It also means that Channel 7’s EPG information will be made available to Foxtel, giving the Pay TV operator the most comprehensive EPG on the Australian market.
The press release below doesn’t mention whether or not the new 7HD channel will be included in the agreement, although it would be realistic to expect that if it is included, it would only be for cable subscribers as well, and only then after Foxtel has launched its HD+ service.
MEDIA RELEASE: FEBRUARY 14, 2008
FOXTEL AND SEVEN SIGN DIGITAL RETRANSMISSION DEAL
Sydney, Australia, February 14, 2008 – In a win for Australian Television viewers,
FOXTEL and the Seven Network have signed a retransmission deal which will see
FOXTEL retransmit the Seven Network’s signal on FOXTEL’s digital platform.The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FOXTEL, Kim Williams AM, and
the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Media Group, David Leckie, signed the agreement
in Sydney today.The retransmission deal will provide cable retransmission of Seven’s digital signal on
FOXTEL’s platform, ensuring a clearer digital experience, in addition to Electronic
Programming Guide information, for FOXTEL subscribers watching Seven. It will be
available to FOXTEL’s cable subscribers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide,
Perth, and the Gold Coast in a matter of weeks. FOXTEL’s satellite subscribers in
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will receive digital retransmission in early 2009 – as
soon as the new Optus D3 satellite is operational.FOXTEL’s CEO, Kim Williams said: ““Today’s retransmission deal with FOXTEL and the
Seven Network has been a long time coming and means that FOXTEL now has
retransmission agreements with all networks. Consumers will enjoy unequalled access
to FOXTEL’s comprehensive range of digital services including the Electronic Program
Guide and iQ recording functionalities. FOXTEL will continue to work towards the
Government’s digital switchover plans.”Commenting, Mr Leckie said: “This is great news for our viewers and we are excited
about this new positive phase in our relationship with FOXTEL. Seven’s objective is to
deliver our programming to all Australians, and we look forward to making our
programming content and information available to more viewers than ever before.”Ends