Sky Q For Mac

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Everything you need to know about Sky Cinema, including how to watch if you’re not a Sky subscriber, how to download movies to watch on your phone and which premieres will be launching this month.

The Sky Go app is available for all Sky TV customers at no extra cost, so you can watch Sky on the go on your mobile, tablet or laptop. Sky Go Desktop 1.0 for Mac can be downloaded from our website for free. The unique ID for this app's bundle is.go.sky.com. The actual developer of this free Mac application is BSkyB Ltd. Sky Go Desktop for Mac is categorized as System Tools. The most popular version among the application users is 1.0. On the Q box, go to Settings-Status -Network Connection - Setup -Advanced settings and it'll show you the IP address currently assigned to it. Under Settings -System Info, it'll show a list of MAC addresses for the physical interfaces, but the one used by DHCP to get an ip address isn't shown (that's a virtual bridged interface).

Sky offers plenty of channels to watch and stream, although the two most popular categories have to be sport and movies. Photos 20142015teach to be happy. Just as well then that Sky’s offerings of both are top notch.

For a little extra each month, Sky subscribers can indulge in the Sky Cinema service. This is well worth the cash for movie buffs, and here’s why.

Sky Q users, check out our in-depth features:

What is Sky Cinema?

Sky

Sky Cinema is a selection of movie channels provided by Sky TV. Formerly called Sky Movies, the channel branding was changed in 2016, bringing many other changes to boot.

Sky Cinema comprises of 11 channels which are now sectionalised into movie style. These are all HD channels with the same 11 again in standard definition. These include Action & Adventure, Comedy, Superheroes, Sci-Fi & Horror, Drama & Romance, Crime & Thriller, Family, Disney, Hits, Select and Premiere.

Sky Cinema is not exclusive to Sky though as you can also get it on Now TV, Virgin Media TV, BT TV and TalkTalk TV. Movies can be watched over a Sky dish, or streamed and downloaded to watch at your own convenience. Streaming and downloading can be done direct through your Sky box, as well as through internet connected devices such as your smartphone or tablet. More on all of this later.

How often are new movies added to Sky Cinema?

A new premiere is added to the service every day for subscribers. That means a movie that has never been available to stream on Sky before is added once every 24 hours. These can be from any movie genre, with any age certification, but you can rest assured that they’re modern flicks.

How much is Sky Cinema, is it worth it and are there any deals right now?

If you already have Sky TV in some form then you can add the Sky Cinema channels for an extra £10 per month. That’s a special summer deal, so better jump on it quick if you’re interested.

Or if you’re new to Sky, then you can go for the Sky Cinema bundle for £32 per month. This again means you’ll only be paying £10 extra for the movies to be added on.

If you want to access Sky via your internet connection, Now TV is another option. Wildlifemacquarie island. This has rolling Pass options so you don’t have to pay a committed subscription. For Now TV with Sky Cinema, you’ll have to pay up £10 for every month you use it.

BT TV starts from £10 per month for the subscription service, although will cost you more for Sky Cinema: specifically it’ll cost you £13.50 per month to add on the movies service.

When it comes to Virgin Media TV, which starts at about £20 for the base TV package, the movies offering is an extra £21 per month. That gives a grand monthly total of £45.50.

TalkTalk TV also offers Sky Cinema with its broadband and TV deal for £27.95 per month.

What happened to Sky Movies?

Sky Movies is no more, as it has been scrapped in favour of the newly named Sky Cinema. Why? This is mainly a move for consistency across the Sky brand in different countries. Since the film channels in Europe with Sky are already called Cinema, so too are those in the UK.

As well as that logo change, Sky introduced some cool new features in Sky Cinema when Sky Movies was axed. Check out our in-depth feature about the birth of Sky Cinema for more info.

Sky Cinema vs Sky Store, what’s the difference?

Sky Cinema is an all-inclusive package, available for a one-off monthly fee. You pay once and then you can watch, stream and download the entire selection of Sky Cinema movies as much as you like. This includes a broad selection of old and recent movies, with a new premiere added every day.

Sky Store is a separate store where you can individually buy or rent movies at an extra cost, regardless of your subscription.

While Sky Cinema does have some very new films and exclusives to Sky, Sky Store offers even fresher content. Sky Store movies are out very early, hence the individual charges. These are sometimes the first place you can legally access a film after it’s left the cinema, and before it reaches physical media or general TV airing.

