Despite their woes in the court room, iiNet are still moving ahead with their plans to launch IPTV services next month.

The ISP has already started trialling the internet television service with a group of its own staff.

iiNet are set to compete with a number of other companies due to launch similar services, including FOXTEL, Internode and Telstra.

iiNet chief executive Michael Malone said the service will launch commercially “towards the end of the month,” with a small group of internet savvy users. A more aggressive advertising push will take place next quarter.

The reason for the slow sign up period is because unlike the company’s last service/device — the integrated BoB router and telephone device — IPTV is still quite new in Australia.

“BoB — was fundamentally taking a lot of existing elements that were already pretty well tested in the Australian marketplace, and bringing them together in a single unit,” said Malone. “With IPTV, it’s testing a lot of stuff that’s fresh to the Australian market, [which] hasn’t been done before.”

iiNet doesn’t yet know what impact the service will have on its network.

During the company’s presentation on Thursday, Malone reveal more details on users can expect from the service.

iiNet will be offering the service through a subscription model, which will include the set-top box for connecting to users’ TVs.

The device will have “all the standard features”, like multiple free-to-air tuners, video recording, an electronic programming guide, video-on-demand and selected web applications.

There will also be what Malone describes as “linear channels”, including Discovery and National Geographic, channels previously only available to cable TV subscribers.

Unlike Telstra’s upcoming T-Box — which is based on NetGem’s software and hardware — the iiNet’s device will be custom built.

Pricing for the service and any content deals the company has signed are still under wraps.

Content providers are “all keen to get their content to market,” but are concerned about the digital rights management technology to ensure content isn’t pirated.

Source: apcmag.com

With all the buzz surround 3D at the moment (thanks to James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ and all the 3D TV displays at CES last week), it comes as no surprise that FOXTEL have responded with plans for 3D TV trials in 2011.

Gizmodo Australia contact the pay-TV provider, here’s what they had to say.

FOXTEL CEO Kim Williams:

“FOXTEL has been closely monitoring 3D developments since January of 2009 and has an active program for 3D broadcasting in its Engineering Development Labs,” said FOXTEL CEO Kim Williams.

“3D is an exciting development in broadcasting and FOXTEL HD set top units have already carried 3D signals in our premises with terrific picture clarity. FOXTEL will continue to run laboratory trials on 3D transmissions over the next year,” Mr Williams said.

Commenting on timing for 3D release Mr Williams said, “I expect that FOXTEL will bring its first test broadcasts in 3D to subscribers in 2011 when full product details will be revealed. It will be an exciting addition to our range of high quality HD products which now encompasses the most comprehensive offering in Australia with 15 twenty-four hour HD channels (including all mainstream sport and movie channels) and which will see the first all HD transmission of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games via four HD Channels in February – an exceptionally exciting Australian and world first for any Olympic broadcast.“

So there you have it. No need to fret, 3D is coming down under. But like all good things, you’ll just need to wait.

Source: Gizmodo Australia

Network Ten and Foxtel are gearing up for next year’s Commonwealth Games with the announcement of their respective broadcast plans, plus joint cross-platform sponsorship opportunities to advertisers during the Dehli 2010.

Ten’s broadcast coverage will include exclusive rights to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as a daily roster of sporting events on Ten and 24-hour sports channel One.

Foxtel’s coverage will include 24-hour coverage of sporting events on its six high definition and six standard definition sports channels. Their Commonwealth Games coverage will be enhanced by live information and updating statistics via their interactive services. Foxtel will also have exclusive coverage on their online and mobile platforms.

The integrated sponsorship opportunities for advertisers will cover free-to-air broadcast on Network Ten and One; subscription TV on Foxtel; and online and mobile platforms through each broadcasters respective outlets.

“With Network Ten and Foxtel already sharing broadcast feeds and production facilities, it seems logical to offer clients cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. Through integrated sponsorships, we are able to support consistent campaigns across Ten, One and Foxtel, while extending opportunities for clients to reach the broadest possible Commonwealth Games audience,” said Network Ten’s chief executive officer, Grant Blackley.

