Foxtel evolves partnership with CommScope, launches streaming iQ5 device

The day has come when service providers can deploy a set top solution to provide live, streaming and on demand content to their subscribers that can be set up in minutes and without the need of a cable.

Foxtel, Australia's leading, next-generation subscription television company, understands that the viewing habits of subscribers are evolving to support a streaming led future. That’s why CommScope, a global leader in home networking solutions, was selected once again by Foxtel to provide their subscribers with the new iQ5 streaming set top box solution.

Foxtel subscribers can experience an unrivalled entertainment experience through the iQ5 set top box that boasts a simple plug and play set-up, allowing customers to be streaming over 50,000 hours of content within minutes, with no cable or satellite installation required. This innovative product solution can be deployed in a subscriber’s home using Wi-Fi, satellite, or a fully integrated hybrid experience. The compact and sleek device allows subscribers to view content in 4K Ultra High Definition on the big screen with a brand-new ultra-fast chip.

The iQ5 features a stacked design with a detachable 1TB hard drive so subscribers can record their favorite shows and software enhancements including greater personalization and easier navigation will elevate the user experience. Through the iQ5, viewers can unlock even more streaming apps than ever before from Foxtel including Netflix, YouTube, ABC iView, SBS On Demand, Amazon Prime, Vevo and coming soon to the Foxtel platform, Paramount+ and 10Play.

By partnering with CommScope’s Professional Services organization, Foxtel was provided with a fully managed service to design, develop, and deploy their flagship set top box software for iQ5. The launch of iQ5 was a true collaboration between the two companies – from inception to launch – and provides the same viewing experience one might have using satellite or IP on a more flexible hardware platform.

“CommScope worked closely together with Foxtel to bring the iQ5 to fruition,” said Phil Cardy, Vice President, International PLM, Home Networks, CommScope. “The success of the iQ5 launch is a testament to the ability of both CommScope and Foxtel leveraging each other’s expertise. Even during these difficult times, CommScope and Foxtel were able to leverage a global team, including a local presence in Australia, to create a highly effective development project.”

Foxtel and CommScope’s collaboration efforts were recognized by Good Design Australia with the iQ5 being named a Good Design Award Winner in the Consumer Electronics Category. The Good Design Awards are recognized as the highest honor in Australia for industrial design and are internationally recognized awards for design and innovation in various industries.

“CommScope has been a valued and long-time strategic partner and has been instrumental in delivering truly innovative set-top platforms for our subscribers,” said Nick Dandy, Group Director of Product Innovation, Foxtel. “At Foxtel, we’re always looking for ways to disrupt through technological advancements and the launch of the iQ5 marks a huge milestone for the future of streaming at Foxtel. We are thrilled with the level of innovation CommScope’s Professional Services team has brought to this award-winning product.”

The iQ5 also has remote management protocols for reducing Foxtel’s costs and can be managed with CommScope’s ECO Service Management solutions. This provides Foxtel the visibility into their subscribers’ home network, and the ability to automate and improve their subscriber’s devices and experiences. CommScope is a global leader in providing service providers, like Foxtel, with the tools to remotely manage subscriber devices.

“The long-term relationship we have with Foxtel is a prime example of how important collaboration is when launching new and innovative set top solution,” Cardy added. “It also demonstrates the technical leadership CommScope has in the video software space.”

CommScope and Foxtel’s home networking partnership began in 2004 and expanded with the launch of the iQ2 set top in 2008. Then, with the launch of the iQ3 set top in 2015, it marked the first time CommScope introduced the Elements platform software giving Foxtel subscribers improved personalization, easier navigation and recommendations based on their viewing preferences and history. The Elements platform continued to play an important role in the set top’s evolution with the launch of iQ4 in 2018 and the iQ5 today.