We are very much in the year of ‘streaming’. It’s all about who has the fastest download speeds, who has the best shows and ultimately, who provides the best setups so we can watch what we want without any interruptions or problems.
Last year, Sky started their TV stream revolution, and by this we mean their Sky Glass TV became the first television in the UK that didn’t require a TV box or satellite dish, just a broadband connection. It means consumers don’t have to have unnecessary wires in their home and are able to get rid of the reliance on weak TV signals.
The Glass product was only available to selected loyal customers to begin with and it required set broadband speeds in homes, which some simply didn’t have. Now though, Sky Glass is available to all Sky customers but you still need a broadband connection with a minimum speed of 10Mbps.
The TV provides all Sky channels, boxsets, sports, movies and all of the streaming services like Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime and more direct to you on Glass, all over broadband.
Sky said at the time that the TV was the first of its kind but soon after many other big tech giants wanted a piece of the action. Amazon in particular announced they would soon be bringing out a streaming television that would rival the likes of Glass but we are yet to see any signs of that in the UK.
A few months later Sky brought out Sky Stream, a small TV box that could deliver the Sky Glass experience on any TV for any Sky customer. More on that here.
However, just last month Apple announced that they would be launching their third generation Apple TV 4K, available to buy from November 4. This came just a few weeks after Sky Stream was made available in the UK, so what are some of the differences between the two and which one should you ultimately go for?
Firstly, let’s compare some of the key features of both streaming devices.
Apple TV 4K
Apple describes their new TV 4K as “more powerful and entertaining than ever, offering impressive cinematic quality.” The streaming box has an A15 Bionic chip that is said to deliver faster performance and more fluid gameplay.
Some of the features includes:
An A15 Bionic - making the device even more powerful and energy efficient
HDR10+ support joins Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K - so users can watch their favourite movies and TV shows in the best quality possible across more TVs
Running tvOS - intuitive OS for the living room, include updates to Siri that will make it even easier for customers to use their voice to control Apple TV and interact with the results
Siri Remote - users enjoy a touch-enabled clickpad that provides speed, fluidity, and precise control to easily navigate the simple, elegant user interface of Apple TV.
Siri on Apple TV - features a complete redesign, and will be able to recognise each user’s voice, so they can easily access their movies, shows, music, games, and apps, and pick up where they left off. By using the Siri Remote and asking “What should I watch?” users can get tailored recommendation
Apple TV app - customers can access award-winning series and films on Apple TV+, as well as over 100,000 movies and series to buy or rent, and direct premium subscriptions to popular streaming services.
Available in two configurations: Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi), which offers 64GB of storage; and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), which offers support for Gigabit Ethernet for fast networking and streaming, Thread mesh networking protocol to connect even more smart home accessories, and twice the storage for apps and games (128GB).
Apple TV 4K is the third generation, so it’s been out before but this version is a newer, more advanced upgrade. It works with other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and when users wear AirPods they can say “Hey Siri” to search and enjoy a hands-free way to control Apple TV.
To use Apple TV you need:
A high-definition or 4K TV with HDMI
An HDMI cable to connect Apple TV to your TV (for 4K HDR, you may require a compatible Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, sold separately)
Access to an 802.11 wireless network (wireless streaming requires 802.11a, g, n or ac) or an Ethernet network and broadband internet
An Apple ID for purchasing and renting, downloading apps from the App Store and using Home Sharing
To take full advantage of Apple TV 4K’s audio and visual capabilities, you’ll need a TV that supports 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision, and a sound system that is Dolby Atmos-compatible.
Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote at a starting price of £149, available on Apple and Amazon. It will also be available on Currys.
The key features of the Sky Stream include the following.
Sky Stream
Sky TV and Netflix together with no dish - streamed over wi-fi
Compact size - cutting-edge features and award-winning content in the palm of your hand
Smart Sky Glass UI - brings together all your channels, shows and apps into one place
Restart live TV and Playlist for your favourite shows.
Sky Stream has the same smart user interface as Sky Glass, making watching TV simple and quick. Helpful genre categories take you to content quickly, and voice search helps you find shows in a flash and control your tv with your voice.
It has the same voice-controlled remote as Apple does, and users can use it by pressing a button. Like the Apple TV it also runs on a broadband connection only.
Customers can choose either a flexible 31-day rolling contract that can be cancelled at any time for £29 a month , or an 18-month contract for £26 a month , both of which include Sky Ultimate TV & Netflix Basic. You can also add on packs and services including Sky Cinema which offers Paramount+ at no extra cost, Sky Sports, BT Sport and UHD & Dolby Atmos.
There is a £39.95 set-up fee (or £20 if you take an 18-month contract), no need for engineer installation, and next-day delivery is standard. Sky Stream is compatible with any broadband provider, with a minimum speed of 10Mbps required.
Verdict
If you want Sky channels, Netflix and streaming services all in one place then Sky Stream is the one to go for. However, if you’re a big fan of Apple TV and use more Apple products at home then Apple TV 4K is the one to go for.
They both have voice-controlled remotes, rely on the internet for connection and promise high quality definition for streaming. Apple is more geared towards gaming too whereas Sky promises perfect sound for cinematic viewing.
With Apple TV 4K you pay a one-off fee and then pay for your Apple TV subscription, as well as use your Apple ID for purchases for extra additions, like exclusive shows, movies and games. Whereas Sky Stream is a monthly subscription as it includes the cost of Sky TV channels and Netflix all in one place.
Over the 18 month plan Sky Stream would cost £468 but this includes Sky Ultimate TV & Netflix Basic package. Whereas Apple 4K TV would cost a maximum of £179 with the internet connection, but then you would need to factor in add-ons like Apple TV+ a month and any additional purchases.
It depends what time of viewing experience you want. Both products have similar qualities but enough differences to suit a variation of consumer viewing experiences at home.
READ NEXT:
