Foxtel announces dedicated 4K cable channel

Foxtel has today announced that it will be adding a dedicated 4K channel to its lineup of satellite services, with channel 444 going live some time in October.

The channel will be included as a part of both the Platinum HD and Foxtel Sports HD subscriptions, and offer live sport, documentary, concert and movie content in 4K.

In particular, Foxtel is making a point of having the service available in time for the Australia vs South Africa One Day International cricket, which will begin Foxtel’s 4K sports coverage on November 4.

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The pay TV company has also announced the launch of a new set-top box – the iQ4 – which will be needed by customers keen on watching Foxtel’s new 4K content.

According to the company's announcement, “the iQ4 marks the start of a new wave of innovations for Foxtel that will maximise the value of a Foxtel subscription”, suggesting that the company will be trying its hardest to compete with the ever-growing ubiquity of streaming services such as Netflix and Stan.

During the announcement, the company mentioned “guaranteed 4K” a number of times, a phrase that refers to the satellite format and the fact that it doesn’t rely on a stable internet connection to deliver hi-res media – a limitation of the aforementioned streaming services.