DStv BoxOffice, MultiChoice's video-on-demand (VOD) service that was launched at the end of July with DStv Online promising an online version and roll-out before the end of 2011, has now done so by launching its internet-based DStv BoxOffice service in a beta form at DStv BoxOffice.
DStv Online is doing a soft Beta roll-out to test for bugs, possible payment problems and accessibility problems to prevent the public embarassement and disastrous system failure DStv BoxOffice suffered on its commercial launch day on 22 July when it suffered what it termed ''a core systems failure''.
DStv BoxOffice's online version allows registered users of the Beta service to choose and watch from around 50 movies, compared to only the 15 movies stored on DStv PVR decoders' hard drives due to space constraints. Watching DStv BoxOffice Online movies cost R33 (compared to R25 for the current commercial DStv BoxOffice service through decoders).
Users need at least 3GB of available hard drive space to download the special programme and for space for movies. DStv BoxOffice Online also says users need uncapped ADSL internet of at least 1024kpbs.
Registered users download the movies ranging in size between 850MB to 900 MB to their computers and can watch it for a period of 48 hours after payment has been made with a credit card and approved.