Australian IPTV Heating Up
June 2010
In June 2010, Telstra launched its “T-Box” IPTV service nationwide, offering Terrestrial DTT channels, the BigPond TV service, as well as OTT content from providers like YouTube. The new service uses middleware and set-top boxes from Netgem. In the next six months, Telstra will add HD channels to the T-Box service. Telstra has over 8.8 million fixed-line customers across the country.
Telstra’s T-Box will sell at retail for about A$299 (US$255) and the content on its service will be totally free. (The A$299 fee can also be paid in 24 monthly installments, which is essentially like a monthly fee.)
By contrast, competitor iiNet sells a more expensive STB/DVR. The iiNet set-top box (also made by Netgem) will cost A$499 (US$425) plus a monthly fee of A$19.95 (US$17).
Telstra also said it was building out its content delivery network to build 12 network and media centers around Australia, to cache and speed delivery of Internet video content. Telstra is delivering the BigPond TV service, which includes live news, sports and music, as well as on-demand movies. Not only will the BigPond TV content be delivered to the T-Box, but also to Internet connected TVs from Sony, Toshiba, LG, and others.
Source: MRG, Inc., June 2010 IPTV Bulletin
Swisscom Adding 3D Service at N0 Additional Cost
June 2010
Swizterland-based Operator Swisscom said it added 3D content to its Swisscom TV service at no additional cost to subscribers. Any customer with a 3D TV can now view 3D content on a number of
channels, since the set-top box is already 3D compatible. In addition, Swisscom is adding more HD channels on its service starting June 2010. As of the 1Q/2010, Swisscom has 275,000 customers for Swisscom TV (previously called “Bluewin TV”).
Source: MRG, Inc., June 2010 IPTV Bulletin
ABC Looking To Begin A Pay Service for Internet Video/OTT
June 2010
ABC is reportedly looking to begin a pay service for its Internet video (OTT) services, according to a recent online survey. The price may be about US$1.99 and US$4.99 a month and would have fewer commercials than it currently has now. Consumers could get the latest 5 episodes of programs online, plus the most recent episode available immediately after airing in their time zone. If consumers opt not to pay, they can only see the last two episodes of current programs, but no long-tail content. Hulu also is planning to provide a pay service, for an estimated US$9.95 a month to access long-tail content and other recent shows.
Source: MRG, Inc., June 2010 IPTV Bulletin
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