Days after Sony announced a 600 movie deal for their Playstation Network Microsoft has announced a major deal with Foxtel that will see their pay TV service streamed over the internet direct to TV’s attached to a Microsoft Xbox 360.
The new service allows Xbox 360 owners in Australia to access Foxtel channels including FOX Sports, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, and other leading channels via their Xbox 360 entertainment console.
The agreement also allows Xbox 360 owners to access Foxtel Video-on-Demand services, including television series and movies. Available nationally to all homes with a broadband internet connection, users will need an Xbox Gold subscription and an Xbox 360.
Foxtel claim that agreement brings together two of Australia’s most recognised and respected brands combining each company’s profound entertainment and consumer offerings.
Foxtel Chief Executive and Managing Director, Kim Williams AM said, “This is a very exciting new frontier. FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will provide our 1.6 million subscribing households, as well as new customers, a transformative way of receiving and enjoying Foxtel over the internet. We will offer Foxtel by Xbox LIVE with various packages and prices and under flexible agreements. It is an exciting new way of exploring FOXTEL’s universe of content for a new generation of customers.”
David McLean, Head of Entertainment and Devices, Microsoft Australia said, “The strategic partnership with Foxtel builds on our great range of entertainment offerings. We are proud of the new interactive entertainment experiences we continue to deliver to our customers and have no doubt that 2010 will be an exciting year for Xbox.”
“As we approach one million Xbox 360’s sold in Australia, we are looking forward to our customers having the opportunity to receive Foxtel by Xbox LIVE. Last year alone, Australians spent more than 106 million hours on Xbox LIVE including gaming and social networking. With this Foxtel partnership, there are more reasons than ever to connect your Xbox 360 to our online service,” said McLean.
Kim Williams added, “This significant partnership is true to our heritage of investing and innovating for customers who embrace new technology and content developments. With at least 30 live channels and a wide suite of Video on Demand services, delivered over the internet via Xbox LIVE, no other television service comes close to this revolutionary new IP offering, so that once again Foxtel is at the fore-front – a natural home for us.”