The XIX Commonwealth Games which will be held in Delhi, India from October 3 – 14, 2010.

Media Release

NETWORK TEN AND FOXTEL TEAM UP FOR A FULLY INTEGRATED CROSS-PLATFORM PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 2010 DELHI COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Network Ten and FOXTEL today announced plans to broaden the scope of their joint venture to include the marketing of combined sponsorship packages for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Details of the landmark agreement were announced by Network Ten’s Chief Executive Officer, Grant Blackley, and FOXTEL’s Chief Executive Officer, Kim Williams AM.
Under the terms of the agreement, Network Ten and FOXTEL will extend their joint broadcast and production plans by offering clients integrated sponsorship opportunities across free-to-air, subscription TV, online and mobile platforms.

The venture between Network Ten and FOXTEL will allow clients to invest in ‘pre-Games’ and ‘in-Games’ sponsorship packages across the four platforms through a single point of contact, expanding clients’ access to the full spectrum of advertising platforms across free- to-air and subscription television.

As part of the agreement, the partners will develop and produce tailored creative and promotional activity which will be broadcast across TEN, the 24-hour digital sports channel, ONE, and FOXTEL’s six dedicated standard definition and six dedicated high definition channels delivered on subscription television, as well as online and over mobile platforms.

Commenting on the agreement, Network Ten’s chief executive officer, Grant Blackley said: “Shared broadcast rights mean that, for the first time, Australians will be able to access Commonwealth Games coverage when they want and in the format they want it. The shared broadcast rights will expand the total Commonwealth Games audience by offering sports fans a broader range of viewing options.”

“With Network Ten and FOXTEL already sharing broadcast feeds and production facilities, it seems logical to offer clients cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. Through integrated sponsorships, we are able to support consistent campaigns across TEN, ONE and FOXTEL, while extending opportunities for clients to reach the broadest possible Commonwealth Games audience,” Mr Blackley said.

FOXTEL’s chief executive officer, Kim Williams said: “FOXTEL is pleased to have teamed up with Network Ten to bring the Commonwealth Games coverage back to Australia. Now with this extension of our cooperation with Network Ten into the advertising area, Australian marketers will also share the benefits. We will offer clients the opportunity to run integrated sponsorship campaigns across four advertising platforms and also provide for the first time an opportunity for advertisers to run interactive advertising campaigns on both Network Ten and FOXTEL.”

Network Ten and FOXTEL together acquired the broadcast rights to the XIX Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Delhi, India from 3 – 14 October 2010.

Network Ten’s coverage will include exclusive live broadcast rights to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as a daily schedule of sporting events broadcast on channel TEN and simulcast on the Network’s 24-hour high definition digital sports channel, ONE.

FOXTEL’s coverage will include 24-hour telecasts of sporting events on its six high definition and six standard definition sports channels all enhanced by constantly updating statistics and Games information via its interactive services. FOXTEL will stream its coverage exclusively onto the online and mobile platforms.

Source: Network Ten

Media Release

FOXTEL Next Generation

FOXTEL CEO Kim Williams AM, today unveiled the exciting new details of the next generation of FOXTEL.

The announcement was another history making step in the Australian television industry, with news the country’s number one subscription television provider, FOXTEL, will launch 30 additional channels this year.

Along with the new channels, will come a state-of-the-art online television service, significant technological upgrades to FOXTEL’s television guide and new channel packages, designed to provide more flexibility and better value to our customers.

FOXTEL Next Generation will launch on Sunday November 15, 2009, with the FOXTEL Download service fast-tracked to kick off free to all subscribers Thursday October 1, 2009.

Williams said: “Since the launch of digital in 2004, this is the most significant milestone in FOXTEL’s history. With FOXTEL Next Generation, a new phase of television will be created for Australian consumers. We are moving forward, adapting technology to give our subscribers the power to tailor viewing to their needs.

