Millions of Sky households are set to activate a new feature starting tomorrow, just in time for the upcoming World Cup. The latest enhancement, called Real Time, aims to minimize the streaming delay that many viewers currently experience. Sports enthusiasts have long been frustrated by the noticeable lag on platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, which can be up to 40 seconds behind traditional broadcasts. This delay often results in awkward situations where neighbors celebrate a goal before it is seen on one’s own screen. With the introduction of Real Time, Sky plans to significantly reduce this latency, providing a more immediate viewing experience.
Initially implemented for Premier League matches in 2024, the lower-latency streaming technology is now being expanded to include BBC and ITV coverage, making it accessible for major events such as the World Cup.
Sky announced, “Sky is rolling out Real Time, a new feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS. It brings live sports closer to real-time by reducing the latency between live action and on-screen viewing.”
To activate Real Time on their screens, viewers can opt-in during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option. This feature is available on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or specific channels:
– BBC One HD RT – EPG channels 926–944 (varies by region)
– ITV1 HD RT – EPG channel 945
– ITV4 HD RT – EPG channel 946
With the evolving landscape of streaming services, this update is crucial for Sky’s future direction. Sky Glass and Sky Stream represent a shift away from the satellite-based Sky Q platform. These services operate over broadband, offering advantages such as 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 integral to the company’s strategy.