The long-rumoured launch window for Foxtel's IQ3 set top box unit has been confirmed, with the unit coming to market in February next year.
Foxtel sent an email blast to customers who had expressed an interest in the new unit yesterday, with the brief email noting that it would be launched in February, after previously saying that it would be available by the end of this year.
The comments came as analysts suggested the launch would be delayed due to problems with the chipset in the unit.
The pay TV operator had previously announced the development of the new unit, which was rumoured to have 10 times the processing power of the previous model back in March.
The new unit will also reportedly allow users to record three shows at once while watchinga fourth, while it will give users an opportunity to see what shows are 'trending' in Australia and actively recommend shows a user may be interested in.
The email blast went out to customers yesterday confirming the new timing, but a Foxtel spokesman elected not to comment on other questions posed by AdNews this morning.
Entertainment site Nelbie claimed an internal memo from Foxtel outlined a cost of $150 per customer to upgrade to the new box, something the spokesperson shrugged off as “speculation”.
The site also said internet delivered video through the new unit will be unmetered for Telstra BigPond Home Broadband customers, as well as for Foxtel Broadband customers when that service launches next year.
The new launch window also gives a glimpse into the timing of Foxtel's new triple-play offering.
Foxtel and Telstra are currently going through the details on a new bundling deal to be launched next year, which will include phone, internet, and TV in the one package.
It is unclear whether Foxtel's new expanded subscription video on demand service, Presto, will have any role in the bundling or whether it will be offered solely as a separate service.
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