Subscription video on demand service Presto is shutting down. But Foxtel – one of the Presto partners – will be relaunching its Foxtel Play streaming service to offer viewers easier access to exclusive content and live sports.
Foxtel and Seven West Media – the partners in the Presto joint venture – announced the service will cease on January 31, 2017.
Current Presto subscribers will be invited to move to the revamped Foxtel Play service from December 1, 2016.
“It has been great working with the team at Seven on Presto and we look forward to future collaborations,” said Peter Tonagh, Foxtel CEO.
“We are delighted to be able to offer Presto subscribers access to the new look Foxtel Play, which we know will be highly attractive to them.”
Foxtel and Seven West Media will continue to work together on the production of two new Home and Away specials which will be released this summer.
NEW FOXTEL PLAY IS BORN
While Presto will be closed down permanently early next year, Foxtel Play has been given new packages and new pricing. It will kick off on December 1, 2016.
Foxtel Play is an IP service which means it can be accessed using your home’s broadband connection.
The revamped Foxtel Play service is an evolution of the Foxtel service and will deliver cheaper and simpler access.
Existing Foxtel Play customers will be moved across to the new service when it kicks off on December 1.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST
There will be five entry level tiers on Foxtel Play including two Drama and Entertainment packs for $15 each or $25 for both.
Both of these packs include Showcase where exclusive shows like Game of Thrones will be screened.
Viewers can also add additional $10 packs including Lifestyle, Kids and Documentaries.
Sports and Movies can also be added on for $25 and $20 a month respectively.
Viewers will be able to watch all the live channels in their chosen tiers along with access to that tier’s catch-up, on-demand and library content.
There are no lock-in contracts so you can adjust your packages month to month or cancel the service at any time.
HOW MUCH DATA WILL IT USE
Foxtel Play is an IP service so you don’t need a set top box to watch it but a broadband connection with speeds of at least 3Mbps.
Foxtel says viewers could use up to 1.31GB of data per hour watching Foxtel Play and should check their data allowances with their internet service provider (ISP).
WHERE CAN I WATCH FOXTEL PLAY
Foxtel Play can be viewed on a smart TV, a PC or Mac computer, an Xbox One console, a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 console as well as on iOS or Android on tablet or smartphone.
Compatible smart TVs include Samsung (2012 and later), LG (2013 and later) and Sony (2014 and later) smart TVs.
Users can log into the Foxtel Play service on up to five devices. Foxtel Play users are also eligible to use the Foxtel Go app but using these will be included in device count of Foxtel Play.
WHAT RESOLUTION WILL WE SEE ON FOXTEL PLAY
Foxtel Play viewers will be offered programming in standard definition – to begin with.
It is understood the service will move up to high definition in early 2017. There was no mention of 4K Ultra HD content.
IS THE NEW FOXTEL PLAY A THREAT TO THE FOXTEL IQ?
Foxtel Play is an IP service which means it uses data to supply the service.
A Foxtel IQ box delivers the service over a cable or via satellite and will not have an impact on your monthly data allowances unless you access in-demand services.
Viewers cannot record programs with Foxtel Play while the Foxtel IQ allows users to schedule recordings and use series link.
The Foxtel IQ 3 set-top also offers high definition content and services like Start Over to catch the beginning of programs, suggested programs based on your viewing and Look Back so you can go back up to 24 hours to view a show you missed.
