Foxtel in screen combo Netflix to link with TV rival
THE two giants of Australian subscription television, Foxtel and Netflix, joined forces yesterday in an unprecedented partnership allowing viewers to watch their entire entertainment libraries without dropping the remote control.
The highly anticipated pairing will see Netflix shows delivered through Foxtel set-top boxes, putting Stranger Things alongside Big Little Lies for the first time.
Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany also revealed plans to add more streaming services to the company’s hardware in future, as well as launching personalised recommendations for viewers, and a new Foxtel iQ remote control with voice commands.
Market analysts said the meeting of the two television “frenemies” had the potential to “shake up the market” and deliver an unexpected subscription windfall.
In announcing Foxtel’s widely tipped but seemingly unlikely pairing with Netflix, Mr Delany said viewers would be able to access the US streaming service directly through new menus coming to more than 1.1 million Foxtel iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes.
“Imagine if you just finished watching Big Little Lies … (and you thought) I want to watch something else. And, as we know, someone might say there’s another show, maybe on Netflix, to watch. Imagine if you could just simply press a button,” he said. “Netflix has been completely integrated into a very deep way into the Foxtel experience.”
The Foxtel set-top boxes will receive new software and a new look between now and November, starting with iQ4 devices today. Subscribers with iQ3 devices will receive the update from September. Additional streaming services would be added to the Foxtel devices “in the coming months,” Mr Delany said, naming SBS On Demand as a future addition. Cairns Post. What do I need to watch and access Netflix through Foxtel? Foxtel will deliver the new feature to iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes with an internet connection but you’ll also need a Netflix subscription. Will other streaming services be available? Yes. The Netflix app will be launched first with plans to add ABC iView, SBS On Demand and other streaming services. What happens if I already have a Netflix subscription? You can enter your existing account details into the Foxtel iQ3 or iQ4 menu to access the service. What happens if I don’t already have a Netflix subscription? You can sign up to Netflix through the Foxtel iQ4 menu Will I get a free Netflix trial as part of the new deal? All new Netflix users can access the service free for the first 30 days. Foxtel will also offer six months of Netflix free for Foxtel subscribers who take up a new $58 per month offer on a 12-month contract.