Sky confirms HDR upgrade plans for older Sky Q boxes

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If your Sky Q box doesn't support HLG HDR, you can upgrade to a compatible version for £50

Sky confirms HDR upgrade plans for incompatible Sky Q boxes
(Image credit: Future)

Sky has confirmed how customers can upgrade their older Sky Q box to get a newer model that supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) HDR.

Last month, Sky announced that its Sky Q platform was finally, after a very long delay, getting HDR content. However, while the majority of Sky Q boxes supported the HDR update, sadly some older models do not. The British broadcaster has now confirmed that customers with incompatible set-top boxes can upgrade to a HDR-supporting version for £50, as spotted by Forbes.

"To upgrade your box it will cost £50 for self set-up. Additional costs may apply for an engineer install," reads Sky's website, which is where you can now register your interest for a HDR upgrade. A timeframe for receiving an upgraded box isn't detailed, but we'd expect the programme to begin in the coming weeks.

If you don't know whether your Sky Q box is compatible, here's how to check if your Sky Q box supports the HDR update. Aside from a HLG HDR-enabled Sky Q box, all you need to enjoy HDR on Sky is an Ultra HD or Q experience subscription, as well as a TV that supports the broadcast-friendly HLG HDR format (which is most TVs from the 'big' TV brands from the past few years).

If owners of incompatible boxes aren't bothered about watching HDR content on Sky, they needn't upgrade – these older boxes are still fully supported by Sky.

New Sky Nature programming is now available in HDR, with Sky promising more HDR content throughout this year and next. This will include more Sky Nature shows as well as Sky Originals and, in time for Christmas, a selection of the blockbuster movies on Sky Cinema. Next summer, live HDR broadcasts are planned to kickstart with the 2021 Summer Olympics. Sky has confirmed that HDR support will also launch on third-party apps such as Netflix and Disney+ over the "coming months". too.

MORE:

Sky Q is finally getting (some) HDR content

Here's how to watch Disney Plus on Sky Q (and get the best experience)

The best TV box sets and films on Sky and Now TV

Best TVs 2020: budget to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs

Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • MorriAG
    Absolutely disgusting. I have one of the earliest SkyQ boxes but I am paying exactly the same as someone with a new SkyQ box yet I am being asked to pay £50 to “upgrade” plus installation costs to achieve access to the same HDR functionality.
    When SkyQ was released Sky said customers wouldn’t own the box it remains the property of Sky. So why don’t they take back the SkyQ box that is now not capable of providing 100% of the service offer and replace it with a new box?
    Reply
  • TeleDav
    Not going to happen. I'm not paying an extra cash payment for equipment I am renting, it should be a straight swap. And then have the rather massive issue of losing all the content I have recorded on the old box.
    I'll do what I usually have to do every few years and leave them. I'll then get the latest equipment and a better deal.
    Reply
  • Duchacek
    The customer doesn’t own the sky box anymore (before Sky Q everyone owned the box).

    and now you have to pay to upgrade the box that you don’t own, to get the service that you’re paying fir but can’t receive. Bloody joke, especially with the high monthly costs and other providers (Virgin) offering HDR years before Sky.

    Disgusting actions and another penalty for staying a loyal customers. Best to either break the box and get a new one automatically or just cancel the subscription and get a new one when joining again!
    Reply
  • djh1697
    MorriAG said:
    Absolutely disgusting. I have one of the earliest SkyQ boxes but I am paying exactly the same as someone with a new SkyQ box yet I am being asked to pay £50 to “upgrade” plus installation costs to achieve access to the same HDR functionality.
    When SkyQ was released Sky said customers wouldn’t own the box it remains the property of Sky. So why don’t they take back the SkyQ box that is now not capable of providing 100% of the service offer and replace it with a new box?
    If you are out of contract, just ring up, and state that you wish to cancel, when they ask you why, say because you prefer Amazon Prime and Netflix for content, and that you don't feel it is fair that you have to pay extra for the HDR upgrade, they will offer it free, otherwise just carry on with the cancellation process, Sky have targets for "churn" rate, you will get a better deal!
    Reply