Foxtel this week released plans for the content of its soon-to-be-launched Foxtel Digital service, including an array of new radio and video channels and interactive features that it says “will change Australian television forever”.

The Foxtel service, which already provides a number of radio channels, will have its radio content increased. This will allow Foxtel to provide digital radio services including higher quality audio, interactivity, plus data and text enhancements, which will be a challenge to the radio industry’s push into Digital Radio.

30 CD quality audio music channels and 30 channels providing near-video-on-demand “are central to Foxtel Digital” says CEO Kim Williams.

Foxtel says its digital service is “totally new” and will “revolutionise how Australians watch and experience television by giving them unparalleled choice, convenience and control over their viewing.”

Viewers will be able to choose from “an amazing range” of channels and programming.

“Choose the news you want to watch, when you want. Choose the camera angle you want to watch sport. Choose when you want to see a latest- release blockbuster movie. All with digital quality pictures and CD quality sound.”

Viewers will access all available features through their existing TV, via a new state-of-the-art digital set-top unit and remote control supplied and installed by Foxtel.

Foxtel is now in the final stages of operational and technical testing and is committed to launching the new service in the first half of 2004. There will be a total of 130 channels and services.

The audio channels of the new service will be called ‘Foxtel Air’ and will contain 30 digital-quality, stereo audio channels “that cater to all music tastes and moods.” The content, cupplied by Satellite Music Australia (see link below), will include Light Classical, New Age and Top 100 to Just Rock, Smooth Café, Retro Beat, Latin Heat and Soul Train.

Digital quality pictures and CD quality sound are normal with Foxtel services, but the new service will also provide Widescreen and AC3 Surround Sound.