Specifications
Tuners: 12x satellite,Dimensions (WxDxH): 330x210x43mm, Networking: 1x 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Powerline networking (not enabled), Internal disk capacity: 2TB (1.7TB available),Warranty: Life (hardware is rented), Details:http://www.sky.com/shop/sky-bundles
To some, Sky's satellite-based proprietary TV system is something of a dinosaur in a world of multi-screened streamed services, such as Netflix. However, Sky's so-called limitations are actually its strength, as it has proved time and time again, and they now form the basis of the most advanced premium TV platform currently available, Sky Q.
Just as Sky+ brought hard-disk recording to the masses, and Sky+ HD popularized HD, Sky Q is the next-generation platform, designed to eliminate recording clashes, boost multi-room viewing at home, bring tablets and streaming into the equation, and make the most of the best on-demand system available. If that sounds a little superlative, trust me, it isn't: Sky Q really does something that no other platform does. For those that love the content mix on Sky (the latest movies, HBO shows, such as Game of Thrones, and the best sports), Sky Q is going to be something you'll want; if you've thought that Sky was an expensive luxury, Sky Q might just make you think twice about that decision.
An overview of the system
Sky Q brings flexibility to your package, letting you watch all of your live channels, recordings and on-demand programmes where and how you want, both inside your home and out. The easiest way to describe it is that it essentially brings Netflix-style viewing to your premium TV package.
At the heart of the system sits the main Sky Q box, of which there are two options. The best option is the Sky Q Silver box, which I’m reviewing here. It has a 2TB hard disk (1.7TB available) for up to 350-hours of HD programming. It also has 12 (yes, 12) HD tuners, which means you can have four for recording, one dedicated to the live channel, one for picture-in-picture (PIP), two for Sky Q Mini boxes, two dedicated to Q Apps, one tuner for data such as images, and one spare for future use. As a result, you’ll always be able to watch live TV and you'll never have to worry about a recording schedule clash ever again, no matter what you’re doing anywhere else. What's more, the box is fully upgradeable to Ultra HD, with delivery over satellite and via on-demand.
The other option is the Standard Sky Q box, which has 1TB of storage (700GB available) and ‘only’ eight tuners: one for live TV, three for recording, one for tablets, one for a Sky Q Mini box, plus the reserve and data tuners. At the moment, Sky's not currently offering this box with any Mini boxes, so additional viewing is limited to tablets only.
Sky Q Mini boxes are designed for watching around the house. These connect via a robust 5GHz mesh network, giving you access to all of your live channels, recordings and catch-up TV stored on your main box. Of course, you get all of the features you’d expect, including the option to pause and rewind TV, but you also get powerline networking built straight into each unit, although this is currently disabled and isn't ready for roll-out yet. Most people shouldn't need it, but it's a shame it's not ready yet, as it could solve some of the few connectivity issues I had during testing.
When it’s not practical to have a Sky Q Mini box, you can use a tablet with the Sky Q App instead. Tablets can even download recorded shows and view channels remotely, letting you take your TV package out of the house.
Finally, if you opt for Sky broadband, you also get the brand new Sky Q Hub. Using this with the system turns every single Sky Q Mini box into a Wi-Fi hotspot, boosting signal strength for all your regular devices, too. You don’t need Sky broadband, as the system will work quite happily with other broadband providers, although you do lose the hotspot features as a result.
Installation
Installation of Sky Q is a little more involved than a regular Sky setup. For starters, the Low-Noise Block converter (LNB) on the dish needs to be replaced. With the old Sky system, each tuner needed its own cable; with the new system, each cable powers up to six tuners, so you can run the Silver box with just two cables.
On top of that, Sky has to perform a wireless survey of your house to detect problem areas. If its engineers spot a weak point in your home, you may also need a Sky Q Booster to amplify the wireless mesh signal. Installation is, therefore, as much about guaranteeing the signal strength around your home, as it is about putting the hardware in place.
That brings me on to an important point: the mesh network that powers the system is extremely reliable, but any changes you might make to any of the devices can destabilise it and cause connection issues. In particular, be wary of forum advice on which options to change, as the advice doesn’t always consider how the mesh network works. Read my guide on how to fix Sky Q connectivity issues for more details.
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