Millions of Sky households may soon activate a new feature just in time for the upcoming World Cup. The Real Time upgrade, set to launch tomorrow, aims to reduce the streaming delay that many viewers currently experience. Sports fans have long been frustrated by the latency of services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, which can lag up to 40 seconds behind traditional broadcasts. This delay often results in awkward situations where neighbors react to events before they appear on personal screens. With Real Time, Sky plans to significantly minimize this delay, providing a more immediate viewing experience.
Sky initially introduced lower-latency streaming for Premier League matches in 2024 and is now expanding this technology to include BBC and ITV coverage, making it accessible for major events such as the World Cup.
In a statement, Sky announced the launch of Real Time, a new feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS. This feature aims to bring live sports closer to the moment by reducing the latency between live action and on-screen viewing. Real Time is available for select live sports, including World Cup matches on BBC and ITV, allowing fans to follow games with less delay and fewer spoilers.
To enable Real Time on screens, viewers can activate the feature during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option on screen. It is accessible on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or dedicated channels on BBC One HD RT (EPG channels 926–944) and ITV1 HD RT (EPG channel 945) and ITV4 HD RT (EPG channel 946).
The transition to Sky’s streaming services, Sky Glass and Sky Stream, marks 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 streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
Sky’s emphasis on internet-delivered television and enhanced streaming experiences positions Sky Glass and Sky Stream as pivotal elements in the company’s strategic direction.