UK subscription broadcaster Sky has announced a solution to the input lag issues that have plagued its Glass TVs since they were first launched. The company claims that a new firmware update will reduce the time it takes to render game graphics by as much as 70 percent, potentially bringing input lag down to under 20ms. This improvement is crucial for gamers, as reducing input lag can make a significant difference in competitive play, especially in fast-paced games.
The current high input lag on Sky Glass TVs has been a major source of frustration for gamers, particularly in first-person shooters and platform games. The lag has made it difficult to compete with players using gaming monitors and TVs with lower input lag times. With the upcoming firmware update promising to drastically reduce input lag, gamers can expect a much smoother and more responsive gaming experience on their Sky Glass TVs.
Sky engineers have managed to achieve this input lag reduction through software improvements to the TV’s firmware architecture, specifically in the implementation of HDMI. This means that users will not experience a decrease in picture quality when using the new Game modes on their Glass TVs. The update will be delivered through the new Entertainment OS 1.3 upgrade, which is expected to start rolling out to Glass TVs in May.
In addition to the input lag reduction, Sky Glass TVs will also support auto low latency mode (ALLM) switching, a key feature of the HDMI 2.1 specification. This feature allows the TV to automatically switch to low-latency game mode when a gaming console is connected, eliminating the need for manual activation. While the upcoming update will not resolve all gaming limitations on Sky Glass TVs, it will significantly improve the gaming experience for users.
Despite limitations in HDMI bandwidth and panel refresh rates, Sky Glass TVs have been popular among consumers due to their metal build quality, color options, Dolby Atmos sound system, content delivery system, menu interface, and affordable pricing through monthly subscriptions. The new gaming improvement will make the Glass TVs a more attractive option for consumers who use their TV for gaming as well as watching TV. The 55-inch Sky Glass was the UK’s top-selling TV in 2023 and is expected to continue its success with the improved gaming performance.
