CommScope and Australian pay TV provider Foxtel today announced the iQ5, a new streaming set-top box available to the operator’s new and existing subscribers.
The companies boasted that the “plug and play” device provides access to more than 50,000 hours of content via the internet, supports 4K Ultra HD and sports an “ultra-fast chip.” Besides the Foxtel Plus service, users will have access to streaming apps including Netflix, YouTube, ABC iView, SBS On Demand, Amazon Prime, Vevo and, soon, Paramount+ and 10Play.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the iQ5 is a stacked design with a detachable 1TB hard drive for storing recorded shows and handling software updates.
“CommScope worked closely together with Foxtel to bring the iQ5 to fruition,” said Phil Cardy, vice president of international PLM and home networks at CommScope, in a statement. “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.”
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“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 at Foxtel, in a statement. “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 new device expands on CommScope and Foxtel’s partnership that began in 2004 and led to the launch of the iQ2 set-top in 2008. That was followed by the iQ3 in 2015 that included the Elements platform, and then the iQ4 in 2018.
CommScope said it’s providing Foxtel with a fully managed service to design, develop and deploy their set-top box software for iQ5. The device platform includes remote management protocols that CommScope said should help reduce Foxtel’s costs and provide more visibility into subscribers’ home networks to allow for automating and improving devices and experiences.