4K TV: Is it time for Australia to upgrade their HDTVs?

4K TV: Is it time for Australia to upgrade their HDTVs?

IN an Australian-first, Foxtel has announced the launch of its own 4K channel which is set to deliver next-generation TV to its subscribers.

Aussie cricket fans will be the first to benefit from the new channel, with Foxtel planning to shoot all Australian Tests, One Day Internationals, and selected Big Bash matches in crisp 4K resolution.

The new channel - which will launch in October - will also showcase documentaries, concerts and movies in razor sharp images and eye-popping colour.

The news was announced on Tuesday night by Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany who described it as “TV like never before”.

At a star-studded launch at Fox Studios in Sydney, attending by sporting greats Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist who will both be part of the new Fox Sports cricket commentary team, Mr Delany also announced the arrival of the iQ4, its most advanced streaming set top box yet.

“From today, any set-top box sold by Foxtel will be 4K-enabled, so get ready to see content like never before,” Mr Delany said.

“And from October, Foxtel will launch Australia’s first ever 4K channel.”

The iQ4 box is designed to be continually upgraded with newer, smarter features as they become available. It will also enable subscribers with a compatible 4K TV to access Foxtel’s entertainment and sports service in both HD and 4K UHD.

“Innovation is in Foxtel’s DNA and we have continuously redefined entertainment for Australia putting us at the centre of connecting subscribers with the sports and the shows they love,”said Mr Delany.

“Today’s news is just the first step into a 4K future – this incredible experience will continue to expand as we bring even more sport and entertainment programming to life in guaranteed 4K, making the most of today’s ultra-modern 4K TVs.”

The 4K announcement comes three months after Foxtel and Fox Sports merged into a single company, with News Corp (the publisher of news.com.au) now the majority owner.

Australians can currently only access 4K content from 4K Blu-rays, or online services including Stan and Netflix.

The Australia vs South Africa One Day International cricket match will kick off Foxtel’s sports coverage on November 4.