When Foxtel launched their iQ2 box back in 2008, the HD PVR had an Ethernet port on the back that the PayTV network promised would be unlocked in the future. Well, the future is apparently almost here, with Foxtel CEO Kim Williams telling Sky News that they’ll be launching Internet On Demand products launching from October.
According to Williams:
First we’ll see the whole On Demand products launched to the fleet of iQs. Over three quarters of a million iQs will be internet enabled before the end of this year.
“That will render for the customer around 1500 separate movies and television programmes on demand. It’s like bringing the biggest video store right into your living room.
David Knox at TV Tonight also reports that the service will expand to somewhere between 5000 and 6000 titles within the next three years, and that Foxtel are negotiating with Telstra to offer their service through the T-Box.
In addition to the IPTV services coming to the iQ, Williams also promised an iPad app, desktop widgets that allow live control of the iQ and an updated iPhone app which will include the iSuggest functionality.
Naturally, no pricing was announced for the IPTV services, but given the launch is only a couple of months away, it’s unlikely we’ll be waiting too long…
[TV Tonight via Lifehacker]
CreepinJesus
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 12:39 PMKnowing what they currently charge for this comparably bad system, it should be included for free!
Roland
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:41 PMBad? How so? I have it and it rocks. I can record and watch what I want and when I want in HD. Doesn’t get much better really. And it’s simple to set up.
Sure media centres can do better, but fo rmum and dads that dont’ have the skillz to do more it’s a great system.
Cost can be a little better admitedly.
CreepinJesus
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 10:40 PMIn my opionion it’s just a badly designed system. The interface is borderline horrible, it’s packed full of useless ports – not even the USB port does anything! I have an alarm clock that plays MP3s off a USB stick, but this? No.
We had a bad experience with Foxtel when we moved house as well – suffice to say we had 2 months’ subscription reimbursed… and that took a month.
David Culliford
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 3:45 PMcould not agree more Roland…
Mark
Monday, August 16, 2010 at 10:15 AMSeing as tho Telstra part own Foxtel I wonder if data will be unmetered on the Telstra network?
Brian
Friday, August 20, 2010 at 12:40 AMIt should have had wireless internet not a wired ethernet port.
The external dial up device for subscription services was obviously Telstra’s influence to keep promoting a need for a dedicated home phone line.
Joel
Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 10:51 PMThey haev an iphone app, now ipad app? what about android app?? I would say there are more android phones than ipads, and android is growing FAST.. IceTV supports iphone, ANDROID and have a mobile website so ANY other mobile device can remotely schedule shows..