Telstra unveils second gen Telstra TV with live, catchup, on-demand

• Telco wants to keep updated Roku box Australia's fast-selling streaming device

Telstra Media executives Joe Pollard (Telstra CMO & group executive media) and Michelle Gara (executive director, Telstra Media group) yesterday oversaw the launch of the second generation of the telco's streaming device, Telstra TV.

The key feature that distinguishes the device from its predecessor is the integration of a live TV, catch-up and on-demand search function. This could be an even bigger attraction Telstra believes than the introduction of a FTA TV tuner and links that let users switch from live TV to on-demand content with the push of one button.

Telstra revealed yesterday that the first Telstra TV, launched two years ago, was Australia's fastest-selling streaming device, with over one million units shipped since release. Telstra stopped short of calling Telstra TV the biggest-selling streaming device.

Other key features:

• Personalised content-led home screen and the addition of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

• Content catalogue that includes five catch-up services (ABC iView, SBS On Demand, +7, 9NOW and Tenplay), plus Foxtel Now, BigPond Movies, Stan, Netflix and, from 31 October, hayu – and all 19 free-to-air live channels.

• Telstra effectively becomes a Netflix reseller with the ability for users to have Netflix appear on their Telstra bill, in addition to Foxtel Now.

• Hardware – new 4K HDR capable Roku-powered Telstra TV delivers a 4x higher resolution, compared to standard HD, when connected to a 4K HDR capable television.

• New Telstra TV mobile app (available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store) allows users to search, plan and play content any time, anywhere. The app also acts as a second remote control for the Telstra TV home device.

• The new Telstra TV will continue to be included with Telstra's $99 bundle from Tuesday October 31 exclusive to Telstra broadband customers. The unit is also available to buy outright for $192 or on a plan at $8 a month over 24 months.

Mediaweek TV: Don't miss Michelle Gara talking to Mediaweek's James Manning on Sky News Business at 2.30pm on Thursday this week.