When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
Quick SummarySky had briefly updated its streaming box to include the option to watch channels via an external antenna. However, T3 has since learned that it was a glitch and the feature is no longer available.
Sky had briefly updated its streaming box to include the option to watch channels via an external antenna. However, T3 has since learned that it was a glitch and the feature is no longer available.
Sky had briefly updated its streaming box to include the option to watch channels via an external antenna. However, T3 has since learned that it was a glitch and the feature is no longer available.
Sky had briefly updated its streaming box to include the option to watch channels via an external antenna. However, T3 has since learned that it was a glitch and the feature is no longer available.
There’s no doubt about it, Sky is slowly shifting the way it delivers TV services to its customers, gradually backing away from satellite broadcasting in favour of streaming. We expect it tolaunch a new version of Sky Glassat an event in London next month, for example, while the company’s managing director of TV, Ben Case, recently told me himself that “the future of Sky is IP delivery”.
To that end,Sky Streamis a vital tool to help it transition. The small set-top-box gives you almost the fullSky Glassexperience but on your own TV, and as long as your internet connection is speedy enough, it provides a super smooth Sky experience in up to 4K HDR.
There’s also an odd additional port on the rear of the device that some believed could be unlocked one day – a UHF input for connection to an aerial. However, that now seems unlikely to ever be the case, even though some reported seeing the feature appear on their boxes.
Earlier,Broadband TV Newsrevealed that Sky Stream received a software update in the last few days that added the ability to access Freeview channels via the aerial port.
It was claimed that a new TV antenna icon showed up in the “Apps & Inputs” section of the homepage allowed users to scan for digital TV channels.
Sadly though, T3 has learned from a Sky spokesperson that the feature was pushed to Sky Stream in error. It has since been removed and is exclusive to Sky Glass.
That does make more sense, to be honest. Surely, if you do have an aerial to hand it’ll already be plugged into the same TV as the Sky Stream puck? The box is not quite the same as an all-in-one Sky Glass which needs a separate broadcast source in case of connectivity issues. Your TV is already likely a very capable Freeview set in case of emergencies.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
So, while we all got excited about a “hidden feature” for a short while, it not only turned out to be a mistake, we probably never needed it in the first place.
As for the Sky Stream itself, it’s one of thebest streaming deviceswe’ve tested on T3, so Freeview channels or no, we thoroughly recommend you consider it if you are looking for a paid TV solution. It won’t even cost you the Earth as Skyrecently launched a new, cheaper plan– Sky Essential TV – which includes a Sky Stream puck, 100+ Sky channels,Netflixand Discovery+ forjust £15 per month.
Today’s best Sky Glass deals$9.49View$12.99View$24.59ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Sky Glass deals$9.49View$12.99View$24.59ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Sky Glass deals
$9.49View$12.99View$24.59View
$9.49View
$9.49View
$9.49View
$9.49
$9.49
$12.99View
$12.99View
$12.99View
$12.99
$12.99
$24.59View
$24.59View
$24.59View
$24.59
$24.59
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Sky to launch something “smarter, brighter, and better” in February – Sky Glass 2 anyone?Could we see a massive upgrade on Sky’s own television?
Could we see a massive upgrade on Sky’s own television?
Sky Glass gets a massive free feature update just in time for ChristmasSky Stream updated with a bunch of new tricks, too
Sky Stream updated with a bunch of new tricks, too
Sky Glass getting free app that could change your life – coming to Sky Q and Stream tooPreviously exclusive to Sky Live
Previously exclusive to Sky Live
Should I buy Sky Glass?I take a look at the pros and cons for buying a new Sky Glass TV right now
I take a look at the pros and cons for buying a new Sky Glass TV right now
Sky Glass: watch the setup process from start to finishIt barely takes any time at all to get the TV up and running
It barely takes any time at all to get the TV up and running
Sky TV update: all the new features coming to revolutionise Sky Q in 2020Sky has a host of new features coming to Sky Q this year
Sky has a host of new features coming to Sky Q this year
This free Sky TV update will save you time and hassleSky has seriously simplified its smartphone and tablet apps
Sky has seriously simplified its smartphone and tablet apps
Latest Sky TV upgrade: this time it’s personalSky will bring its intelligent recommendations to box sets, on-demand shows and catch-up services from the Beeb and ITV
Sky will bring its intelligent recommendations to box sets, on-demand shows and catch-up services from the Beeb and ITV
