Pay-TV provider, Foxtel, has unveiled a dramatic re-design of its user interface, including the integration of Netflix within its viewing platform.
The move seeks to position Foxtel as the home of premium television, bringing ‘the very best’ of LIVE and on-demand TV, sport, movies, TV shows, docos and kids content “all in one place.”
“I can’t think of a better streaming partner to kick off The New Foxtel Experience than Netflix,” remarks Foxtel Chief Executive, Patrick Delaney.
“The new customer interface puts two entertainment powerhouses together providing Foxtel customers with access to Netflix service alongside our Foxtel Originals and programs from HBO, FX, the BBC and more.”
SBS on Demand will also arrive in coming months, integrated within the platform similar to Netflix.
Latest research from Roy Morgan praises the Foxtel-Netflix alliance, asserting mutual benefit for both parties – e.g. reducing churn, or increasing exposure.
“Enabling the 5 million Australians with household access to Foxtel to view the streaming service through their Foxtel IQ box is a solid defensive measure to help prevent existing Foxtel subscribers ditching the service to move to cheaper alternatives and provides an extra incentive for new users to sign up for Foxtel,” asserts Roy Morgan CEO, Michele Levine.
“For Netflix the ability to link up with Foxtel’s News and Sport services and be a frictionless option for the 2 million Foxtel viewers who don’t currently access Netflix is an opportunity for growth in a market which may be reaching maturity.”
Existing Foxtel customers with an iQ3 and iQ4 will receive the new software upgrade in coming months.
“More than 1.1 million iQ3 and iQ4 set top boxes are already installed in our customers’ homes,” claims Mr Delaney.
The “New Foxtel Experience” including Netflix will start roll-out to iQ4 customers today, with completion expected in August.
The iQ3 roll-out will commence in September, and is slated for completion in November.
New customers can gain access to the New Foxtel Experience with sport, for $58/month on a 12-month plan inclusive of six months free Netflix.
The new user interface accesses Foxtel’s 16,000+ hours of TV and on-demand content via a click of the button on their existing remote control.
To commemorate the New Foxtel Experience, new customers will also receive a revamped remote boasting a dedicated home and Netflix button.
‘… we’re recognising our long-standing customers’ loyalty and are offering customers who have been with Foxtel for eight or more years a complimentary remote; customers who have been with us between three to eight years can purchase them for a discounted price of $29 while newer customers can purchase them for $49,” said a Foxtel spokesperson to SmartHouse.
The news comes as video streaming competition continues to heat up, with competition from the likes of CBS-owned 10 All Access and Disney’s forthcoming Disney+.
The company claims more on demand content than before is included in subscription packs including complete series box sets.
The re-designed interface boasts a slew of software upgrades including; personalised recommendations, watching movie trailers, one click ‘stream or download’, plus the ability to search for content based on actors.
Foxtel asserts the re-design seeks to significantly simplify how users navigate its viewing platform, and forgo the need for two remote controls.