“FOXTEL Next Generation and the iQ Value Pack options mean every subscriber will get an iQ for free, forever changing the way they experience television.

“There are twelve new iQ Value Packs which have been designed to offer the best value for money and range of choice to meet diverse tastes, needs and price points.”

“Having an iQ, powered by Next Generation, means there are three viewing options for every television program, special event or movie – watch it live, watch it On Demand, or watch it recorded to the iQ. FOXTEL Next Generation now makes it truly possible to watch what you want, when you want and with our new FOXTEL download service, where you want.

“We continue to improve our service and expand our channel offering, we now have almost 200 channels on the FOXTEL platform providing premium programming across all genres. FOXTEL Next Generation not only offers our subscribers more viewing options, it uses technology to take the FOXTEL television experience online, which gives our service great portability, adaptability and even better value.”

FOXTEL Next Generation will deliver exciting new benefits added to FOXTEL over the coming months:

• There will be 30 new channel choices including themed movie channels, new sports and documentary channels, and tailored general entertainment channels.
• The 12 new channels brands are LifeStyle YOU, 13TH STREET, The Style Network, Eurosport, KidsCo, FMC, STARPICS, showtime action, showtime comedy, showtime drama, Discovery Turbo MAX and Nat Geo Wild.
• FOXTEL HD+ will be home to 15 High Definition channels – including four dedicated HD sports channels and six new HD movie channels.
• The 10 new HD channels are FOX SPORTS 1HD, 2HD and 3HD, FOX8 HD, W HD, MOVIE ONE HD, showcase HD, showtime action HD, showtime premiere HD, STARPICS 1HD and 2HD, and UKTV HD.
• A brand new movie service with 16 dedicated movie channels tailored by genre with no advertising interruptions to any movie, ever.
• FOXTEL is also introducing eight new timeshift channels, these are 111 HITS +2, Discovery Channel +2, Discovery Turbo MAX +2, LifeStyle FOOD Channel +2, LifeStyle YOU +2, SCI FI +2, showcase two and STARPICS +2.
• New iQ Value packs that gives subscribers two choices – build your own package and add an iQ or take an iQ Value pack that includes an iQ for free.
• Australia’s best download service, FOXTEL Download – a FREE catch-up television service for subscribers at www.foxtel.com.au/download.
• A new FOXTEL Guide for iQ and updated guide for iQ2.
• New search functionality with an interactive TV Guide feature called iSuggest for iQ and iQ2 subscribers.
• Immediate recording details of favourite shows for iQ and iQ2 subscribers with Record Me, which sends shows straight to the iQ Planner simply by pressing the Green button on the remote during a show’s promo.
• Movies On Demand – A new FOXTEL Box Office with up to 40 recent release movies to choose from at any one time.
• New SKY News Local ACTIVE screens for each of Australia’s five capital cities and improved Weather ACTIVE.

Source: FOXTEL

By now, most of us have already received our tax bonus from the government. You know, the free nine hundred bucks from K-Rudd’s huge package?

As avid TV watchers and all round television junkies, we thought, why not spend our free monies on TV. After all, if we’re going to help stimulate the economy, we might as well spend it on something we love!

So here are a few television items you might consider purchasing during these troubled times.

Average price: $100 - $200 ($300 with built in HDD).

Okay, so this is a pretty clear choice.

With Freeview and the digital TV transition happening soon(ish), there’s no reason why we couldn’t put down a few hundred bucks on a high def digital set top box.

Cause we all want sport in HD, right One?

'Underbelly' Uncut

If you love Australian television, then your DVD collection isn’t complete without ‘Underbelly’. Why not help boost Australian drama production while your’re at it?

‘Underbelly’ is available for $64.97 from EzyDVD.

‘Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities’ is available for $54.97 from EzyDVD, out 27th May.

With the economic down turn, perhaps you’re going out less. Then a FOXTEL subscription might be for you.

For $40 a month, get access to over 36 channels. That’s almost two years of cable TV courtesy of K-Rudd.

