Telstra Expands Content Deals as TV Manufacturers Launch Smart TVs

Telstra (News - Alert) has moved to expand its IPTV content deals spanning sport and premium content even as Quickflix struggles to survive and several TV manufacturers plan to launch a new generation of smart TVs.

Looking to secure new deals with the National Rugby League, Cricket Australia and V8 Supercars, Telstra already has content deals with LG, Samsung (News - Alert) and Panasonic. If secured, the content will be available on smartphones, tablets, PCs, Blu-ray players, as well as its T-Box IPTV, which is available on several TV digital set top boxes, and as well as Microsoft's (News - Alert) Xbox gaming console.

In Las Vegas at an upcoming event, new content software is set to be launched by several Telstra partners. This is aimed to take advantage of a new generation of processors now being built into TVs and digital set top boxes.

"We've been talking to pretty much all rights holders and content originators that fall into that category of premium international and premium local and sport. So watch this space,” said Rick Ellis, media boss for Telstra, to an Australian newspaper. He added that it is currently focused on partnerships and is also open to opportunities of joint ventures as well as odd acquisitions that add value to the overall growth scenario for Telstra.

Only weeks away from being announced, the NRL deal, which is assumed to be worth more than $75 million, will allow the telco to stream live games direct to mobile handsets. Moreover, when connected to a display screen, a user will be able to watch a game free of advertising.

Foxtel, which is 50 percent owned by Telstra, is also set to benefit from the Telstra push to secure new content. Ellis concluded that next year, in order to gain more access to premium content, telcos will leverage its relationship with the pay-tv operator.