Sky is set to launch a new feature called Real Time for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, aimed at reducing streaming delays for millions of Sky households just in time for the upcoming World Cup. The Real Time upgrade is designed to address the frustration of sports fans facing significant latency compared to traditional satellite and terrestrial broadcasts, with services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX often trailing by up to 40 seconds. This delay can lead to spoilers from neighbors during live events. With Real Time, Sky intends to minimize this lag, providing viewers with a more immediate viewing experience.
Initially introduced for Premier League matches in 2024, the lower-latency streaming technology is now expanding to include BBC and ITV coverage, making it available for major events like the World Cup. According to Sky, the Real Time feature powered by Sky OS brings live sports closer to real-time action by reducing the latency between live events and on-screen viewing. This feature will be available for select live sports broadcasts, including World Cup matches on BBC and ITV, enabling fans to follow the action with minimal delay and fewer spoilers.
To activate Real Time on their screens, viewers can opt in during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option. This feature is accessible on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or specific channels: BBC One HD RT (EPG channels 926–944 depending on region), ITV1 HD RT (EPG channel 945), and ITV4 HD RT (EPG channel 946).
Sky’s shift towards internet-based services like Sky Glass and Sky Stream marks a strategic move away from the satellite-oriented Sky Q platform. Unlike Sky Q, these services operate over broadband, offering advantages such as easy self-installation, regular software updates, and seamless integration with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+. Sky Glass and Sky Stream remain integral to Sky’s strategy as the company focuses on internet-delivered television and enhanced streaming experiences.
