The upgraded boxes are welcome, but the real attraction here is the revamped software. The old Sky TV experience is terribly outdated -- moving around the guide is slow, clunky and often confusing. Sky Q is a much-needed refresh that changes almost every aspect of the navigation -- it no longer looks like a spreadsheet, with a vertical list for switching between sections and a heavy emphasis on bright, large images.

Sky Q can be bought online and over the phone right now. If you would rather walk into a store and talk to an expert, however, you'll have to wait until February 12th before making the all-important upgrade.

Here's what you can expect to pay for the new service:

Monthly cost

Basic charge With Sky Movies With Sky Sports With both Sky Q £42 £59 £67.50 £76.50 Sky Q Silver £54 £71 £79.50 £88.50

Total 18-month contract cost

Basic charge With Sky Movies With Sky Sports With both Sky Q £756 £1,062 £1,215 £1,377 Sky Q Silver £972 £1,278 £1,431 £1,593

Set-up charges