Although no reasons were given, its clear that the upgrade of Discovery Channel to an HD channel on DStv - which was supposed to happen months ago and which was announced in November 2013 to happen during the first quarter of 2014 - was pushed out to June when the starting date of the Ridley Scott produced Klondike was pushed out from April to 30 June at 21:00.
Discovery Channel HD will start on 30 June for DStv Premium subscribers.
DStv subscribers without HD capability will see the same channel in standard definition (SD). Discovery HD Showcase (DStv 180) will, in line with November's announcement, cease to exist and become a "branded video-on-demand service" according to MultiChoice.
This new HD Showcase TV channel will be exclusive to the DStv Explora and through it MultiChoice will give DStv subscribers access to "their favourite HD Showcase titles".
Meanwhile Discovery Channel HD will get a new on-air look from 30 June, including a new animated on-air logo featuring the iconic "D" from Discovery Channel as well as "dynamic branding elements" that change to match different programming genres.
"We are very excited to launch Discovery Channel HD across Africa," says James Gibbons, the senior vice president for emerging business for Discovery Networks' Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region in a statement.
"Discovery's unbeatable and thrilling content is made to be seen in this format," he says about HD. "Our new fast-paced and reinvigorated branding and on-air look , along with out exciting new programme line-up are sure to be a hit with DStv viewers," says James Gibbons.
"We are thrilled to offer our customers another simulcast channel," says Mark Rayner, MultiChoice South Africa's chief operating officer (COO), in the statement.