New movies coming to Sky Cinema: How do I find out what’s being released next?

Since Sky cinema is one of the best parts of the streaming service, Sky certainly doesn’t keep quiet about the movies it offers or the big films coming soon. Since plenty of the new releases are telly premieres, the best place to hear about them is via Sky itself.

Sticky notes to help understand twitter. If you already have Sky Cinema then you’ll no doubt hear about upcoming releases via the many, many adverts that play before your content and in ad breaks. Also, if you go into your Sky Planner, that will show off the new releases that week – usually arriving just in time for the weekend.

However, the easiest way to check out all of the new premieres coming to Sky Cinema is to head to Sky’s premieres page. On here you’ll see every new movie that’s hitting Sky Cinema in the coming month.

How can I get Sky Cinema without a Sky subscription?

If the thought of signing up for a 12-month subscription sends shudders down your spine then you might want to opt for one of the rolling monthly offerings instead. Here are the best that offer Sky Cinema.

Now TV

Now TV offers Sky Cinema for £10 per month and is delivered over your internet connection. You pay for the Sky Cinema Pass then have full access for a month.

Virgin Media TV

While Virgin Media TV doesn’t offer the pay-per-month option that ends if you don’t pay, it isn’t locked in. That means you can add Sky Cinema and every month you have the option to cancel it. Then if you want to add it again, as you’ve seen some good films coming up, you can just reactivate it again. Of course you will need to call up each time which is effort, but nice to know it’s an option.

TalkTalk

If you’re a TalkTalk customer, you can add Sky Cinema as a Boost. This can be done at any time and is a rolling monthly subscription which can also be cancelled anytime. See above about the hassle you can expect.

BT TV

In a similar way to the other services, BT TV lets you buy Bolt-on services, including Sky Cinema. Once again this is a rolling monthly option, so you can add and remove as you please.

How can I watch Sky Cinema on my phone, tablet or computer?

You can access Sky Cinema movies easy enough on your Sky box, simply by scrolling to the menu option. This allows you to download any films you like, to watch whenever you like.

So, what if you want to enjoy a flick on the move or in bed, on your mobile phone, tablet or laptop? Here’s how to get started.

How can I watch Sky Cinema movies on my iPhone or iPad?

If you’re a Sky subscriber with the Sky Cinema package then you get access to all your content via Sky Q or Sky Go, which can be downloaded as apps for iPhone or iPad. Sky Q can be used to stream movies to your Apple device over your WiFi network and also download recordings for watching on the go, provided you’re a Sky Q user. Alternatively, you can download movies using Sky Go from anywhere, as long as you have an online connection.

Sky Q Mac Address Different

There’s also a Sky Cinema app for users of other TV services.

How can I watch Sky Cinema movies on my Android phone or tablet?

Sky

Sky TV and Virgin Media TV subscribers who have Sky Cinema can access it via the dedicated Sky Cinema app or Sky Go app available for Android phones and tablets. Sky Go also lets you download a lot of content to view offline.

If you watch the app while off Wi-Fi that’ll cost you data, otherwise it’ll be totally free to enjoy over 1000 movies.

Mac

Sky Q is also available on Android, for subscribers of that service. This again allows you to stream and download movies from your Sky Q box, using your home WiFi.

How can I watch Sky Cinema movies on my Mac computer or PC?

Sky Go is also available online via a browser. So regardless of if you’re on a Mac or a PC you’ll be able to open a browser (although Firefox is no longer supported) and get playing all your favourite movies.

Sky

Simply sign in, select the Sky Cinema tab, find a film you like the look of and enjoy.

Sky Q Mac Address

Read next: All you need to know about the brilliant Sky VR service

Sky Q is a subscription-based television and entertainment service operated by Britishsatellite television provider Sky, as a part of its operations in the UK and Ireland, Germany and Austria, and Italy. The name also refers to the Sky Q set-top box.

Sky Q launched in 2016, replacing the previous Sky+ and Sky+ HD services.[1] Sky Q has been referred to as a 'multimedia platform' that combines conventional television with on-demand and catch-up services, as well as third-party services.[2] It includes a PVRset top box, a multiroom set top box, a dedicated broadband-connected 'hub', and applications for mobile and desktop devices. As of April 2018, Sky Q was in 2.5 million homes in the UK, Ireland and Italy.[3] In July 2018, Sky reported that there were 3.6 million Sky Q customers.[4]

Current logo of Sky Q


Former logo of Sky Q

Launch[edit]

Sky Q was first announced by Sky UK in November 2015,[5] and was released in the UK in February 2016.

