Chowmainsoft Launches A Sky Stream IP Driver For Faster Network Control

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IR control still props up far too many streaming installs, and it shows up as missed commands, awkward emitter placement, and call backs that waste everyone’s time. Today we bring you a quick but genuinely useful update: Chowmainsoft has released a SkyStream IP driver that gives custom installers native network based control of Sky’s rapidly growing streaming TV platform.

We talk through what the driver actually delivers in day to day terms, including navigation, transport controls, and menu functionality, all handled across the local network for faster and more reliable operation than IR in most situations. We also cover the detail integrators need to plan for: wake over the network. The driver supports network wake on compatible SkyStream hardware, but some earlier devices may not wake reliably over IP because of hardware limitations. When that happens, an IR emitter can still be used purely to power on the box, with all subsequent control handled via IP, a practical hybrid approach that keeps the user experience smooth.

We also place the release in context with ChowMainsoft’s wider Sky integration drivers for Sky Plus HD, SkyQ, and SkyQ mini, plus a dedicated infrared driver for cases where IP control is not available. If you already use ChowMainsoft Sky drivers, the best news is that the new SkyStream IP functionality arrives as a free software update, simply download the latest version from the company website and enable native IP control.

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Transcript

Inside CI News Brief Intro

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to the Inside CI News Brief for Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the latest custom installation news in minutes for busy integrators and industry professionals.

SkyStream IP Driver Released

SPEAKER_00 0:11

Chow Mainsoft has introduced a SkyStream IP driver for control for, giving custom installers a native network-based control solution for Sky's fast-growing streaming TV platform. The new driver has been developed to provide full IP control of SkyStream boxes, eliminating the need for infrared emitters in most installs while delivering faster and more reliable operation across the local network.

Controls And Menu Support

SPEAKER_00 0:37

The driver supports navigation, transport controls, and menu functionality. The driver also supports wake-on-land functionality on compatible SkyStream hardware, enabling network wake-up where

Wake Over Network Limitations

SPEAKER_00 0:50

supported. ChowMainsoft cautions that some earlier SkyStream devices are unable to wake reliably over IP because of hardware limitations. In these cases, an IR emitter may still be required to power on the device, after which all subsequent control is handled across the network.

Wider Sky Driver Line-Up

SPEAKER_00 1:09

The release builds on ChowMainsoft's wider portfolio of Sky integration drivers, which already supports Sky Plus HD, SkyQ, and SkyQ mini receivers. For situations where IP control is unavailable, the company also offers a dedicated infrared driver featuring discrete commands for power, menu navigation, and direct channel

Free Update And Download Steps

SPEAKER_00 1:32

selection. Existing users of Chow Mainsoft's Sky Plus HD, SkyQ, and SkyStreamDriver will receive the new IP functionality as a free software update. Installers simply need to download the latest version from the company's website to enable native IP

More News And Sister Podcast

SPEAKER_00 1:50

control. Be sure to pop over to the Inside CI website for all the latest news, reviews, and interviews. Also, be sure to listen to our sister podcast InsideCI Tech Talk for all the latest interviews, discussions, and reviews by our hosts Stuart Burgess and Simon Gregory.