By Craig Zammit

SYDNEY: Foxtel has announced the launch of a range of audio-visual accessories to be available to leading electrical retailers Australia-wide.

Available from May 2006, the official Foxtel accessories range will include the Foxtel Digital remote (which can be programmed to operate televisions), Foxtel iQ remote (to gain access to Foxtel iQ material from a second television) and the Foxtel iQ remote and iQ multiroom (to view the same channel on different televisions).
Other accessories in the range include the Foxtel branded scart cable, scart to VCR, scart to S-Video, optical audio cable and the Foxtel Digipath wireless connection.

“As consumers upgrade their audio-visual equipment, they are also looking for better
connections between their Foxtel set-top-box and their television to ensure the best
possible viewing experience. The new Foxtel accessories range will allow our subscribers to tailor audio and visual solutions to enhance their Foxtel service within the home environment,” said Foxtel executive director of content, development and delivery, Patrick Delany.

“These high-quality accessories have been designed to work specifically with the Foxtel service and consumers can purchase these accessories from a range of well-known retailers.”
“We are seeing more and more Australians connecting their Foxtel service as part of an integrated home theatre setup that often includes widescreen televisions and AV amplifiers,” he said.

Distributor, Ambertech Limited will manage the retail distribution channel.
Ambertech Limited chief executive officer, Peter Amos felt the time was right for such an accessory range to be released on the Australian market.
 “Demand for integrated home entertainment is increasing exponentially, so much so that the integration of entertainment systems is known as the ‘fourth trade’ in home building and renovating,” said Amos.