Millions of Sky households are set to activate a new feature starting tomorrow just in time for the World Cup kickoff on Thursday. The Real Time upgrade aims to minimize the streaming delay that many viewers currently experience, particularly during live sports events. Traditionally, services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX have lagged up to 40 seconds behind standard TV broadcasts, causing moments of frustration like hearing neighbors react to a goal before seeing it on their own screens. With the introduction of Real Time, Sky intends to significantly reduce this delay, offering a more immediate viewing experience.
Initially launched for Premier League matches in 2024, Sky is now expanding its lower-latency streaming technology to encompass BBC and ITV coverage, ensuring viewers can enjoy major events like the World Cup with improved real-time streaming.
“Sky is rolling out Real Time, a new feature available on Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS,” stated Sky in an official announcement. This feature aims to bring live sports closer to the moment by bridging the gap between live action and on-screen viewing, offering fans a smoother and less delayed match experience.
To enable Real Time on their screens, viewers can activate the feature during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option on their screens. This feature is accessible on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or dedicated channels such as BBC One HD RT, ITV1 HD RT, and ITV4 HD RT.
Sky’s streaming evolution underscores the importance of this update as Sky Glass and Sky Stream mark the company’s transition away from the satellite-based Sky Q platform. These services, operating over broadband, provide advantages like easy self-installation, regular software updates, and seamless integration with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
For those contemplating a switch, Sky Glass and Sky Stream remain integral to Sky’s strategy as it focuses on internet-based television and enhanced streaming experiences.