by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice has updated and renamed its "DStv Now" video streaming and DStv Catch Up service to just "DStv", with both the website and the app losing the "Now" as the pay-TV operator makes the pivot closer to the launch of its standalone so-called "DStv dishless" streaming service that won't require a satellite dish installation.
"We've changed the name from DStv - but kept all the features the same," says MultiChoice. "You can stream your favourite shows, live channels, and watch Catch Up, all on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, computer, smart TV, or gaming console."
"Who can stream DStv online? The DStv streaming service is available to all DStv subscribers, no matter which package you are on. There is no additional fee or charge to watch DStv channels and shows online," the company says.
DStv subscribers get access to the same channels and shows they watch on their DStv decoder at home, but on a device like a phone or a laptop, but must provide a DStv account holder’s ID number, DStv smartcard number, or DStv customer number.
MultiChoice's rival, China's StarTimes operating as StarSat in South Africa, doesn't require an upfront registration or login for people to use and stream TV channels through its StarTimesON app that is available in South Africa and throughout sub-Saharan Africa, although some functions like shopping, and some TV channels are marked as "VIP" and can only be accessed after logging in.
In August at its 2020 MultiChoice Showcase media event gave the press more information about its upcoming DStv dishless service and shocked when it revealed that it will cost exactly the same as the existing service.
While subscribers who want to make use of it when it launches won't need to pay for any installation costs, subscribers will have the additional expense of having to pay for broadband data charges in addition to the monthly DStv subscription fee.
The expectation was that this DStv streaming version would be cheaper since no installation cost, physical dish, cabling, or DStv decoder is needed. MultiChoice hasn't yet announce when exactly this DStv dishless version will become available for sale and sign-up.
