What is Sky Q Ultra HD?

Charlotte Whyatt • 08 Jul 2020 Guides

Get closer to the action than ever before with Sky Q Ultra HD.

One of the many advantages of Sky Q is that it gives you the ability to enjoy TV series, films, sports and documentaries in Ultra HD.

This guide will explain how to use this feature so you can start enjoying its crisp, stunning visuals and impressive levels of detail.

What is Sky Q Ultra HD?

Sky Q Ultra HD is an add on you can purchase for your Sky TV subscription which allows you to enjoy their collection of Ultra HD content.

How do I get Ultra HD on Sky?

In order to access UHD content on Sky you’ll need:

The Sky HD and Sky Ultra HD add ons
Either the 2TB Sky Q box or the 1TB UHD Sky Q box
A 4K/UHD compatible TV
A broadband speed of at least 25Mbps

What are the Sky Q Ultra HD channels?

You won’t actually see any specific UHD channels on your Sky EPG.

If what you’re watching is available in UHD you’ll get a notification pop up asking if you’d like to switch over to that format. Otherwise, you can access UHD content on demand from the Sky Q homepage.

What can I watch with Sky Q Ultra HD?

Many of the latest box sets from both the UK and US are available on demand in Ultra HD, along with a great variety of films and stunning nature documentaries.

Sports fans will be pleased to know there's plenty available for them too including the majority of Premier League and EFL (English Football League) games.

Is Ultra HD free with Sky Q?

No, you'll need to add both Sky HD and Sky Ultra HD onto your subscription to watch Ultra HD content with Sky.

How do I set up Ultra HD on Sky Q?

You’ll need to manually change the settings on your Sky Q box before you can start watching in UHD.

Press the Home button on your Sky Q remote
Select Settings
Go to Setup then Audio Visual
Choose the 2160p UHD format
Press Find it for me to automatically get the right setting for your TV
Alternatively, pick either 8-bit or 10-bit.

What's the difference between Ultra HD and HD?

Ultra HD is a resolution (3840x2160p) that’s four times better than traditional high-definition or HD (1920x1080p). The picture on your TV will appear beautifully vivid and glossy with plenty of rich detail.

What's the difference between Ultra HD and 4K?

Sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably but there is technically a difference between 4K and Ultra HD.

4K refers to the resolution used in professional productions and cinemas at 4096x2160p. Ultra HD on the other hand, is the resolution you’ll find in consumer products at 3840x2160p.

How do I get Sky Sports in Ultra HD?

To unlock Sky Sports in UHD you should take the HD and Ultra HD add ons with your selected Sky Sports channels. Customers can choose between either all 11 Sky Sports channels or a mix of 1, 2, or 3 different ones.

If you’re watching something on Sky Sports which is available in UHD you’ll get a notification asking if you’d like to switch over. You can also find UHD matches and events by pressing the red button on your remote as well as under the Sports heading from your Sky Q homepage.

Can I watch BT Sport in Ultra HD on Sky?

No, you can’t currently watch BT Sport in UHD on Sky.

How do I watch Ultra HD movies on Sky?

Sky Cinema plus the HD and UHD add ons are required to view UHD films with Sky. From your Sky Q homepage, you'll find a section dedicated to UHD films under the Sky Cinema heading.