All of Sky’s latest devices such as Sky Q, Stream and its broadband-powered Glass telly have long offered access to high-quality 4K content. This picture-boosting technology offers better visuals than standard HD and makes watching movies or sporting action feel brighter, sharper and far more immersive. Although Sky users have enjoyed the delights of 4K for a while, those opting to watch content via the firm’s NOW streaming platform haven’t been so lucky with this service only offering the option to watch in 720p Standard Definition (SD).
1080p High Definition (HD) has also been available by the Boost add-on which costs £6 per month extra but NOW users are finally being given the option to go one step further and enjoy their night of entertainment in stunning 4K.
As spotted by the team at Cordbusters, NOW appears to have quietly rolled out this “Ultra Boost” update overnight but it is available on their website and you can sign up today.
There’s a free trial to give it a go with the Ultra Boost offering 4K Ultra HD HDR compatibility along with three people being able to stream at once (Boost only allows 2 users to watch) plus there’s also Dolby Atmos sound and you can Stream ad-free.
NOW says that most new smart TVs from firms such as LG and Samsung will work with this new service along with the latest Fire TV Sticks and PlayStation 5.
Before getting too excited, it’s worth checking your streaming devices first before signing up as some gadgets such as Window PCs, Macs, smartphones and older tellies are not yet supported.
See full details about Ultra Boost here.
So how much is all this pin-sharp 4K telly viewing going to cost you?
NOW says that its Ultra Boost upgrade will add an extra £9 to monthly bills on top of the membership plans.
Right now you can get an Entertainment Membership for just £6.99 for six months (usually £9.99) which includes Sky channels such as Sky Max, Sky Atlantic and Sky Witness.
If you want to watch in 4K this price rises to £15.99.
A Sky Sports Membership is just £26 right now (usually £34.99) so the the monthly price with Ultra Boost will be £35.
Watching in 4K will certainly improve your viewing, you just need to decide if its worth paying £108 per year for the privilege.