Sky is introducing a new Real Time feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream users, set to launch tomorrow in time for the upcoming World Cup. This feature aims to minimize the streaming delay that many viewers currently experience, particularly during live sports events like football matches. Services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX are known to have significant latency issues, often lagging up to 40 seconds behind traditional TV broadcasts. The Real Time upgrade promises to bridge this gap, providing a more immediate and synchronized viewing experience for fans.
Initially introduced for Premier League matches in 2024, the lower-latency streaming technology is now expanding to include BBC and ITV coverage, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for major events like the World Cup.
In an official statement, Sky announced, “Real Time, powered by Sky OS, brings live sports closer to the moment by reducing the delay between the live action and what viewers see on their screens. This feature will be available during 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 the Real Time feature, viewers can opt in during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option on their screens. This feature can be accessed on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or dedicated channels such as BBC One HD RT (EPG channels 926–944) and ITV channels.
The introduction of Real Time is crucial for Sky’s streaming future as it marks a shift away from the satellite-based Sky Q platform. Sky Glass and Sky Stream operate over broadband, offering easy self-installation, regular software updates, and seamless integration with popular streaming platforms 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, providing users with advanced streaming capabilities and a modern viewing experience.