Details of the new box, called iQ2, and the new Foxtel HD+ service which will be "the most comprehensive HD service available to Australian consumers," according to Foxtel, were revealed at a media event today in Sydney.
The new box will allow customers to watch both HD movies and TV shows provided by the four new Foxtel HD stations, along with SD shows on Foxtel's current service which offers more than 100 channels, an electronic program guide (EPG) and interactive services including games.
A 320GB hard drive and three tuners will allow users to record two programs and watch a third program simultaneously, with a fourth tuner added to hold on-demand movies, meaning users can access them straight away without having to wait for them to download.
On-demand HD movies will be available for 48 each, allowing users to pause, rewind and fast forward the film as with a DVD movie.