Austar vs. Foxtel

Attribute	Austar	Foxtel
Company	Austar	Foxtel
Ownership	Owned by Austar United Communications Limited	Owned by News Corp Australia
Service Type	Satellite television	Cable television
Availability	Rural and regional areas of Australia	Urban and regional areas of Australia
Channels	Wide range of channels	Wide range of channels
HD Channels	Limited HD channels	Wide range of HD channels
On-Demand Content	Available	Available
Price	Varies depending on package	Varies depending on package
Customer Base	Smaller customer base	Larger customer base

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a pay television provider in Australia, two of the most popular options are Austar and Foxtel. Both companies offer a wide range of channels and services, but there are some key differences between them. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Austar and Foxtel, helping you make an informed decision about which provider is right for you.

Channel Selection

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pay television provider is the channel selection. Both Austar and Foxtel offer a vast array of channels, including popular options like sports, movies, news, and entertainment. However, Foxtel tends to have a larger selection of channels overall, with over 100 channels compared to Austar's 80 channels. This means that Foxtel subscribers have access to a wider variety of content, including exclusive channels like Fox Sports and Fox Showcase.

While Austar may have a smaller channel lineup, it still offers a diverse range of programming to cater to different interests. Austar subscribers can enjoy channels like ESPN, National Geographic, and the Lifestyle Network, providing a mix of sports, documentaries, and lifestyle content.

High Definition (HD) Channels

If you are a fan of high-definition television, the availability of HD channels is an important consideration. Both Austar and Foxtel offer a selection of HD channels, allowing viewers to enjoy their favorite shows and movies in stunning detail. However, Foxtel has a slight edge in this area, with a larger number of HD channels compared to Austar.

Foxtel subscribers can access popular channels like Fox Sports HD, Fox Showcase HD, and Fox Movies HD in high definition, enhancing the viewing experience. Austar, on the other hand, offers HD versions of channels like ESPN HD and National Geographic HD, but the overall number of HD channels is smaller compared to Foxtel.

On-Demand Content

In today's digital age, the availability of on-demand content is a significant factor for many television viewers. Both Austar and Foxtel offer on-demand services, allowing subscribers to access a wide range of movies, TV shows, and other content at their convenience.

Foxtel's on-demand service, known as Foxtel On Demand, provides an extensive library of content that can be streamed or downloaded. Subscribers can catch up on missed episodes of their favorite shows, binge-watch entire seasons, or explore a vast collection of movies. Foxtel On Demand also offers exclusive content and premieres, giving subscribers access to new releases before they are available elsewhere.

Austar's on-demand service, called Austar Anytime, offers a similar range of content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Subscribers can stream or download their favorite programs, ensuring they never miss a moment of their preferred shows. While Austar Anytime may not have the same level of exclusive content as Foxtel On Demand, it still provides a convenient way to access on-demand entertainment.

Additional Features

Aside from channel selection and on-demand content, there are other features to consider when comparing Austar and Foxtel. Both providers offer features like live pause, rewind, and recording capabilities, allowing viewers to control their television experience.

Foxtel takes it a step further with its advanced set-top box, known as the Foxtel iQ4. This device offers 4K Ultra HD support, allowing subscribers to enjoy select channels and on-demand content in stunning detail. The iQ4 also provides the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, store hundreds of hours of content, and access additional features like voice control.

Austar, on the other hand, offers the Austar MyStar HD set-top box, which provides high-definition support and basic recording capabilities. While it may not have the same advanced features as the Foxtel iQ4, it still offers a reliable and user-friendly television experience.

Pricing and Packages

When it comes to pricing, both Austar and Foxtel offer a range of packages to suit different budgets and preferences. The cost of each provider's packages can vary depending on factors like the number of channels, inclusion of HD content, and additional features.

Foxtel's pricing structure is divided into different tiers, with the base package offering a selection of channels and the option to add on additional packages for sports, movies, and more. The cost of Foxtel packages can range from affordable options to higher-priced plans that include premium content.

Austar also offers various packages, allowing subscribers to choose the one that best fits their needs. The pricing for Austar packages tends to be slightly lower compared to Foxtel, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Austar and Foxtel offer a wide range of channels, on-demand content, and additional features to enhance the television viewing experience. Foxtel tends to have a larger channel selection, more HD channels, and advanced features like the Foxtel iQ4 set-top box. However, Austar provides a more affordable option with a diverse range of programming and convenient on-demand access.

Ultimately, the choice between Austar and Foxtel will depend on your specific preferences, budget, and viewing habits. It is recommended to carefully consider the attributes of each provider and compare their packages to determine which one aligns best with your needs. Whether you choose Austar or Foxtel, both providers offer quality entertainment options that will keep you entertained for hours on end.