Foxtel puts Netflix on iQ set-top boxes

Foxtel subscribers will be able to access Netflix through iQ set-top boxes as part of an upgrade.

Foxtel subscribers will be able to access Netflix through their iQ set-top boxes.

Foxtel subscribers will be able to access Netflix’s streaming content through their iQ set-top boxes as part of an upgrade of the platform.

Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany said the deal with Netflix “puts two entertainment powerhouses together”, providing Foxtel customers with access to the US streaming giant’s content library, alongside its original programs and shows from HBO, FX, the BBC and others.

The move, launched on Wednesday, is part of a rollout of a new interface for Foxtel’s iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes, which gives subscribers the ability to easily search through the broadcaster’s on-demand programming library.

“We want our customers to have the best of TV and on demand in Australia all in one place,” Mr Delany said.

“With our new user interface, accessing Foxtel’s 16,000 hours of TV and on demand content is as simple for customers as one-click on the home button of their existing remote control.

“So whether customers crave Wentworth or Orange is the New Black; Lambs of God or Stranger Things; Big Little Lies or The Crown, they will find it, and more, on Foxtel.”

Foxtel’s move follows a similar move by Sky TV in Britain, which last November started offering subscribers an integrated service that puts Netflix films and television series alongside its own shows in a new streaming-style show selector. Foxtel customers will need a Netflix subscription to access the streaming service.

Foxtel is offering new and existing customers a $58 package, consisting of all its drama and sports content, plus 6 months free access to Netflix on a 12 month contract.

People can also subscribe to Netflix through Foxtel, with the first 30 days free and then Foxtel will start billing the customer. An existing Netflix subscriber will be able to launch the streaming service on Foxtel with the touch of a button on Foxtel’s remote.

Foxtel, which is majority owned by News Corp Australia, publisher of The Australian, said the new interface would be available on its iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes, via software updates. There are more than 1.1 million iQ units in homes around Australia.

Starting on Wednesday, the new interface will be progressively rolled out to iQ4 customers, with updated scheduled to be completed by August. The iQ3 rollout will begin in September and take two months to complete.