interruption.
As well as this, viewers can watch different programmes on five screens simultaneously while also recording four other channels.
Sky reimagines TV
Launching in early 2016, Sky Q will compete with devices like the Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and the Horizon set-top box from Virgin Media.
The system will be a platform for popular TV apps, including YouTube and Vevo.
Initial streaming partners announced today include Condé Nast Entertainment, including GQ, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Wired, GoPro, Jukin Media, Kin Community, Red Bull Media House and Whistle Sports, with even more content creators to be added.
Users can also browse their Facebook photos and stream music wirelessly using Bluetooth or Apple AirPlay.
Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch said that the new set-top box will be Ultra HD ready in advance of the launch of Sky’s Ultra High Definition service later in 2016.
Designed for personalisation, the new set-top box will include a new search capability for live, recorded and on-demand content and will make Top Picks recommendations on the home screen.
“We wanted to re-imagine TV so that it’s flexible and seamless across different screens and to put a huge choice of entertainment at their fingertips,” Darroch said.
“We think customers are going to love Sky Q and the great news is that it will get even better with much more to come in the future.”
