Telstra has launched the latest version of its Telstra TV device which can bring together free-to-air TV, subscription TV and on-demand streaming into one unit which is capable of displaying 4K HDR content.
The new Telstra TV will be available to Telstra fixed broadband customers from October 31.
It is a Roku-powered device like the original which sold more than a million units – outselling Apple TV and Chromecast.
And as well as bringing together lots of content in one place, the new Telstra TV includes a handy universal search feature that runs across all streams and catch-up services so you can find what you’re looking and even recommend programs and tell you where and when you can watch it.
This is a pain point for customers with 65 per cent of viewers frustrated they can’t find the content they were looking for, according to recent research.
“Entertainment plays a huge role in our lives and there’s never been more content – live or streaming – available for Australians than there is right now to watch on TV screens, mobile, tablet and laptops,” said Michele Garra, Telstra’s executive director of media.
“Despite this innovation and choice, it has become increasingly difficult for consumers to find what they want to watch, in addition to the frustration of switching between services and devices to keep the whole family happy and entertained.”
Users can log in to their Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Now accounts through the new Telstra TV and enjoy all their favourite shows in one place.
The new Telstra TV also integrates with a mobile app which allows users to search for content, plan their viewing and play that content anywhere.
The unit itself has been created by Roku and now includes a free-to-air tuner and can display 4K HDR (high dynamic range) content where available.
4K, also known as ultra high definition, has four times the resolution of full high definition.
Some programs on Netflix and Stan can be streamed in 4K HDR.
Streaming will also be more efficient and use less data thanks to content being encoded with HEVC (High Efficiency Video Codec).
KEY FEATURES
– Australia’s first integrated live TV, catch-up and on-demand search function – the only device in the country with the ability to search for specific titles across live TV, Foxtel Now, free-to-air catch-up and paid streaming services.
– Blended free-to-air and on-demand viewing experience – with the introduction of a free – to-air TV tuner, the new Telstra TV provides an aggregated user interface interface, featuring all of your favourite TV shows and movies all in one place . The enhanced EPG provides instant linkage from live TV to on-demand content at the touch of a button.
– Personalised content-led home screen – discover content from the home screen on both the new Telstra TV device and mobile app, without having to open individual apps.
– Unique Australian content catalogue available nowhere else – combining five catch-up services (ABC iView, SBS OnDemand, +7, 9Now and Tenplay), plus Foxtel Now, BigPond Movies, Netflix, Stan and, from 31 October, Hayu – and of course every free-to-air live channel.
– Premium app experience in and out of home – the Telstra TV app allows you to search, discover and watch via your mobile. Easily find the content you love, and lets you save it to watch later, create wish lists, and acts as a remote control for your home device.
– Options to add streaming services to your Telstra bill – bring together more of your entertainment expenses into one simple monthly payment with Foxtel Now and Netflix. Access to free apps – including YouTube, Roku Media Player and podcasts from TED as well as ABC iView, SBS On Demand, +7, 9Now and Tenplay.
– Hayu to hit the home screen – access to over 4,000 top reality TV episodes, including Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Real Housewives, the same day as they air in the US.
– Introduction of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) thanks to a faster processor, HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), Telstra TV will be able to deliver better quality content (4K & HDR)
TELSTRA TV APP
– Live TV Features – integration of Live TV into the Home Screen, Search, Remote Features and the addition of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
– More on-demand content – integration of all 5 free-to-air catch-up partners into the Home Screen experience, adding to existing content from Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now, BigPond Movies and Telstra Sports apps..
– Notifications centre – set your favourite shows and receive reminders about when the program is due to air and when it has been added to catch-up services.
– My List – save movies or the latest episodes of your favourite shows, to an individual My List for later viewing
Telstra TV will be available for $99 for new and re-contracting Telstra customers and $192 for those who want to purchase the device outright.
It will also be available on a contract for $8 over 24 months.
