by Thinus Ferreira
DStv subscribers are complaining that they're struggling to watch and access DStv content after MultiChoice updated its streaming DStv app in mid-October with an ongoing barrage of complaints from users that they've been left with nothing but "a black screen" and that the app no longer works properly.
MultiChoice launched an update for its DStv app almost two weeks ago on 13 October and since then DStv subscribers say it's not working properly and that they're struggling to use DStv's video streaming service like they did before.
The PR firm JR Communications that represents MultiChoice told TVwithThinus in response to a media query made last week seeking comment about the DStv app update that it would revert in due course, but didn't respond with any answers to the questions by the publication of this report this week.
The DStv app received an update to improve the user interface (UI) on its latest DStv Explora Ultra decoder, Smart TV sets and Android and Apple TV boxes.
MultiChoice said when it updated the DStv app that it had improved the user interface on these devices for "an improved viewing experience for our customers and a sleek new user interface that makes it easier for you to discover and enjoy the best in local and international content".
DStv subscribers trying to use the DStv app after the update have been left incredibly frustrated the past week and a half with daily litany of complaints across social media and on the Google Play Store about how bad the app now is from users in South African and from across the continent.
"DStv Now is not working at all," said one subscriber. "Just a black screen when I open the app. DStv fix this. You're on the verge of losing subscribers."
Another said that "We can't watch because the DStv app freezes. Live TV, Catch Up - nothing works."
"DStv, when are you going to sort the live stream jitter on the streaming? All worked well before the app update," another DStv subscriber said.
Another remarked: "The new DStv Now app is terrible. I have to reboot my media player all the time now. DStv guide when flipping between channels is hopelessly behind schedule! Was this version even tested before being pushed out to your paying customers?"
Jermyn Haripersad noted that "The DStv Now app for a Smart TV is absolutely the worst app I've used. The screen consistently goes blank with only sound playing in the background".
Lwandlolubanzi Ndebele said that "The DStv Now Smart TV and Android update has to be the worst I have ever seen. Slow, riddled with crashes and bugs. Thousands of down reviews on the Google Play Store, they don't care about customers otherwise would've done something by now. Bring back the old app DStv".
"DStv when are you going to fix this DStv app that you managed to have broken so horribly!" asked Cobus Viljoen. "At this point in time it's a useless app that doesn't work".
