Anyone with a Sky Q box tucked under their TV is about to find they suddenly have fewer things to watch. It’s just been confirmed that two channels are being removed from Sky’s popular set-top boxes, which means homes will no longer be able to tune in. The services shutting down include Sky History +1 SD and Sky History 2 HD.
These premium services are part of a deal between Sky and Hearst Networks UK, who owns the History Channel brand.
There’s currently no word on why things are being taken off air but it has been confirmed that programmes currently shown – such as UnXplained with William Shatner and Washington – will be available via the other History channels and on demand platforms.
The changes also don’t affect the Sky History channel or Sky History 2 in SD.
Although those channels disappearing is a blow to some users, Sky is keen to point out that Q customers can still enjoy over 290 channels through their devices. Despite rumours that Sky Q could be heading for history books this latest channel change is not a sign that Sky Q is being phased out.
It’s no secret that Sky wants to push more people over to its streaming devices and one expert recently suggested that it could mean the end of Sky Q in future.
“Ultimately, Sky would prefer to migrate all users onto its IP-based products, which in turn will lead to the end of Sky Q,” explained top analyst Paolo Pescatore to The Sun.
However, during the recent Sky Glass Gen 2 launch event, the company told Express.co.uk that they were still fully committed to Sky Q and will continue to support and upgrade it.
Of course, Sky’s attention is now fully on those broadband-powered gadgets, including that Sky Glass Gen 2 device.
This refreshed TV gets a brighter screen, an improved design that makes it easier to install and better sound from its in-built speakers.
It still offers a full list of premium channels without needing a dish, and there are other neat features, including voice search, a backlit remote and ways to record things via the online Playlists function.
Personalised recommendations can be displayed for each member of the family and it comes in numerous sizes and colours.
Prices start from £14 per month, but that doesn’t include access to Sky’s library of channels or being able to watch in 4K with things increasing the more features you add.
Want to know more? Read our full Sky Glass Gen 2 review here.
