When I took delivery of the second-generation Sky Glass, I was tempted to take the easy route. The delivery guys kindly offered to set it up for me. But it turns out that installation is more seamless than the first-generation model. In fact, my only regret about not seeking Sky’s help was that the 65-inch TV was a beast to carry up the stairs (though, and here’s the first upgrade, it’s lighter than the first version). Here’s all you need to know about the new model.
Sky Glass Gen 2: What It Is
Sky Glass broke the mold in British TV three years ago. Until then, if you wanted Sky’s hundreds of channels of TV programming, you needed a Sky box, such as the Sky Q set-top box, which is still available, and an external satellite dish. Plus, of course, your own TV and sound system.
Sky Glass, both generations, consists of a TV, with built-in Sky programming, and an integrated soundbar. Not much more you need to plug in, then, though there are 3 HDMI sockets for games consoles, for instance.
The Sky programming, which includes access to services like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount+, all comes through the internet rather than a satellite dish. Providing you have decent Wi-Fi, then this is a good upgrade — no more worries that a storm will take your satellite connection away at the worst moment.
The TVs come in a variety of colors, though the second-gen model choices amount to just three: Volcanic Grey, Arctic Silver and Atlantic Blue. Sky says these are the most popular three from the original version’s five. The size options remain the same: 43 inches, 55 inches and the 65-incher mentioned above.
Sky Glass Gen 2: Assembly
Upgrade 2: No tools are needed to assemble the new Sky Glass. The stand, which is color-matched to the TV itself, is the first subtle upgrade. You put the parts together in the base, then slot the TV on to the metal prongs and, no, that’s it, you’re done. The first-generation Sky Glass required screws and screwdrivers.
Upgrade 3: talking of color-matching, the felt cover over the soundbar is now matched to the TV as standard.
Upgrade 4: in a pleasant attention to detail, the remote control is also color-matched to the TV you chose. It’s a tiny upgrade but one that some may appreciate.
Upgrade 5: the new model has a different speaker configuration, plus an extra speaker on the back. Sky says dialogue has been tuned to be clearer on this model.
Sky Gen 2: Set-Up
Upgrade 6: set-up is very quick indeed. Once you’ve connected to Wi-Fi, the screen is recognized and all you need to sign in is a four-digit PIN. And that’s set-up more or less finished, though you have the option to choose favorite channels, or let the system do it for you. After that, it’s just a matter of watching the TV.
Upgrade 7: there’s an improved display. The second-gen model is brighter, has more dimming zones to improve the overall picture and a wider viewing angle.
Gamers may be disappointed that the display is a 60Hz screen, so the benefit of 120Hz is absent. And there’s no OLED option, which will disappoint some.
That said, the specs show improvements across the board compared to the original, but the price, and payment methods are unchanged.
That means you can buy the hardware outright or pay a monthly fee over 48 months, starting from £14 ($18). The Sky programming is on top of that and starts at £15 ($19.35).
