Get Pay TV: A 3-Part Comparison of Australia's Top Pay TV Networks

As television switches from analogue to digital, Australian viewers are moving with it. Cable TV packages, known as 'Pay TV' throughout Australia, have grown in popularity at record rates in the last five years. Offering a variety of international channels, the ability to record and play television content, and flexible show scheduling, paid TV channels are a refreshing change from standard TV.

They're also a fairly expensive change from standard TV, with even basic television packages priced at upwards of $30 monthly. Sports and movie channels can add even more to the bottom line, giving an otherwise inexpensive package a nasty kick in the cost department. However, by picking the best pay TV provider, it's fairly easy to save money by excluding channels are aren't interested in.

We've compared Australia's top pay TV networks, allowing you to quickly and easily pick a service without having to read through endless manuals and comparison charts. While pay TV can be quite an expensive purchase, it's possible to get more bang for your buck with the right service. The three networks profiled below offer a variety of channels, packages, and price ranges for subscribers.

1. SelecTV

SelecTV is one of Australia's biggest digital television providers, offering a variety of channels and on-demand services to subscribers based in Australia's digital TV regions. Priced fairly and boasting a wide range of different channels, SelecTV is a cost-effective option that's ideal for families.

2. AUSTAR

AUSTAR is another leading pay TV service in Australia, offering almost 200 international channels and pay-on-demand events. Like SelecTV, its lineup contains domestic and international TV shows, making the service a worthwhile investment for families interested in a mix of different channels.

A variety of upgrades and extra services are available for subscribers, including the MyStar digital recording system, which allows viewers to 'tape' their shows digitally, and the AUSTAR HD service, which broadcasts Australian TV in full 1080P HD. There are some small variations in AUSTAR's lineup for viewers in rural areas, although most channels are available across all of Australia.

3. FOXTEL

Finally, FOXTEL is one of Australia's largest combined television and mobile networks. Hundreds of international and domestic channels are available in full HD, with viewers able to select from an 'on-TV' digital storage option or a variety of online streaming speeds. FOXTEL can also be viewed from mobile devices across Australia using GPRS and 3G service, albeit with a smaller catalogue.

Prices are similar to those available on AUSTAR or SelecTV, although a variety of special discounts are available to FOXTEL mobile subscribers. FOXTEL comes recommended for travellers, as users can view digital TV content using the network's online streaming and digital storage applications.