After its first tour of North American lands, SkyShowtime is now available in Europe. It has also been released as one of the cheapest streaming platforms and even the cheapest if you take into account your lifetime promotion at 2.99 dollars (if we subscribe in the right way).
In Xataka Android we have already tested it on Android TV and although it is obvious that this is only the beginning, it has already been enough to check how and how the platform is recommended. And it is that at a time when it seems that the market is saturated with offers, any arrival of news is welcome, even if it has to be looked at with a magnifying glass.
A simple subscription process, albeit with a “gotcha”
Any test of a service involves registering with it. And in this case it was not going to be less. In order to enjoy SkyShowtime there is no free trial, although there is a very attractive offer. As standard, the platform offers a monthly subscription of 5.99 dollars.
However, and until next April 25 at 11:59 p.m., It is possible to subscribe for 2.99 dollars with a 50% discount for life. This means that at the end of the initial period, all those who subscribe will pay the aforementioned 5.99 dollars, while those who subscribed at 2.99 dollars will continue to pay. And if ever the price of the standard package increases, they will also see an increase, but always by half (if, for example, it costs 10 dollars, those who have the promotion will pay 5 dollars).
The registration process is simple and lets you do it from the mobile app, on Smart TV or via the web on computers or mobiles. However, the price is different. Doing it from the application will mean paying 5.99 dollars without the possibility of accessing the promotion of 2.99 dollars. However, if this is done from the SkyShowtime site, this possibility is offered.
Once registered, after adding the payment method and confirming our registration by an email that we receive, we are ready to access the content.
Catalog endorsed by major producers and platforms
As its name already suggests, SkyShotime brings together content from Sky and of Show time. However, they are not the only ones, since their catalog is made up of a mixture of content derived from them and from DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, Peacock and Universal Pictures.
Thus, we find that some content is only available in English. While it’s true that this isn’t a problem for those who don’t understand Shakespeare’s language by including subtitles, it’s worth noting for those who prefer to consume content in Spanish with dubbing.
The content as such is a mix of exclusive and derivative content from the aforementioned platforms. As exclusive titles that can only be seen on SkyShowtime, at least in Europe, titles such as “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, “Halo” or “Yellowstone” stand out. There are also films which, without being exclusive, come from production houses. See the trilogy of ‘The Godfather’, ‘Top Gun’ or ‘Jurassic Park’.
Of course, there is also room for the little ones. The “SpongeBob”, “Dora the Explorer” or “The Fairly OddParents” series are examples of this. Also films like ‘Gru, my favorite villain’. SkyShowtime’s bet on genres and profiles is therefore diversified.
An interface that speaks to us a lot. And thank you
The platform’s applications and their access via the web share a common visual space with other well-known platforms such as Prime Video or HBO Max. And that, far from being something to reproach negatively, we think it is a positive point. no need to reinvent the wheel.
If we talk about the user experience on Android TV, we clearly see that they do not go beyond the established script by offering a fully adapted interface in which the content is what reigns in the main part. On the left, a drop-down menu in which we find the possibility of browsing by series, films or directly searching for content.
In each section of the application you can find the content organized by categories. Whether it’s genres, ratings from other users, or recommendations based on what we’ve seen (you know, the classic algorithm that analyzes our consumer behavior).
Regarding the shape of locate content, let’s say the aforementioned search engine is versatile. In other words, it not only serves to literally search for specific titles, but it also helps us to explore genres or artists who participate in series and movies.
Also the content player is adequate. Obviously the content is the protagonist, but with a click it gives us access to options such as changing the language of the audio or that of the subtitles (if we want to have them).
Then we find two more tabs. To the right, the downloads we have made to consume offline (or without spending data when you are away). On the right, the classic search engine. This one, by the way, is versatile. In other words, it is not only used to search for specific titles, but also to explore genres and even participating artists.
