NOW: Sky’s streaming service
Want to watch award-winning TV and movies in Ireland, but don’t want to sign up for a lengthy contract? NOW could be what you’re looking for.
What is NOW?
NOW, formally NOW TV, is a subscription streaming service from Sky, which allows you to watch entertainment, live sports and the latest film releases on demand.
If you want the perks of a flexible streaming service, with blockbuster movies, must-watch TV and live sport that come with Sky but don’t want to sign up to a long contract, NOW could be for you.
You can also tailor your plan to your viewing habits, with options like one-off Sports Day memberships for sporting occasions or Cinema memberships for avid movie fans.
Now TV memberships
Entertainment
Over 300 box sets on demand, plus 16 live channels including Sky Atlantic and Sky Comedy.
Cinema
Film buffs get over 1,000 Sky Cinema movies on demand - blockbusters, old favourites, and a new premiere every day.
Hayu
Stream reality TV to your heart’s content with over 9,000 episodes and 150 boxsets of top TV shows, added the same day as the US premiere.
Now Sports Memberships
Sports Day
Catch unmissable events with access to 11 Sky Sports channels for 24 hours. Sports Extra Day gives access to TNT Sports and Premier Sports.
Sports Month
Get access to live sporting action on all 11 Sky Sports channels including Sky Sports Premier League.
Sports Extra
Lets you access 4 TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) and 2 Premier Sports channels. The Sports Extra Bundle allows you to stream 17 channels including Sky Sports.
How much is NOW?
The price you pay depends on the NOW membership you choose.
Entertainment Membership and Cinema Membership offers run regularly with discount prices for six months and a thereafter price, while Hayu Membership is a flat monthly fee.
Sports Membership and is more expensive, but introductory discounts are often advertised. For one-off sport events, you can also choose a day pass for a one off payment.
NOW sometimes offers free 7 day trials on its website or via third parties.
What’s on NOW TV channels?
You can choose between TV, Cinema, and Sports memberships.
Sky Cinema has the biggest blockbuster movies across Sky Premiere, Hits, Action, Animation, Family, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Greats, Drama, and Select.
Get your fix of hit shows like Game of Thrones, The Wire and Succession on Sky Entertainment.
Channels include Sky One, Sky Witness, Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Gold, Comedy Central, Sci Fi, Sky History, Sky Nature, Sky Arts, Sky Documentaries and Sky Crime.
Live Sport on NOW
You can watch unlimited Sky Sports including action from the Premier League and Formula 1® with a Sports memberhsip.
NOW’s Sport’s Extra Membership offers TNT Sports (formerly BT Sports) for all the latest rugby, golf and football coverage, including UFC, UEFA Champions League and more.
The Sport’s Extra membership includes:
- TNT Sports 1
- TNT Sports 2
- TNT Sports 3
- TNT Sports 4
- Premier Sports 1
- Premier Sports 2
Can you watch other TV streaming apps on Now?
Yes, you can watch the following apps if you have NOW Smart Stick, but you’ll have to pay for the subscription separately.
- Netflix
- Disney+
- YouTube
At the moment you can’t get the Prime Video app or Apple TV+ app via NOW, but this may be added in future.
NOW vs Sky Stream
Sky Stream is Sky’s other internet-based, dish-free TV service which lets you access the same Sky content. Sky Stream might suit TV buffs, while heavier streamers might prefer the flexibility of NOW and watching on the go.
Main differences include:
| Sky stream | NOW | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | 18 months or monthly rolling | Monthly rolling |
| Netflix included | Yes | No |
| Picture quality | 4K Ultra HD | Full HD |
| Device needed | Yes | No |
| Content | Most content with add ons | Pay per package |
How do you get NOW on your TV or laptop?
Once you choose a membership on the NOW website and sign up, you can start streaming content instantly through your preferred device.
NOW is available on multiple devices, including PC or Mac, selected Sony Android TV models, iOS and Android phones or tablets, as well as via the NOW Box and the NOW Smart Stick.
The NOW Smart Stick
A NOW Smart Stick is an easy way to turn any non-smart TV into a smart TV. A light, portable device, it plugs directly into the HDMI port of any TV so you can easily access your NOW content.
It also comes with the likes of All 4, and Virgin Media’s 3player, and allows you to access apps like YouTube and Vevo.
The Smart Stick is currently the cheapest streaming device on offer in Ireland, at just €25. Buying the Smart Stick in a bundle with membership can be even better value.
What is NOW Boost?
The NOW Boost add-on allows you to enjoy sports, movies and TV shows with even better picture and sound quality.
You’ll also get to stream on three devices at once instead of just one.
With NOW Boost you’ll enjoy:
- Full HD so you can watch all Sky Sports channels and selected TV shows and movies in 1080p video quality.
- Smoother, lag-free sporting action because Sky Sports will be available at 50 frames per second (except on certain devices like XBox One).
- Immersive audio if you have a surround sound speaker system or soundbar with Dolby Digital 5.1.
You can’t get NOW Boost if you’ve only got Sports Mobile Membership. You’ll need a minimum internet speed of 12Mbps to stream in 1080p.
How to cancel NOW TV
You can only cancel a Sports Day Membership that has been bought in the last 14 days and not activated.
If you want to cancel your NOW TV subscription, follow these steps:
- Log in to your NOW TV account.
- Click the ‘My Account’ button on the top right-hand corner.
- Go to the ‘Passes & Vouchers’ section in the drop-down menu.
- Click on ‘Cancel Pass’ next to the pass you want to cancel.
- Select a reason why you want to cancel.
- Click ‘I Still Want to Cancel’.
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