British subscription broadcaster Sky has officially unveiled its new Sky Glass Air TV series, positioned as a more affordable alternative to its Sky Glass Gen 2 models. Initially teased in February, the Glass Air aims to combine a Sky channel subscription with a new TV at a significantly lower price point, potentially making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

The Sky Glass Air series will be available in three screen sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch. Customers can choose from three color options: Sea Green, Carbon Grey, and Cotton White, with each TV shipping with a color-matched remote and stand. The design is noted to be slimmer and sleeker than the Glass Gen 2 sets. Users can opt for universal wall mounts, Sky’s dedicated bracket, or the included no-tools-required desktop stands.

Regarding picture quality, all Glass Air models feature native 4K resolutions and support High Dynamic Range (HDR) playback, utilizing a Quantum Dot color system for wide color gamuts. Supported HDR formats include HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. However, unlike the Sky Glass Gen 2, the LCD panels in the Glass Air series do not feature local dimming, instead employing a global dimming system. The panels have a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not appeal to hardcore gamers seeking higher frame rates.

For audio, the Glass Air TVs come with a built-in Dolby Audio speaker system. While this is a step down from the more powerful 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system found in the Sky Glass Gen 2, it is described as making a decent job of filling a room without muddiness, comparable to entry to mid-level TVs. The TVs also feature three HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC for connecting external soundbars or audio systems, and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.

The entire content search and delivery system runs on Sky’s proprietary OS (newly renamed Sky OS), the same software that powers other Sky Glass TVs and Stream boxes. This includes an advanced voice recognition/control system ("Hello Glass" with far-field microphones) and allows users to live stream and access Sky's channels over a broadband connection, eliminating the need for a satellite dish. The interface aggregates content from Sky and popular streaming apps like Apple TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, and Discovery+.

A key attraction of the Sky Glass Air is its pricing structure. The TVs can be purchased via monthly instalments. For existing Sky subscribers, the 43-inch model can be acquired for as little as £6 per month over a 48-month period, with a £20 upfront fee. The 55-inch and 65-inch models are priced at £10 and £13 per month, respectively, under the same terms. Customers can also choose a 24-month TV subscription or a 31-day rolling contract. Upfront purchase prices are £309 for the 43-inch, £509 for the 55-inch, and £649 for the 65-inch model. A Sky TV package is required, with the Sky Essential package (including Netflix and Discovery+) starting from £15 a month. This means a 43-inch Glass Air with the Essential package could cost as little as £21 per month. The Ultimate TV pack can be added for an extra £7 per month.

Carli Kerr, MD of Sky TV, stated, "With Sky Glass Air, we're bringing the Sky experience to more people through a beautifully designed TV with stunning picture quality from just £6 a month. It's all about giving people better for less." The Sky Glass Air TVs are designed to work in sync with existing Glass TVs or Stream pucks in a household, allowing seamless viewing across multiple devices.

Sky Glass Air TVs go on sale on Tuesday, June 10th, via Sky.com, Sky stores, and Sky call centres. They will also be available through Currys online from the same date and in physical Currys stores from June 18th.