Samsung is set to bundle the new Foxtel Full HD+ set top box with their new range of flat panel TV’s. The deal is in response to Sony’s Playstation PS3 deal which will see the Company give away 35,000 PS3 gaming/Blu ray consoles.
As part of the deal with Foxtel, Samsung will also pick up the $200 connection fee. Jesse James Public Relation Manager for Samsung confirmed the deal claiming that a major announcement is expected next week between the two partners.
According to Foxtel management the Company has been talking to Samsung for some time and are looking forward to the deal being rolled out as they are keen to grow their HD+ base in Australia which currently sits at between 15,000 and 20,000.
Earlier this week Foxtel announced new HD partnerships with the BBC.
The long-term agreement will see the BBC roll out three new HD channels in Australia from its new BBC-branded global portfolio.
In addition, two further new BBC channels – BBC Knowledge and CBeebies – will be the first BBC channels to launch on FOXTEL when it gains extra cable and satellite capacity in mid 2009.
Currently Foxtel broadcasts four channels in HD and the World Cup qualifier between Australia and China on the weekend was the first live Australian sporting broadcast on Foxtel in HD.
According to the Australian newspaper Samsung Electronics director of marketing Kurt Jovais described the partnership as a landmark agreement. “We are extremely excited about our partnership with Foxtel and hope to further cement Samsung’s leadership in HD,” he said.
“Our Foxtel partnership is icing on the cake for HD fans,” he added.
