Foxtel vs Austar
Foxtel and Austar are Australia’s leading subscription television service providers. The main business of Foxtel is the operation of both cable and direct broadcast satellite television services. On the other hand Austar in addition to subscription television offers dial-up internet and mobile telephone services. They are also involved in broadband service, which is on trail now.
It is important to note that Foxtel is the result of a joint venture between two other companies, namely, Telstra and News Corporation. It was formed in the year 1995. Austar was also formed in the same year, 1995. It is characterized by another feature, namely, Internet access. Austar was founded under the name of CETV.
The products marketed by Austar include subscription television, AustarNet and Austar mobile. On the other hand Foxtel markets products including Foxtel Digital, Foxtel iQ and Foxtel iQHD.
There are around 1500 employees associated with Foxtel whereas Austar too has provided employment to a great number of technologists and engineers. It is true that Austar’s television subscriber base has grown in recent years. It touched the 750,000 mark recently.
Foxtel Digital service include features such as channels with widescreen, pay-per-view, selected movies with Dolby AC3 5.1 channel surround sound and an interactive television guide and radio guide. On the other hand, Austar’s Anywhere is Austar online TV service allows one to watch and download full length programs.
One year ago Foxtel started an online download service that enables cable and satellite customers to view the Foxtel programs over their computers. It is interesting to note that this service is available free to customers.
Austar Broadband currently operates as a trial network in certain parts of Australia. Foxtel on the other hand has created history by launching Foxtel on Xbox Live. It is a streaming video service from Foxtel for Xbox 360 games console that are popular world-wide.
| Foxtel | Austar |
| Cable and Direct broadcast satellite television services | Primarily digital satellite services + dial-up internet and mobile |
| Mainly available within the cities | Available in regional and rural areas. |
| 1.63 million subscribing households | 750,000 subscribers |
| Products:
– Foxtel Digital – Foxtel iQ – Foxtel iQHD |
Products:
– Subscription television (Austar Anywhere, Mystar, Mystar HD) – AustarNet – Austar mobile |
| Features:Foxtel Digital
– widescreen channels – pay-per-view – selected movies with Dolby surround sound – interactive television and radio guide |
Features:Austar Anywhere
– watch and download full length programs – pay per view – on screen TV guide – flexible packages |
| Additional Services:- Foxtel on your PC for Free – download Foxtel programs to PC
– Foxtel on Xbox Live – video stream games from Foxtel to Xbox 360 – Foxtel for Business |
Additional Services:- Austra for Business
– Austar Broadband at trail stage |