SKY 4K Decoder

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#2909938 4-May-2022 07:36

DjShadow:

If launching mid 2022 then can only assume the units are already in some homes in a beta program, would be interested to know if anyone from Geekzone have them but likely there will be an NDA in place.

I can confirm that In-house Sky techs are trialing it right now but that's all I know about it apart from what we already know.

evnafets

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#2909981 4-May-2022 09:19

So if you had the opportunity to ask some questions about the upcoming sky box, what would you want to know?

afe66

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#2910119 4-May-2022 13:30

Sound output formats.
Video codac compatibility.
? Compatibility with streaming services
? How powerful is it?? Could it decode/run 4k if source available.

networkn

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#2910122 4-May-2022 13:39

afe66: Sound output formats.
Video codac compatibility.
? Compatibility with streaming services
? How powerful is it?? Could it decode/run 4k if source available.

Edit: Apologies, I didn't see this was a response to someone asking what questions people wanted to know :)

My guess is, that information will not be available until release or nearer the time. They will be testing to see how it copes under different specific workloads etc.

Based on what Sky has done previously, I expect the box to be somewhat more limited in software than the OEM box it's based on to reduce the support footprint for Sky staff and improve stability.

RedactedRetracted

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#2910193 4-May-2022 17:05

afe66:

--snip--
Compatibility with streaming services

--snip--

As it's an Android TV based box, I'd expect it to have similar app support as Dish TV's boxes - i.e. basically all overseas streaming services, and the significant local ones.

Apsattv

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#2910457 5-May-2022 11:05

I'm expecting a closed up box that only lets you add the services that sky permit you to add.

We might get lucky and be able to "sideload" things. But Sky are not in the consumer device hardware marketplace.

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#2910566 5-May-2022 13:41

Apsattv:

I'm expecting a closed up box that only lets you add the services that sky permit you to add.

We might get lucky and be able to "sideload" things. But Sky are not in the consumer device hardware marketplace.

Yup, that was what I was saying above. It really doesn't make much sense for them to allow a free for all open appliance given they would then need to support all the things that the user misconfigures on the device.

I'm OK with a device that is simple to use, fast enough so there is no UI lag, and has an approved list of apps that work reliably and that if it goes wrong, there is a nice easy fix. Combine that with the features I already use, then I think that's a reasonable solution.

I imagine that over time, they may add supported apps.

Alternatively, they could allow 'expert' mode that removes the device from supported configuration, allows the end user more control, and the end user is on their own supportwise. If they want support, they factory reset the device and see if the problem persists.

Delorean

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#2910625 5-May-2022 16:55

I am still wondering why they haven't just haven't released an 'app' rather than another box that will eventually end up in landfill. I understand for TV's that are not smart you need another box, however a decent smart TV would handle it - in other countries this is the case, one app will access everything.

The do it for sport now.

My 2c....

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SheriffNZ

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#2910648 5-May-2022 17:53

Delorean:
I am still wondering why they haven't just haven't released an 'app' rather than another box that will eventually end up in landfill. I understand for TV's that are not smart you need another box, however a decent smart TV would handle it - in other countries this is the case, one app will access everything.

The do it for sport now.

My 2c....

Agreed. Even if you have to give people a “box”, create an Apple TV app then give people an Apple TV to run it on. Surely the development costs and the cost of the AppleTv would be cheaper?

RedactedRetracted

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#2910763 6-May-2022 09:14

As someone with elderly relatives who currently have Sky, a box that just lets them type in a channel number and be done with it is essential. Apple TV's (and other similar boxes) generally have terrible remotes, with only a few buttons. Very difficult for older people who have never used a smart TV before. A box also gives them far more end-to-end control, firstly there's less support cost in terms of all the different setups people can have, people complaining because their old smart TV can't support the app, etc., the interface is also more intuitive on a fully integrated box, since just "watching TV" can be a default state (as is basically the case on all linear TVs at the moment), rather than having to open an app to do it. While an app is probably something they should do for the future, focusing on a box is a sound decision, as that means they can first and foremost keep their existing customers happy, but not playing with the UX flow massively, while also bringing those smart features that are currently lacking.

Also there's the fact it's important to ensure there is still compatibility with satelitte connections (especially since many Sky users probably don't have any/very speedy internet) and recording programmes. Only developing an app would just serve to alienate a lot of their existing customer base, which is obviously something they're not keen on doing.

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#2910781 6-May-2022 10:18

RedactedRetracted:

afe66:

--snip--
Compatibility with streaming services

--snip--

As it's an Android TV based box, I'd expect it to have similar app support as Dish TV's boxes - i.e. basically all overseas streaming services, and the significant local ones.

Maybe I'm missing something but why would Sky want you let you add apps like Netflix, Neon, Disney etc? Would have thought they regard those streaming services as competition.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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#2910782 6-May-2022 10:25

eracode:

Maybe I'm missing something but why would Sky want you let you add apps like Netflix, Neon, Disney etc? Would have thought they regard those streaming services as competition.

They have already stated that those services will be part of the new generation box.

Sky has pretty much already made clear it understands it can not be the only player in the market, and suggesting otherwise is folly. They are embracing the same approach as other hardware vendors in the same space.

invisibleman18

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#2910783 6-May-2022 10:27

Vodafone TV has them.

Neon is owned by Sky so assume they would make it easy to access. As for the others, they may just accept the reality that people are going to use them as well and so having the apps may make the box more appealing to keep for a lot of people if you can use it for everything.

eracode

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#2910787 6-May-2022 10:37

Excellent, thanks - wasn't aware of that.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

afe66

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#2910892 6-May-2022 12:27

Delorean:
I am still wondering why they haven't just haven't released an 'app' rather than another box that will eventually end up in landfill. I understand for TV's that are not smart you need another box, however a decent smart TV would handle it - in other countries this is the case, one app will access everything.

The do it for sport now.

My 2c....

Most TV have small amounts of storage compared to the hard drive based current units.

I suppose if everything is streamed on demand but near live or programming for terrestrial TV might be difficult?

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