Foxtel increases 4K sports coverage with multiple streams delivered via the internet

Foxtel is expanding its coverage of 4K sports in 2022 across NRL, AFL, Formula One and the US masters golf with up to four events capable of being broadcast at the same time.

But there are some changes for customers including the removal of the dedicated 4K sports channel.

Instead, the 4K sports on Foxtel will be delivered via the internet which means owners of the iQ4 and the iQ5 (the set top boxes capable of supplying 4K content) will have to connect the unit to their home internet connection either via wi-fi or with an Ethernet cable.

Tech Guide understands satellite customers will still be able access 4K UHD content in the usual way but if there is a clash of timing you can access the other 4K stream through the IP connection.

Instead of going to a dedicated 4K UHD sport channel 508, customers will now head to a Sport section from the home screen or hit the Sport button on their remote.

This move will double the hours of live 4K UHD content in 2022 that will be available to Foxtel customers.

This will include:

– NRL. 29 games of Round 1 to 10 of the 2022 NRL Season in 4K UHD, plus select NSW Cup and NRLW matches.

– AFL. 35 games of Rounds 1 to 9 of the 2022 AFL Season in 4K UHD.

– Formula 1. Every practice, qualifier, and race of the 2022 Formula 1 racing season.

– Golf. 2022 Masters Tournament – Amen Corner (Holes 11, 12 and 13) commencing April 4.

That will be a 93 per cent increase in NRL and AFL matches broadcast in 4K UHD compared to the 2021 season.

“Fox Sports is the home of the best coverage of Australia’s most popular sports, and we want our Foxtel Sports subscribers to enjoy an experience like no other,” says Nick Dandy, Group Director of Product Innovation and UX, Foxtel Group.

“Ultra HD brings incredible detail to the sports Australian’s love.

“This year sees us continue to invest in 4K UHD content and technology to get the best live sports experience from the field or race track all the way to our subscribers’ homes in brilliant 4K UHD.”

This week Foxtel announced software upgrades to new iQ4 set top boxes which allows the iQ4 to operate in IP only mode.

This means customers can access their Foxtel experience, including 4K UHD, without the need for satellite or cable.

Other updates to the iQ4 technology include:

– Enhanced App search (also on iQ3) – Giving customers everything they need in one place; enhanced app search will make finding programs across Foxtel and third-party app providers even easier. This feature will include content from ABC iView to begin with, with other apps to follow.

– Enhanced Content Discovery – The TV Guide page now includes a carousel promoting live sport, dramas and lifestyle, reality, and Foxtel Original content trending on Foxtel. Later this year there will also be greater personalisation.