If we use SkyShowtime on an Android mobile, let’s say that we find identical functionalities. Although adapted to a smaller screen size and designed to be used vertically (except when the content is playing), they opt for a very fluid application with three tabs.
In the first, “Browse”, it would be the classic home screen of any streaming platform and this includes the possibility of accessing the “Series” and “Movies” categories, as well as our own lists. On the right is ‘Search’ and on the left is ‘Downloads’. Because yes, SkyShowtime lets you download content to play offline or without consuming data (although in the app, nothing to bring it to the file manager and share it).
Sharing an account (free) is a plus in these times
At a time when it seems that the end of shared accounts is near, starting with the changes applied by Netflix, it is welcome for the consumer to note that new offers such as SkyShowtime It allows you to share an account without having to pay extra. In fact, it allows you to create up to five profiles, although in our tests we were able to create up to six adult profiles (this may be a mistake, since the platform has confirmed that there are had five).
Of course, we must take into account that they only support three simultaneous readings. And here it doesn’t matter whether they are all under the same IP address in a house or not, because they haven’t put any limitation in this regard. Of course, when a part tries to replicate something, it will fail.
While it is true that the SkyShowtime terms are written in such a way that they leave the door open to change our minds in the future, the reality is that at this time we can share an account with whoever we want, although Always with the same username and password. We’ll see if that changes in the future, although the controversy generated with Netflix suggests that if they decide to go this route, they’ll think carefully about how to do it.
1080p is fine, but we miss one more step
It’s worth that FullHD resolution doesn’t exactly offer poor image quality. It’s also worth it that for 2.99 dollars (or 5.99 dollars with the standard price) it’s the same as what others like Netflix offer for 12.99 dollars. However, leaving this context aside and focusing solely and exclusively on the user experience, 4K is required
Some movies date from a time when HD didn’t even exist, so FullHD or UltraHD (4K) much less so. However, they have been scaled perfectly for viewing at 1080p. And it looks great. However, there are other more modern titles that they would be much nicer in 4K. And be careful, we do not want to sin here on specialties, but that a platform of this caliber only offers this maximum resolution seems insufficient to us.
We don’t know what SkyShowtime’s plans are with regards to 4K, if they’re already thinking about it, if they’ll start mixing 1080p and 4K content or if they’ll come up with another higher plan with that resolution. At any rate, it becomes obvious to nurture the hope that soon the quality will increase. Although what exists, let us insist, is in no way bad.
Is SkyShowtime worth it?
Go ahead, personally, I always like to put every situation in context. Each person is a world of circumstances, I don’t know which platforms each is subscribed to, to what extent 2.99 dollars can mean a large expense in the long term or not. From my experience I would say that at least it’s worth giving it a chance. Even if it’s just to know who is behind the platform.
Now I recognize that the catalog is not as wide as one would like. Here come factors somewhat forgotten by the consumer, but they are vital: international rights. In our territory, some titles are not and probably will not be in the short term because SkyShowtime does not hold the broadcasting rights in Europe.
Likewise, it should be noted that This is just the beginning. Yes, Netflix started with less, but it was a completely different time and context. We take for granted that the new platforms should already arrive well fed in the catalog and the truth is that SkyShowtime is not in short supply either (Apple TV+ started with much less in 2019). And surely in the months to come, news will continue to arrive.
Taking advantage of the initial offer can be interesting… Provided you really take advantage of it, because cheap can end up being expensive.
It must also be said that the offer may be excessively tempting. Paying only 3 dollars per month (rounded up to the penny) and with the promise that we will always pay half even if the price goes up is very juicy. However, it is also a way to hold us back and “force” us to continue subscribing even when we are not taking advantage of it, because the moment we unsubscribe we will lose this promotion. Here we are going to be direct: if you do not use the platform, do not hesitate to put it aside.
Already in general terms of use, relying on a familiar interface makes everything easier. It’s not that there is a wide path of innovation in this regard, but it is appreciated that SkyShowtime is so similar to Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max and company. Well organized, practical and easy to use.
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