Sky adds HDR movies and series to Sky Q and offline viewing in new update

Sky has begun its roll out of HDR support for Sky Q as part of a major update for the pay TV platform. 

The addition of HDR is the biggest update of note to the platform, and comes after support for the higher fidelity format was added for Netflix and Disney+.

Sky said that it will add HDR versions of its originals such as Chernobyl and Gangs of London in December, while over 40 movies including all eight Harry Potter films and Little Women will also be watchable in HDR.

Users will know the content they are watching has the extra fidelity via an HDR icon which will pop up when selecting content.

Another addition for Sky Q is the much-requested inclusion of access to content when the satellite signal goes down.

While Sky has been praised for its user experience, the nature of satellite broadcasting means that extreme weather can cause outages. This has previously restricted access to all aspects of content on the platform, but Sky is now lifting those restrictions. Now, in the event of signal loss, users will be able to watch recordings from their DVR, access apps like Netflix and watch Sky’s VOD content.

The update also brings enhancements to voice search, adds personalised ‘What’s on’ recommendations for favourited channels, and introduces PIN for apps.

Fraser Stirling, group chief product officer, Sky, said: “We’re continuing to add new features to Sky Q and Sky Go, with updates almost every week, so your Sky TV experiences keep getting even better. You can watch more TV and movies in stunning HDR picture quality, get personal with voice search, enjoy more sporting action anywhere with Sky Go, and find more of what you love with our simple homepage, easy.”

Sky also said that it has introduced new updates to complementary CTV and mobile app Sky Go, with access to Sky’s red button channels and video shorts for trending sports coverage.