Showcase TV Guide: How to watch Fox Showcase

While Foxtel Now relies on streaming video via the internet to deliver Foxtel channels and content, the full Foxtel service remains the premium version, offering more channels, more features, higher picture quality and reliable, hassle-free delivery via satellite. 

In addition, Foxtel subscribers get the advanced iQ5 set-top box, which records hundreds of hours of TV on its inbuilt hard disk (up to two recordings simultaneously). It can also receive Foxtel’s channels, including the new 4K Ultra HD channels, and stream all of Foxtel’s on-demand content.

Replacing the old Entertainment Pack, which was the base entry-level channel pack that all Foxtel subscribers got, Foxtel Plus expands that base set of channels to include many that used to be found only in optional packs. For example, Showcase – the home of HBO as well as Australian drama like The Twelve – is included in Foxtel Plus, as are FOX8, Foxtel One, Universal, BBC First and dozens more. All Foxtel subscribers now get Foxtel Plus as the base collection of channels.

Foxtel's starter bundle includes 60+ channels of drama, lifestyle, reality, docos, kids, news, and more. Meanwhile, the Sport bundle has 9 sports channels, while Movies has 9 with the likes of Movies Greats, Movies Classics, and Movies Premiere, just to name of the new.

As of 2024, all Favourites and Kids channels have now been added into the much more comprehensive Foxtel Plus bundle.

While Foxtel’s channels transmit via satellite, (therefore not needing internet access for viewing) the iQ5 box uses broadband internet for a number of its key features, including streaming from a massive library of shows and movies that are available on-demand at no extra cost, as well as rental options on the Foxtel Store. 

In addition, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount+ on the iQ5 requires a broadband connection.

Every Foxtel customer gets free access to the handy Foxtel Go app, which gives access to the full range of channels currently subscribed – both for live streaming and on-demand viewing. Foxtel Go is available for phones and tablets, while access is also free of charge via any modern computer web browser.

While generally there’s an installation charge for a technician to visit your home to install the satellite dish and cabling, Foxtel frequently waives this charge in return for agreeing to a 12-month contract – which, in turn, usually also comes with heavily discounted monthly rates for channel packs and bundles. Foxtel can waive the $199 equipment fee for the iQ5 box if you agree to a 12-month contract.

If you no longer want to keep your Foxtel service and have decided to cancel, just call Foxtel on 1300 657 346 and, when prompted by the voice menu, ask for “disconnections”. If you choose to go ahead and cancel, you will need to send your iQ5 box back to Foxtel, which you can do free of charge by bringing it to any post office with the return label Foxtel sends you.

Yes, you can use the Foxtel Go app on mobile devices to cast live Foxtel channels and on-demand content to any TV with a Chromecast attached or built-in.

You can also use the Foxtel app on recent-model (2017 onwards) smart TVs from LG and Samsung. To do so, you’ll need the Multiscreen pack added to your account; it’s free with some bundles (such as Platinum Plus) or available for $15 per month.

Foxtel allows you to add, remove or swap channel packs once per month, with the condition that any pack added must be subscribed to for at least a month before being removed or changed. To add or swap packs, head to your Foxtel account page; to remove channel packs, you’ll need to call Foxtel on 1300 657 346 (for existing customers) from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Yes, you can add another iQ box for another room of the house, but you will have to pay an installation charge for the Foxtel satellite connection installation in that room and a monthly fee for the second iQ5 box.

An alternative is the Multiscreen pack to use Foxtel's apps to stream your channels to your TV. Fortunately, it's already included in every Foxtel's TV package.

If you subscribe to the Sports HD and/or Movies HD channel packs, you’ll have access to the two new 4K Ultra HD channels free of charge – Fox Sports Ultra HD for the Sports HD pack and Movies Ultra HD for the Movies HD pack. 

Of course, you’ll need an iQ4 or iQ5 box and a compatible 4K TV to view these channels.

Foxtel IQ is a set-top box provided to customers that acts as a receiver for Foxtel broadcasts. The box allows you to record programs and view these later, as well as pausing and rewinding live channels. 

The iQ5 is the most recent version of the IQ box, offering selected Foxtel programming, including Fox Sports, in 4k Ultra HD definition. In addition, the iQ5 provides Foxtel customers with all the features of the new Foxtel experience that are already available on the existing iQ4. The significant difference between the two is connectivity. iQ5 is a plug and play device, which means satellite installation is no longer required. 

The Foxtel iQ5 is now widely available as part of Foxtel's TV bundles. To get the new iQ box included in your plan with the equipment fee waived, simply sign up for a 12-month contract.