Foxtel’s new streaming service: everything you need to know
After years of being on the backfoot of online video streaming, Australia has just taken yet another step towards catching up with the introduction of Foxtel Now. Replacing its failed Presto endeavour, Foxtel Now offers low-cost online access to its premium pay-TV service.
Users can choose from five different entry-level packs – Lifestyle, Docos or Kids for $10 per month, Drama or Pop for $15 – plus they can add Movies for an extra $20 per month or sport for $29 per month. Content will be available for streaming via desktop, mobile, Smart TVs, Chromecast and some video game platforms.
“Foxtel Now represents our most flexible and affordable entertainment service and brings with it HD streaming, a great new look and feel and the freedom to jump in and out based on your viewing preferences,” Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh explains.
What’s on offer
More than 1,750 TV shows and movies are available on demand (half of which are in high-definition) including Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, A Place to Call Home, Grand Designs and Selling Houses Australia.
How it compares
Netflix’s Australian service has just over 3,108 titles on offer with prices starting at $9.99, while Stan has over 1,400 for $10 and Amazon Prime Video has almost 570 for just $5.99.
Is it worth it
It depends what you’re after. Foxtel Now has exclusive rights to some of the most popular shows in the world (namely, HBO programming), affordable access to live sport and new-release movies up to 12 months before they’re released to competitors. However, you’ll need to bundle a few packs to get the most out of it, which could set you back much more than the $10 price point of its competitors. But if you’re after just one content pack, it could be the best value service for you.
Image credit: Bob Barker.