Telstra and Netgem announce the national launch of the T-Box, a new TV experience that seamlessly blends broadcast and broadband content including, for the first time, YouTube videos and BigPond TV service.

BigPond TV includes sports, news and music channels, BigPond Movies, plus a library of on-demand videos. T-Box was created using Netgem’s powerful and innovative NetgemTV middleware and Media Centre STB technology that, with its agile, open application framework, allows content and applications to easily be deployed over TV.

Entertainment from the internet, free-to-air TV, movies and sport will be available on the biggest screen in consumers’ homes when Australia’s largest ISP and online content provider launches an IPTV service later this month.

The Telstra T-Box brings HD free-to-air TV, BigPond TV and YouTube videos to one set top box and one remote. BigPond TV includes seven sports, news and music channels plus a library of on-demand videos. BigPond content is unmetered and exclusive for BigPond customers with no monthly subscription fees on top of their regular internet connection.

Telstra Chief Executive Officer David Thodey said television was fast becoming the gateway to entertainment from the internet, with enhanced live TV services and internet video coming direct into the lounge rooms of Australian homes.

Australia’s third largest ISP announced its partnership with FetchTV, confirming it will be the first ISP to deliver the world-class digital TV service directly to Australian lounge rooms over an iiNet customer’s ADSL2+ broadband connection.

The partnership means iiNet customers will soon be able to access Free-to-Air digital channels, a range of subscription channels, a PVR and an Electronic Program Guide; all completely quota-free as part of the iiNet Freezone.