Watching Sky Q in Ultra HD

What is Ultra HD?

Ultra HD is a high-quality video format, with a picture resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at 50 frames per second, which is 4 times the number of HD TV. This allows you to watch Sky TV shows and movies with greater clarity and detail.

You can also watch some Sky Nature shows in HDR (High Dynamic Range), which gives you an even better picture quality. HDR improves the colour and contrast of your picture, so colours look even more vibrant, and you’re able to see more detail in dark images.

For more help with watching Sky Q in HDR, see our HDR help guide.

Watching in Ultra HD

To find out how you can watch Sky Q in Ultra HD, see our video or read the information below.

Ultra HD sports and movies are available to rent in Sky Store for anyone with a Sky Q 2TB or Sky Q 1TB UHD box.

To watch in Ultra HD, you’ll need:

A Sky Q 2TB box or a Sky Q 1TB UHD box. Not sure if your box supports Ultra HD or HDR? Check which box you have here.
The HD and Ultra HD add-ons, or a Sky Q experience subscription
To watch sports or movies in Ultra HD you’ll also need the Sky Sports and Sky Cinema
An Ultra HD TV that can display a picture resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at 50 frames per second and has an input that supports HDCP 2.2.
To watch in HDR, your TV will also need to support HDR (HLG format) and have this setting switched on. For more help with HDR, see Watching and setting up Sky Q in HDR.

Find out how to setup Ultra HD by visiting Setting up Ultra HD.

Watching live sports

When you’re watching a Sky Sports channel, you’ll receive a prompt if an Ultra HD version is available. Follow the instructions to be taken to the live Ultra HD broadcast. Alternatively, press the red button and enjoy additional stats, highlights and information about the game.

If you want to pause, rewind and fast forward sport events in Ultra HD, you’ll need to access the Ultra HD broadcast via the Sky Q menu, rather than the on-screen prompt:

Press Home on your Sky Q remote then select Sports
Select Featured, scroll down to Even Better in Ultra HD and select the sporting event you want to record.

Watching movies or shows

When searching on your Sky Q box, you’ll find an Ultra HD section in the Sky Cinema and Sky Box Sets tab, bringing you one movie premiere every week as well as a range of the latest box sets and documentaries.

You can also find Ultra HD shows, movies or sporting events recommended for you in Home.

Recording

You can record one event at a time, along with your other HD recordings, up to seven days in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I watch Ultra HD on my Sky Q Mini box or Sky Go?

No, Ultra HD can only be watched on the Sky Q 2TB or 1TB UHD box.

Does Ultra HD also give me access to HD channels?

You need both the HD and Ultra HD add ons to get Ultra HD, which means you’ll be able to watch HD channels as well.

I can’t see a difference between HD and Ultra HD?

You get the best from Ultra HD by being closer to the screen than you would for HD. It works best on big TV screens, usually of at least 55 inches.

What’s the benefit of 10-bit colour?

Watching Ultra HD in 10-bit colour will give you the best viewing experience, with smoother colour gradients. When setting up Ultra HD, you’ll be given the option between 8-bit colour, 10-bit colour or if you’re not sure which is best, your TV will find it for you.

Will Sky Q support HDR?

We currently offer three Sky Nature shows in HDR (Gangs of Lemur Island; Pridelands: Wilderness Reborn; and Malawi Wildlife Rescue), with more HDR content planned for the coming months.

For more help with Sky Q in HDR, go to Watching and setting up Sky Q in HDR.

Will I be able to watch YouTube in 4K/Ultra HD?

No, the Sky Q 2TB and 1TB UHD boxes aren’t able to support YouTube in Ultra HD.

Here's the legal bit

Ultra HD only available to customers with a (i) Sky Q 2TB box or Sky Q 1TB UHD box; (ii) HD add on; (iii) Ultra HD add on. Ultra HD content depends on Sky TV subscription. UHD TV required. Not available on Sky Q Mini boxes or Sky Q 1TB box. Sky Sports and Sky Cinema required to watch sports and movies in Ultra HD.

Still need a hand?

Thanks for using our online services – if you do still need to contact us, please be aware that wait times may be longer than normal due to social distancing in our contact centres, but be assured we’re prioritising calls from customers who’ve already been online.