If you’re thinking of subscribing to Foxtel, then why not use our affiliate link and help support our site.

An official announcement was made earlier today that the Nine Network has finally bitten the bullet and sold the first run rights of niche shows: Chuck, Privileged, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Pushing Daisies to Foxtel. So you may ask, why did Nine sell them to Foxtel instead of Network Ten or Seven. The main reason is Nine do not want to see their rivals benefit from their own loss, every year the ratings race is a tightly fought out battle and Nine do not want to give their rivals any fire power which might come back to bite them. But where does this leave viewers who don’t have Foxtel? This will only drive people towards piracy and given Australians already top the list in downloading illegal TV shows, these numbers will only sky-rocket. This output deal notion is flawed and should be overhauled to allow networks to bid for shows that target their audience or perhaps trading of shows between networks?

Chuck season one premieres on FOX8 January 2009.

Privileged season one premieres on FOX8 early 2009.

Pushing Daisies series premieres on W early 2009.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles season one premieres on FOX8 January 2009.

So for all you couch potatoes who want to sample great drama and haven’t downloaded the aforementioned shows, I’d highly recommend them all. If you don’t have enough time to watch them all, after thinking long and hard here is how I would rank them (Hopefully it makes it a lot easier):

1. Privileged

2. Chuck

=3. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

=3. Pushing Daisies

Press Release:

FOXTEL announced today it has secured a range of exclusive new U.S. programming for its Owned & Operated Channels following an agreement with Channel Nine and Warner Bros.

The new series, Chuck, Privileged, Pushing Daisies and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, will all screen exclusively on FOXTEL from early next month. Under the deal terms, Channel Nine has relinquished its first run window to FOXTEL, which will have exclusive first run rights to all series.

FOXTEL Executive Director of Television and Marketing Brian Walsh said: “In obtaining these compelling, quality U.S. programs, FOXTEL reinforces its robust commitment to provide our subscribers with more exclusive and first run programming.

“We continue to deliver the premium programming across a range of genres to our viewers – ahead of other television networks – and the new Warner Bros series add to the already impressive line-up of first run series screening on FOXTEL this summer including the hit shows Gossip Girl, Entourage, America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and American Idol, as well as Australian programs An Aussie Goes Calypso, and new series The Phone.”

Chuck
Season One Exclusive Australian Premiere in January 2009 on FOX8 (as seen on U.S. network NBC).

When Chuck Bartowski opens an email subliminally encoded with the government’s most precious secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at a Buy More Electronics store. Instead of fighting computer viruses, he must now confront assassins and international terrorists.

Privileged
Season One Exclusive Australian Premiere in early 2009 on FOX8 (as seen on U.S. network CW).

Megan Smith is having a bad day, her New York apartment burned down, she just got fired from her job at a tabloid magazine and she accidentally dyed her hair an unnervingly bright colour. Things start to look up when she is offered a position in Palm Beach, working as a tutor for 16-year-old twin billionaires. In exchange for getting the girls into Duke University, Megan will get to live amongst the rich and fabulous, and have the remainder of her college loans covered. Privileged is based on the book How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean.

Pushing Daisies
Series One Exclusive Australian Premiere in early 2009 on W. (as seen on U.S. network ABC).

As a boy, Ned discovered that he could return the dead briefly back to life with just one touch. Now a pie maker, Ned puts his ability to good use touching dead fruit to make it ripe with everlasting flavour, and working with a private investigator to crack murder cases by raising the dead to name their killers. But the tale gets complicated when Ned brings his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, back from the dead – and keeps her alive. Life would be perfect for Ned and Chuck, except for one cruel twist – if he ever touches her again, she’ll go back to being dead and this time for good.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Season One begins January 2009 followed by Australian Premiere of Season Two on FOX8 (As seen on U.S. network FOX).