Sky did not roll out Sky Q in Germany, Austria and Italy immediately, but released a modified version of the Sky Q set top box by Autumn 2016, named Sky+ Pro in Germany and Austria, and My Sky in Italy.[6][7] Like Sky Q, the box is capable of UHD resolution and has a built-in Wi-Fi router, but it omits significant Sky Q features.[6][7]Sky Italia later launched Sky Q in Italy in November 2017,[8] and Sky Deutschland did so in Germany and Austria in May 2018.[9] In contrast to the UK, Ireland and Italy (especially where Sky Italia launched Sky Q separately from My Sky), existing customers in Germany and Austria could receive Sky Q through a free software update on existing Sky+ Pro receivers.[9]

Hardware[edit]

The Sky Q Silver box

The Sky Q 'Silver' set top box (called 'Platinum' in Italy) has a 2 terabyte hard disk and 12 satellite tuners, allowing up to six live TV channels to be recorded while watching a seventh.[10] The box is capable of receiving and displaying 4K resolution 'ultra-high-definition' (UHD) broadcasts, which were started by Sky in the UK in August 2016.[11]

The standard Sky Q box has 1 terabyte of storage and 8 tuners, supporting broadcasts up to 1080p ('Full HD'). A third box, Sky Q Mini, acts as a secondary device without tuners or hard drives that merely networks to the main box to allow the Sky Q service to be used in other rooms, and can also be used as a Wi-Fi 'extender' to provide stable broadband connections.[12]

Sky Q Mac Filtering

The Sky Q remote control is fully redesigned compared to the earlier Sky+ and SKY+ HD versions, and has a large touchpad for scrolling and selecting within the user interface.[13][12]

Software[edit]

Using the Sky Q apps designed for the Android and iOS operating systems, Sky Q recordings at home can be watched on mobile devices on the go.[13] Sky Q also offers access to box sets on Sky Store. In 2019, Sky teamed up with Netflix to offer that service with Sky Q for £3 per month, cheaper than a standard Netflix subscription, called 'Ultimate On Demand'.[14]Disney+ is also fully integrated in Sky Q.[15]

In August 2017, Sky added Dolby Atmos sound support on Sky Q.[16]High Dynamic Range (HDR) broadcasts began on 27 May 2020.[17]

Sky Q over Internet[edit]

In January 2017, Sky plc's earnings report for 2016 indicated that it would launch a dish-less version of Sky Q service delivered through broadband Internet, with UK rollout projected for 2018.[18][19] No further developments on the UK rollout have emerged since then.

The Austrian version, named Sky X, was launched in March 2019, replacing a version of Now TV operated in the country as Sky Ticket.[20][21] The Italian version, named Sky Q Fibra, was launched in September 2019;[22] unlike the Austrian Sky X, the Italian Sky Q Fibra co-exists with Now TV. Both Austrian and Italian Internet television services slightly differ from Sky Q satellite service in terms of features.

Reception[edit]

Sky Q mostly received positive critical reception in the UK. Alphr.com in April 2018 called the service 'pure brilliance' and that it 'keeps getting better', rating it 5 out of 5.[23]TrustedReviews in April 2019 rated it 4.5 stars out of 5, praising the interface, on-the-go recordings, UHD resolution and Netflix integration, while criticising that it isn't cheap.[24] Another review from 2019, by T3, also rated it 5 stars out of 5, with the verdict stating 'Sky Q was already the best viewing experience money could buy and now, with Netflix seamlessly integrated into its UI, it has powered even further away from its rivals.' The cons were stated to be lack of Amazon Prime Video and HDR.[25]Stuff also rated it 5 stars out of 5 as of January 2019, commenting that it 'works flawlessly and could change the way you watch TV', although adding that 'Sky Q isn’t for everyone (at least not yet)' and that for some people its 'extra features will look like luxuries that might not be worth the extra expense'.[26]TechRadar rated it 4.5 stars out of 5, calling it the 'best TV subscription service on the planet', with its main criticisms being lack of Amazon Prime Video and HDR.[27] A What Hi-Fi? review from April 2019 gave it 5 stars out of 5, praising the content and multi-room ability, while criticising it for being expensive and the touchpad remote being 'fiddly'.[28]

