Sky TV's next set-top box could stream Netflix and play Sky movies in 4K but there may be a $199 charge

Friday, 21 August 2020

Sky has been asking a panel of customers about what they want from its next device.

Sky Television is believed to be considering launching a new set-top box that would double as a MySky recorder and a media player that would let people access internet TV services such as Netflix.

The device might be able to show some programmes in the ultra-high definition “4K” format, according to marketing material posted to technology website Geekzone.

But customers could be asked to pay $199 for the device, according to some posts.

Sky TV chief executive Martin Stewart appears to have put a set-top box upgrade back on the agenda.

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Viewers might be able to ditch the remote and control their set-top box with voice commands.

The marketing material indicated the proposed “NextGen” set-top box would have a 1 terabyte hard drive and that it could be controlled using spoken commands in addition to via a traditional remote.

Screenshots suggested it would provide access to apps such as Netflix and Disney Plus in one integrated device and would allow some content such as Sky movies to be screened in 4K.

Sky has been asking customers whether they would pay $199 for the upgrade or 12 monthly installments of $19 to receive and own the set-top box, according to posts.

Sky TV spokeswoman Chris Major said the company was looking at “a broad range of options to give our customers more of what they most value, and we’re actively engaging with them”.

“The survey … for our 20,000 strong Sky Nation panel is part of our commitment to really listen to what our customers want, and to use insights to guide our decision-making,” she said.

“We ask a lot of questions about all sorts of initiatives, and it’s great to have this mechanism to hear directly from our customers.”

Sky blocked panellists who identified themselves as journalists or as working in some other industries such as telecommunications from participating in and directly viewing its survey material.

The debate around a set-top box upgrade comes about 18 months after chief executive Martin Stewart axed a plan by former boss John Fellet for Sky to launch a streaming media player and a separate set-top box with an internet based programming guide that would have had a Netflix-like look and feel.

The new alternative concept appeared to be warmly received by tech enthusiasts on Geekzone, but some questioned how many people would be willing to pay for the upgrade.