The Sky Stream streaming box provides a convenient and technically high-quality way to watch TV channels in HD and use streaming services. Sky heavy users in particular will get their money's worth. If you're just looking for a cable TV replacement, you'll find cheaper offers.
After the so-called additional costs privilege became history on July 1, Internet television received a significant boost. Among other things, Waipu.tv was able to benefit from the end of the cable TV requirement, as it had a good stick on offer in good time. Sky is a little late on the market with its box, but it has its own special streaming advantages.
The box is very compact.
(Photo: Sky)
With the new hardware, existing customers who already have the Sky Q IPTV box will not be left out in the cold. They will receive a software update in the coming weeks that will also enable them to use the new Sky Stream. You can also watch Sky Stream content without a box using the Sky Go app on smartphones and tablets.
Solid technology
The new box is about the size of your palm and, like other sticks, is plugged into an HDMI port on the TV. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR 10 and HLG for the picture, and Dolby Atmos for the sound. The internal components proved to be powerful enough in practical tests, operation is smooth and switching channels or apps works without any major delays.
Sky supplies a relatively large remote control, but it is good and comfortable to hold. The buttons light up when you lift them and important buttons are also color-coded. You can set it up so that you can also use it to control the volume on the TV. Conversely, it is not possible to control Sky Stream with the TV remote control.
The box is connected to the television via HDMI 2.1.
(Photo: kwe)
The power consumption is low, ntv.de measured around 0.5 watts in standby mode and only around 4 watts in operation. In the practical test, the box was connected to the Internet via WLAN, but it also has a LAN connection. Setting it up is quick if you have a Sky account. Without one, you cannot use the box, so you have to choose a subscription.
A subscription is a must
The cheapest offer, Entertainment Plus, costs 15 euros per month in the first year, after which 27.50 euros are charged. For this you currently get the Sky Stream Box at no additional cost and many TV channels in HD quality, including RTL channels. In addition, the streaming includes series, documentaries and shows from Sky and the basic Netflix offer is included, for which you would otherwise pay 5 euros. Streams in 4K quality and Dolby Atmos cost an extra 5 euros. Netflix in full HD or 4K quality costs an additional 5 or 10 euros.
If you also want to use Sky's film offering, you pay at least 25 euros per month in the first year, then 41. The subscription with Bundesliga games is available from 30/35.50 euros, the complete package from 40/58 euros.
Apps can be used with every subscription, including those from RTL+, Amazon Prime, various media libraries and YouTube. Spotify and other music streaming services as well as some games are also available. However, you cannot install any applications and there is no app store on the Sky Stream box.
Clear user interface, great picture and sound
It's easy to find your way around the user interface.
(Photo: Sky)
The user interface is well-designed and easy to navigate. Sky offers are naturally displayed first, but directly below them you will find the most recently used channels and apps. In the next row you can not only view offers for specific genres, but also your own playlist.
Here you can add content from any source; according to Sky, it currently works with the apps from ARD, ZDF, Joyn (P7S1), RTL+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Disney +, DAZN and Apple TV+. It's very easy; all you have to do is press the plus button on the remote control for a selected content to add it to the playlist.
The comprehensive search also works well. The best way to do this is to use the voice search via the remote control's microphone and stick to keywords instead of formulating complete sentences. If you search for Leonardo DiCaprio, for example, you will see films with the US actor from RTL+ to Apple TV. Unfortunately, you cannot limit the results to services you have subscribed to.
Whether it's an app or live TV: the picture and sound are excellent, especially when 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos are available. Fortunately, this applies not only to Sky, but also to all other providers. However, Sky Stream cannot do this on its own; the source and playback devices must also support this – and of course the internet connection must also be stable enough.
This makes television fun
One highlight is the TV Guide. Here you can see all the programs currently running side by side, but you can also call up an overview of the entire day. It is also possible to sort the channels by genre. If you select News, you will immediately find ntv, for example.
The favorites are particularly useful, as they allow you to adjust the order of the channels to your own preferences. Strangely, you can't do this directly in the TV guide, but you have to go to the presets in the settings. There, however, it is very easy to change the positions and remove or add channels. While you are watching live TV, it is also possible to select a channel using the number button on the remote control. It is also great that you can not only pause TV programs and continue later or “fast forward”. It is also possible to play the current program from the beginning without having started a recording first.
Conclusion
Despite a few minor flaws, Sky Stream is a very good solution for combining television and streaming. However, to enjoy all the benefits, you have to spend a relatively large amount of money. This makes the offer particularly worthwhile for users who are already Sky customers or want to become one. If the main aim is to get a replacement for cable TV, Waipu.tv is a much cheaper alternative.