Awards[edit]

TrustedReviews named Sky Q the 'Home Entertainment Product of the Year' in 2016, beating PlayStation 4 and Xbox One S.[29] Sky Q was rated 'Best TV platform' by T3 in its 2018 awards.[30] Sky Q was the 2019 award winner by the What Hi-Fi? magazine.[31]

Advertising[edit]

Actor Idris Elba is used by Sky UK for its advertising campaigns.[32]

See also[edit]

  • Digibox (Sky's older set-top boxes)

References[edit]

  1. ^'Sky reinvents itself with Sky Q'. Engadget.
  2. ^'Sky Q reaches 1.5 million customers in Germany'. Broadband TV News. 1 March 2019.
  3. ^'Sky Q in 2.5 million homes'. Broadband TV News. 19 April 2018.
  4. ^'Sky passes 23 million subscribers, launching HDR in 2019'. www.csimagazine.com.
  5. ^'Introducing Sky Q, a whole new way of watching TV' (Press release). Sky. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  6. ^ ab'Sky to launch UHD set-top box in Germany, Italy this autumn'. Digital TV Europe. Informa. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  7. ^ abO'Brien, Jordan (19 August 2016). 'Sky Q Rebranded For German Launch'. Essential Install. All Things Media. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  8. ^'Sky Q launches in Italy'. TVBEurope. 27 November 2017.
  9. ^ ab'Sky Deutschland to introduce Sky Q in May'. Broadband TV News. 18 April 2018.
  10. ^'Sky Q now lets you record six programmes, while watching a seventh'. Pocket-lint. 15 June 2017.
  11. ^Johnson, Luke (13 July 2016). 'Sky confirms when its Sky UHD 4K services will launch'. Digital Spy.
  12. ^ ab'What is Sky Q, how much does it cost and how can I get it?'. Pocket-lint. 14 March 2019.
  13. ^ abNield 2016-12-28T10:00:30.362Z, David. '12 essential Sky Q tips and tricks'. T3.
  14. ^Holt, Molly (9 July 2019). 'Sky customers can now get Netflix for just £3 a month'. mirror.
  15. ^https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-04-23/can-i-watch-disney-on-sky-how-to-get-it-on-sky-q-and-now-tv/
  16. ^'Sky Q now has Dolby Atmos support, just in time for Premier League kick-off'. Pocket-lint. 11 August 2017.
  17. ^'Sky Q kicks off HDR support starting with on-demand nature shows'. BBC News. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  18. ^Woollaston, Victoria (26 January 2017). 'You'll soon be able to get Sky TV without a satellite dish'. Wired UK. Condé Nast Publications. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  19. ^Brian, Matt (26 January 2017). 'Sky Q will be available without a satellite dish from 2018'. Engadget. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  20. ^Krieger, Jörn (4 March 2019). 'Sky without cable or satellite: Sky X launches in Austria'. Broadband TV News. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  21. ^Thomson, Stuart (5 March 2019). 'Sky Austria launches streaming offering Sky X'. Digital TV Europe. Informa. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  22. ^Easton, Jonathan (26 September 2019). 'Sky Italia launches dishless Sky Q'. Digital TV Europe. Informa. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  23. ^'Sky Q review: Everything you need to know'. Alphr.
  24. ^'Sky Q Review'. Trusted Reviews.
  25. ^Jones 2019-04-26T10:58:19Z, Robert. 'Sky Q review: Netflix on Sky Q delivers a supreme viewing experience'. T3.
  26. ^'Sky Q'. Stuff.
  27. ^receivers, Gerald Lynch 2019-03-14T16:14:56Z Digital TV. 'Sky Q review'. TechRadar.
  28. ^Review, What Hi-Fi? Posted 2019-04-24T14:44:58Z. 'Sky Q review'. whathifi.
  29. ^Roberts, Joe (17 November 2016). 'Sky Q wins Home Entertainment Product of the Year at #TrustedReviewsAwards 2016'. Trusted Reviews.
  30. ^Bell 2018-09-28T10:17:27Z, Duncan. 'T3 Awards 2018: absolutely ALL of the winners'. T3.
  31. ^https://www.whathifi.com/sky/q/review
  32. ^'Ad of the Day: Sky Q brings back Idris Elba to prove it's 'The Next Generation Box''. The Drum.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sky UK.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sky set-top boxes.
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