Sky’s long-rumoured move into UltraHD (SkyQ Box Will Challenge OTT Operators) has finally arrived. The new STB features up to 12 tuners and 1TB of storage (an upgraded ‘Silver’ version has 2TB). Viewers can record four channels simultaneously, while watching a fifth. A companion ‘SkyQ Mini’ box can accept content streamed wirelessly from the main unit, while an app can be used to watch on tablets. SkyQ will be available in the UK and Ireland from early 2016. Additionally, the Sky interface has been redesigned, and the STB is supplied with a touchpad Bluetooth remote control. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Analyst Comment
Sky is one of the most important pay TV broadcasters in Europe. It is often a technology leader and uses better performance and quality to drive the ARPU from its DTH satellite services.
A significant point in the announcement is that the new service will require a new LNB (that’s the module in the middle of the dish that detects the incoming signal). Given that there has been no change to a DVB-S3 signal (the S2 is close to the limits of broadcast technology for efficiency so there are real questions about whether when, or if ever, an update would be needed), this might suggest that there could be a change to a SAT>IP architecture, with the SAT>IP decoder in the LNB. That would mean eliminating the coaxial downfeed from the satellite and sending the DVB streams in an IP packet stream using UTP – which is likely to be popular with installers (wireless would also probably be a popular option, but that would need power to the LNB, so cables would be needed anyway). Installers are likely to welcome the opportunity to make some money by upgrading LNBs and dishes.
The adoption of SAT>IP would fit the idea the announcement that the system can run 12 channels, which is enabled by some SAT>IP configurations. (readers that are not aware of SAT>IP might want to check SAT>IP is Developing from the SES event in May. SES has been championing the technology, but Sky was one of the companies that has been involved in SAT>IP from the start. Eutelsat recently said that it would also support the concept.
We made contact with individuals at Sky about the announcement, but, as we went to press, they were very tight lipped and not prepared to say anything beyond the formal announcement especially in terms of the support for HDR and WCG. (BR)
