Smart TVs & Foxtel Now: 13 Answers (For Beginners)

Foxtel is an on-demand video Australian streaming service available on many of the major smart TV platforms.

You can use Foxtel anywhere in Australia for as long you have a valid account and Internet connection.

Before even signing up for the service, it would be good to know what to expect from the company:

Do You Need a Smart TV for Foxtel?

You don’t need a smart TV to access Foxtel. 

The service features a smartphone app that is available for both iOS and Android. 

You may also use the Foxtel Now Box, which gives you free ten-day access to Foxtel Now and comes with Chromecast compatibility. 

What is the Foxtel Now Box?

The Foxtel Now Box is an Android-based set-top box that gives you access to Foxtel Now. 

Since it’s Android-based, you also gain access to the Google Play Store. It may be used within Australia and as long as you’re connected to the Internet. 

The Foxtel Now Box has a one-time fee of AUD 99. 

How Can you Watch Foxtel on a Smart TV?

Foxtel Now has an app for download on smart TVs that use Android, WebOS, and Tizen platforms. 

You also have the option to use the Foxtel Now Box, Telstra TV box, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay. 

Samsung TVs that are sold in Australia have the Foxtel Now app installed by default. 

How Do you Connect a Smart TV to Foxtel?

Logging into Foxtel Now is rather simple, as you only need to input your user ID and password. 

How Do you Download the Foxtel App on a Smart TV?

You can download the Foxtel Now app through the app store of your smart TV.

For Samsung TVs sold in Australia, the Foxtel Now app is pre-installed.

Does Foxtel Still work Without a Subscription?

You only need a Foxtel Now account to use the service.

You don’t need to sign up for the broadband service or buy a Foxtel Now Box. 

The Foxtel Now service starts at AUD 25 a month. 

Can you Sign up for Foxtel on your Smart TV?

You can only sign-up for Foxtel on a computer or smartphone.

How Many Devices can use a Foxtel Account?

You can register up to five (5) devices on your account, but only two (2) devices may use the account simultaneously. 

What is the Minimum Speed for Foxtel?

It would be best if you had an Internet speed of at least 3 Mbps to access Foxtel.

If you want to watch in HD, you need at least 7 Mbps of speed. 

Why is the Video Pixelated on Foxtel?

You’re likely experiencing a problem with your Internet connection. 

You can test other streaming services to check. 

If video services like YouTube or Netflix can’t stream decently, the issue is likely with your Internet connection. 

Otherwise, the problem is on the side of the Foxtel app. 

What’s the Difference Between Foxtel Now and Foxtel Go?

Foxtel Now is the dedicated streaming app for TVs, while Foxtel Go is meant for smartphones, tablets, and computers. 

Does Foxtel Work With all the Major Smart TV brands?

Foxtel works on TVs made by brands like Sony, Samsung, and LG. 

If you’re using Vizio, you can use Foxtel through Chromecast or AirPlay. 

What Are the Best TVs for Foxtel?

The selection for TVs to use Foxtel is rather easy, considering it runs on TV’s most common brands and operating systems. 

But if you’re looking for a good TV to use, here are some suggestions: 

1. Sony A8H

If you’re a Sony loyalist, then the Sony A8H fits the bill.

Featuring the Android TV platform, the A8H also comes with Chromecast, which gives you options for watching Foxtel.

As an OLED TV, the A8H is capable of perfect blacks in dark rooms. It also has no backlight that can be distracting with bright objects on the screen.

It can handle judder or convert 24 fps content to 30 or 60 fps, but the A8H may stutter at low frame rates.

The A8H also handles reflections and glare well. Viewing angles are superb, which makes it perfect for family night viewing. It can also upscale content from lower resolutions.

For HDR content, the A8H shines in this aspect too. You get perfect blacks and an excellent color gamut that lets content on HDR stand out.

The downside, though, is its OLED panel that is prone to burn-in. But as long as you watch a variety of content, that won’t be much of an issue.

2. Samsung Q80T

The Samsung Q80T is another powerful smart TV worth considering with Foxtel.

As a Tizen-powered smart TV, the Q80T won’t have problems running Foxtel, as it comes pre-installed with Samsung TVs sold in Australia.

The Q80T works great in dark rooms, thanks to the high contrast ratio, full-array local dimming, and black uniformity. It can also work well in bright rooms, making it perfect, whether for weeknight viewings or weekend binging.

Viewing angles are great, too, making it perfect if you need to move around while watching or having guests over to watch a film or program simultaneously.

When it comes to HDR, the Q80T is ready for that. The contrast ratio is great and can do a wide color gamut and emphasize the highlights of HDR content.

For its weakness, the Q80T also stutters a bit with content at low frame rates due to the fast response time.

3. LG CX

The CX series from LG trumps many smart TVs in 2020 because of the quality of its features. Its drawback is that it is easy to work with.

The CX series is even marketed as an entry-level smart TV from the electronics giant.

But it feels like you get more than that.

Loaded with the webOS platform, the CX is compatible with Foxtel.

The CX comes with an OLED display, which is also its weakest point, as OLED screens are prone to burn-in. Burnout can be prevented if you don’t leave your screen on a single frame for long.

Since it has an OLED display, you can expect exceptional images all the time. It even has wide angles so that you can enjoy watching no matter where you are seated in the room.

Response time is almost instantaneous, which gives you remarkable fast-moving content without the motion blur.

The CX can also work in different lighting conditions. It can get bright decently while combating glare and reflections. It can turn off pixels individually for perfect blacks at night, making it an exceptional nightcap TV.

4. Hisense H9G

For those on a budget, take a look at the Hisense H9G.

The H9G is an affordable Android smart TV with decent features and is perfect for those who are getting their first smart TV or want an extra TV in the house.

It features an excellent contrast ratio and black uniformity, which makes watching content on Foxtel more pleasing. If you use the H9G in a bright room or during the daytime, this smart TV can handle glare and those annoying reflections.

If you want HDR content, the H9G delivers quality images. Highlights pop, as the color gamut is wide.

Since the H9G is on the budget side of things, expect some weaknesses.

One of which is its viewing angles.

The viewing angles can be limited. Watching at an angle results in a washout of images.

If you are into gaming, the H9G lacks variable refresh rate support and does not display 120 Hz signals decently, making it not ideal for video game use.

Sources:

Foxtel Now

Rtings.com