Foxtel have revealed some of the new channels they plan to offer later in the year when the new satellite becomes available, presently slated for launch by Ariane Space on 18th August. The channels were revealed in a survey presently being sent to selected Foxtel customers.

The basic package could get 2 new channels, Sky News Local and Lifestyle You. Sky News local will present news focused for Australia’s key cities and Lifestyle You will be based around personal makeovers, healthy living, parenting and relationships.

The existing High Definition offering will be boosted with the addition of Fox Sports HD 2 & 3, Fox 8 HD, W HD, Movie One HD, Movie Extra HD, Showtime HD, Showcase HD, Showtime Action HD and Starpics HD.

As well as the addition of High Definition Movie channels more Standard Definition Movie channels are on the way. Showtime Action, Showtime Drama, Showtime Comedy & Family Movie Channel providing G and PG rated movies before 9.30pm each day. Also added to the movie packages is Starpics a channel based on Hollywood news bios and previews.

200px-Nat_Geo_Wild_logoEntertainment channels to be added to the Foxtel platform include: Nat Geo Wild – Wildlife and Nature Documentaries, Discovery Turbo , Style Network and 13th Street – A channel dedicated to murder mysteries. Kids will get  new channel KidsCo, owned in part by NBC Universal.

Sports fans should be happy with Eurosport 120px-Eurosport_logoto go with the increased High Definition offering from Fox Sports.

Along with the new channels will be enhancements to the way Foxtel is delivered. The EPG will be overhauled allowing the picking of up to 50 favourite channels, mini screens will show what you are currently watching while you are searching the EPG.

Foxtel will also allow you to download shows over an internet connection to your computer for viewing on that computer.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed but no doubt it will increase in line with the increased offering.