How Open Platforms Drive Roll Out of Streaming TV and Other Services -- Like “Foxtel Now” in Australia

As traditional network service providers (NSPs) explore opportunities with streaming TV in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, a newly launched set-top box built on the open Android TV platform is giving Foxtel – one of Australia's leading pay-TV operators – the headwind it needs to capture more audience and launch innovative new services.

Streaming services are flourishing in the Australian market, with major network service providers in the region offering services based on Roku and Fetch TV's service based on its own streaming device. For this reason, it was important for Foxtel to launch a similar device, and to cater to new market segments, especially the millennials and new target audiences beyond the millennials," he says.

Foxtel's device uses Android TV and includes a free-to-air capability to meet the expectations for maximum choice that is being exhibited by subscriber base in Australia.

The shift to open platforms is a reflection of the improving broadband sector across APAC. Providers are moving from DSL to VDSL and some are moving aggressively toward fiber. As high-speed broadband becomes more prevalent, so will streaming devices. As a result, consumers expect those devices to offer more choices and also be low-cost and low-maintenance.

The "Foxtel Now" service, introduced in early November -- and built with Technicolor technology -- is designed to stream all TV content, including free-to-air, paid subscription services as well as internet, apps and games. The set top box technology developed by Technicolor supports 4K video, includes a built-in free-to-air tuner, 4K Chromecast support, the Google Play app for downloading movies and TV shows, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.

Technicolor will continue strengthen its partnerships with APAC providers like Foxtel, delivering technologies -- such as our gateways -- that help operators onboard new services more quickly and improve network speeds, prioritize content and enrich the viewing experience.

To listen a podcast interview with Christophe Cazes on this subject, visit: