Sci Fi Channel will launch in Australia on Foxtel's digital TV service, it has been confirmed.

The channel, to be operated by a joint venture company owned by NBC, CBS International TV and Sony Pictures International TV, will launch on Friday, December 1 on Foxtel channel 132.

"Sci Fi is an established brand in mature television markets such as the US, Canada and the UK and given the popularity of the genre in Australia, there is no doubt it will be a hit with Foxtel subscribers," said Foxtel's executive director of TV and marketing, Brian Walsh.

Sci Fi's lineup in Australia will include the various Star Trek franchises and cult favourites ranging from Buffy to Stargate.