Sky announces free upgrade for UK homes that you'll want to activate tomorrow

Millions of homes with Sky might want to activate a new feature tomorrow. Arriving just in time for the World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday, the new Real Time upgrade will make sure the streaming delay many currently face is made far less noticeable. Streaming latency has long been a frustration for sports fans, with services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX often running up to 40 seconds behind traditional terrestrial and satellite broadcasts. This delay can lead to awkward moments, such as hearing neighbours celebrate a goal before it appears on your own screen. With Real Time enabled, Sky aims to significantly reduce that lag and deliver a more immediate viewing experience.

Sky first introduced lower-latency streaming for Premier League matches in 2024. The technology is now being expanded to include BBC and ITV coverage, making it available for major events such as the World Cup.

"Sky is launching Real Time, a new feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS," Sky said in a statement.

"It brings live sport closer to the moment by reducing latency between the live action and what viewers see on screen.

"Available on select live sports, including the World Cup on BBC and ITV, Real Time helps fans follow matches with less lag and fewer spoilers."

Fancy giving its a go? Here's how to enable Real Time of screens.

Sky says. viewers can activate the feature during supported live sports broadcasts by selecting the Real Time option on screen. It is available on both Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices through an opt-in button or via dedicated channels:

BBC One HD RT – EPG channels 926–944 (depending on region)

ITV1 HD RT – EPG channel 945

ITV4 HD RT – EPG channel 946

Sky's streaming future makes this update vital.

Sky Glass and Sky Stream represent the company's move away from the satellite-based Sky Q platform. Unlike Sky Q, both services operate over broadband, offering benefits such as simple self-installation, frequent software updates, and seamless integration with streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.

For those considering the switch, Sky Glass and Sky Stream continue to be central to Sky's strategy as it focuses on internet-delivered television and enhanced streaming experiences.