Sky is rolling out a new feature called Real Time for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS. The feature aims to reduce the streaming delay experienced by millions of Sky users, especially in time for the upcoming World Cup. Traditionally, services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX have been up to 40 seconds behind live broadcasts, causing inconvenience for sports enthusiasts who may hear neighbors react to events before seeing them on their own screens. With Real Time, Sky promises to minimize this delay, providing 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 accessible for major events such as the World Cup. Sky stated, “Real Time brings live sport closer to the moment by reducing latency between the live action and what viewers see on screen.” This feature will be available for select live sports broadcasts, including the World Cup matches on BBC and ITV, enabling fans to follow the action with minimal lag 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 displayed on screen. The feature is accessible on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or dedicated channels like BBC One HD RT, ITV1 HD RT, and ITV4 HD RT.
Sky’s move towards a streaming future emphasizes the importance of this update. Sky Glass and Sky Stream mark a shift away from the satellite-based Sky Q platform, operating over broadband and offering benefits such as easy self-installation, regular software updates, and seamless integration with popular streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
As Sky focuses on internet-delivered television and enhanced streaming experiences, Sky Glass and Sky Stream remain central to its strategy. This transition highlights Sky’s commitment to providing users with modern, efficient, and integrated streaming solutions for an optimized viewing experience.
