Foxtel will add Netflix to its set-top boxes in the coming months

Foxtel will today start rolling out a new software update for iQ4 and iQ3 set-top boxes that integrates Netflix directly into the new user interface. Dubbed "The New Foxtel Experience", Foxtel's new software is about making on-demand content more accessible to its subscribers - whether it's from Foxtel's library or another source.

The New Foxtel Experience runs a standalone Netflix app, but there's also deep integration in Foxtel's software. Shows and movies from Netflix will be highlighted alongside Foxtel content in the set-top box's primary user interface. In addition, a new iQ remote will feature a Netflix button for jumping right into the app. 

The new remote will be $49, but free for customers who've been with Foxtel for more than eight years. Customers who've been with Foxtel for at least three years may be eligible for a discount. 

SBS On Demand will be incorporated in a similar way later this year, but won't have its own dedicated remote button.

The iQ interface itself has been redesigned to focused on content discovery. Much like Netflix, content is highlighted based on personalised recommendations, popularity, and genre.

Going into an individual show or movie will then provide recommendations on similar titles, and let you explore other content based on cast members.

If you're attempting to watch a show or movie that Foxtel licenses, you'll have the option to stream it, download it, or record it next time it's airing.

The New Foxtel Experience will start rolling out to existing customers with an iQ4 box from today, whereas the software will start going out to iQ3 boxes in September. All eligible Foxtel customers will have the update by November.

While the update should be hitting 50,000 subscribers initially, WhistleOut understands that customers with an iQ4 box should be able to manually force the update. To do so, you'll need to hold the power button on your iQ4 until it goes from blue to red to blue. When it does this, quickly push the power button three times until it goes orange. Your TV screen should then go blue and then bring up a progress bar. This will download and install the update. 

To celebrate its partnership with Netflix, Foxtel is offering new customers six months of free Netflix if they sign up to a bundle worth at least $49 per month. The Netflix subscription in question is worth $13.99 per month and supports two simultaneous users. Existing customers can get this offer too if they recontract for another 12 months. This offer is available until September 4. 

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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