by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice plans to launch a new DStv Explora Ultra decoder to market, as well as a DStv Streama decoder enabling video streaming and coming with a YouTube and Showmax buttons.
MultiChoice will unveil the two new decoders aimed at keeping DStv subscribers venturing into video streaming within its own MultiChoice ecosystem this afternoon during its 2020 DStv Showcase media presentation for the press.
To help hype its 2020 #DStvShowcase media presentation that will kick off at 13:00 on Wednesday afternoon, MultiChoice on social media shared with the public images of its new DStv Explora Ultra and DStv Streama decoders.
MultiChoice's new DStv Explora Ultra that looks like a bigger set-top box (STB) with curved edges, will carry third-party subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) apps, like for instance Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, enabling DStv subscribers to watch these services through the connected decoder.
MultiChoice's DStv Streama decoder, with a grill-like, video-console look, has a small remote control with Showmax and YouTube buttons underneath a blue "home" button.
DStv Explora Ultra
MultiChoice didn't announce a retail price for the new DStv Explora Ultra, or when it will go on sale although it will cost more than the existing DStv Explora 3A.
Similar to the DStv Explora 3A, the DStv Explora Ultra has a recording capacity of 110 hours, will be able to pause live TV for 2 hours, have access to DStv BoxOffice, DStv Catch Up, provide an 8-day TV guide, have parental control and have interactive apps of SuperSport, News24 and weather.
The DStv Explora Ultra comes with a new "home page" with recommendations that showcase content from across DStv, Showmax, BoxOffice and selected streaming apps.
The new DStv Explora Ultra remote control also allows quick access to streaming apps and the set-top box comes with built-in WiFi.
The DStv Explora Ultra supports 4K and Dolby Atmos (where available and when connected to the correct equipment) although MultiChoice doesn't plan on launching any 4K-resolution TV channels anytime soon.
MultiChoice is also not planning on delivering any of the third-party app content through satellite. All of the streaming services that MultiChoice might add in future - for instance Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Star, Amazon Prime Video - will all be delivered over the internet through connecting the DStv Explora Ultra to the internet and a data stream.
Since certain third-party apps that will in future become available on the DStv Explora Ultra offer 4K streaming content - subject to availability and subscription terms - DStv subscribers will be able to watch that content in 4K.
MultiChoice says that it does not yet offer 4K streaming, though this may change in the future.
MultiChoice also says that subscriptions to these third-party apps - whichever they might be - are separate to DStv subscriptions. Some services like SuperSport and People’s Weather will initially be included in the DStv subscription and MultiChoice may later roll out offers that allow a customer to get a discount or special offer on some of these third-party subscriptions.
The DStv Explora Ultra is wholly manufactured in South Africa and its enclosure is made of 100% recycled material.
The DStv Explora Ultra will cost more than the existing DStv Explora. DStv subscribers moving from an existing DStv Explora model will not need to make any changes to their installation.
MultiChoice says they can simply unplug the older Explora then plug in the DStv Explora Ultra (making sure to use the HDMI cable and power supply packaged with the decoder) and follow the wizard to connect the WiFi.
DStv Streama
MultiChoice didn't announce a retail price for the new DStv Streama or when it will go on sale.
MultiChoice says that its new DStv Streama decoder works without a
satellite dish and its associated cabling and all that is needed is a reliable home internet connection, a DStv Streama device and a TV set.
The DStv Streama offers an array of sport, entertainment, news and kids' content.
The DStv Streama comes with apps like Showmax and YouTube and users will be able to "seamlessly switch between applications to view the content of your choice".
The DStv Streama can be connected through home
WiFi or an ethernet cable, and an HDMI input connection on a TV set.
DStv subscribers will be able to
stream all the channels available on their DStv subscription as well as access
the Catch Up content for those channels. MultiChoice says that when using the DStv
Streama, it counts as one of the four devices for use with the DStv App.
The DStv Streama is built on top
of the RDK platform. This is an operator tier platform, designed and built by a
collective of TV operators (including Sky and Comcast). Its secure environment
protects content rights holders, which are key to the pay-TV and OTT industry.
MultiChoice says that RDK was selected because it
enables it to deliver the best entertainment experience for customers
whilst enabling flexibility and security.
People won't need to be a DStv subscriber to use the DStv
Streama but will need a DStv login. No active DStv subscription is required to use the DStv Streama.