At the end of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” Sarah Connor vanquished the Terminator sent from the future to kill her 15-year-old son, John. Sarah and John now find themselves alone in a very dangerous, complicated world. Fugitives from the law, they are confronted with the reality that still more enemies from the future and the present could attack at any moment. John knows he may be the future saviour of mankind, but he is not yet ready to take on the mantle of leadership that he’s told is his destiny.

These exciting new programs add to the stellar line-up for the 2009 season, including 15 local productions such as Australia’s Next Top Model Series Five, Project Runway (Australia) Series Two, Football Superstar Series Two, and new comedy programs The Pam Ann Show and 30 Seconds.

Foxtel recently announced the programming line-up and advertising partners for its new channel 111 Hits which launches on November 1, 2008.

“111 HITS is a high energy, high impact channel and we expect it to attract a big audience amongst its target demographic,” MCN General Manager Damian Keogh

“It’s appropriate that some of Australia’s biggest brands want to be visible in that space from moment it goes to air. Some quick thinking by OMD allowed them to secure the space exclusively for their clients McDonalds, Reckitt Benckiser and Telstra who will be the only advertisers on 111 HITS during November. These brands will also have high visibility throughout the coming months.”

Programming has been slowly revealed through promotions on other Foxtel channels, with presenters discussing a show and their memories of it. A majority of the shows have been moved from Arena, FOX8, The Comedy Channel and Fox Classics.

Triple Hits will feature such shows as Will and Grace, Friends, 3rd Rock From The Sun, and Ally McBeal.

2 PAULA’S FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

Grammy-Nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi has joined American Idol as a fourth judge. She will sit alongside Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges’ table and use her background as an award-winning songwriter and producer to praise or critique the wannabe hopefuls throughout the competition. The eighth season of American Idol premieres January 2009 on FOX.

“We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

“We had originally intended for American Idol to have four judges,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”

Mike Darnell, President, alternative Programming of FOX, added, “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on American Idol. With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

One of the industry’s most sought after songwriters and producers, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. Her songs have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana and Pink. Scores of major recording artists including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey and Marc Anthony have also released DioGuardi’s songs.

Over the last four years, she has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. From her catalog of several hundred songs, over 264 have been released on major labels worldwide; and over 165 have appeared on multi-platinum selling albums. DioGuardi co-owns Arthous Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.

It is not yet known whether FOX8 will broadcast it again next year, however it was a ratings success on Foxtel drawing in 100,000 viewers near the end of the season.

I will keep you all posted in regards to what is going on in regards to broadcasting rights in 2009.

Lets just hope that TEN don’t get control over it.

Kyle XY is currently airing on FOX8 at 7:30pm Thursdays.   So far we know Kyle XY is some sort of strange being with no memory at all, no belly button, no prevoius life.  We know people are following him, watching his every move, but so far, we don’t exactly know why.  Some possible theories on who is Kyle XY could be the following:

• Is an Alien from outerspace accidently released by the government but still being kept a close eye on.
• Is suffering from a serious case of amnesia after commiting a murder and doesn’t want to face his consequences.
• Is some sort of genetic clone with an adjustment made to his brain so he is now able to learn everything at an accelerated rate.
• Is something to do with the professor, maybe a creation of his workings.

The Trager family has taken him in with no where else to go and he is adjusting nicely, learning at a rapid rate.  Whatever it is the mystery is intriguing.  Kyle XY, the simple boy, who is extremely smart, yet has an extremely large heart will continue to capture the imagination of viewers.  The first season has 10 episodes.  Whether Foxtel will show the full 23 episode second season straight after the first is still yet to be decided.

If you have any Kyle XY theories we’d love to hear about them.  For those of you who have seen past the episodes currently airing on FOX8 please try not to spoil us.

It’s a new season of television! And boy is there a lot to talk about. In our first post-olympics podcast, we discuss Packed the Rafters, All Saints, Idol, Make Me a Supermodel, ABC Family, and plenty of Aussie Drama. The return of Cult Show of the Week and our new segment So You Think Concepts.  We wrap up by discussing the new season of Dancing with the Stars.