Sky has announced a new feature called Real Time, designed to reduce streaming delays for live sports, just in time for the World Cup kicking off on Thursday. The upgrade aims to minimize the lag that often frustrates sports fans, with services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX sometimes running up to 40 seconds behind traditional broadcasts.
What is Real Time?
Real Time is a new feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, powered by Sky OS. It reduces latency between the live action and what viewers see on screen, bringing live sport closer to the moment. Sky first introduced lower-latency streaming for Premier League matches in 2024, and now expands it to BBC and ITV coverage for major events like the World Cup.
How to enable Real Time
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 via an opt-in button or through dedicated channels: BBC One HD RT (EPG channels 926–944 depending on region), ITV1 HD RT (EPG channel 945), and ITV4 HD RT (EPG channel 946).
Why this matters
Sky Glass and Sky Stream represent Sky's shift away from satellite-based Sky Q, operating over broadband for benefits like simple self-installation, frequent updates, and seamless integration with streaming platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+. This update is vital for Sky's streaming future, ensuring a more immediate viewing experience for live sports.
