by Thinus Ferreira
Three years after it was abruptly introduced, MultiChoice has backtracked and is now again allowing viewers to watch DStv on two concurrent streams instead of only one.
DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers will immediately be able to stream DStv content in two ways at the same time, after MultiChoice says it is now upping its strict stream limit of one to two because of "changing viewing habits".
MultiChoice came in for severe criticism from subscribers in February 2022 when it suddenly capped DStv subscribers to just one DStv stream and ripped away their ability to watch soaps and soccer or Paw Patrol and rugby at the same time in a password-crackdown move.
The result was that many miffed DStv subscribers outright cancelled and moved to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and others which allow more than one concurrent stream on one account.
MultiChoice says the "second stream is back" immediately for DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers who can now again stream on any two devices simultaneously, including smart TVs.
MultiChoice now touts "increased flexibility" for DStv households, although it is the company itself that severely limited viewing flexibility three years ago.
"The update offers greater flexibility to customers, making it easier for them to watch what they want when they want. DStv Stream standalone customers will also benefit from an additional concurrent stream on any device."
According to the Randburg-based pay-TV operator, which has seem its number of DStv subscribers come under massive pressure in South Africa and the top-end declining in the face of competition from streamers and a bad economy, now says that "As more South African households use a second screen to broaden their individual entertainment choices, the return of DStv's second stream option is great news for families".
"The return of the second stream adds even more value to DStv's Premium, Compact Plus and Compact packages," MultiChoice says in a statement announcing the rollback.
"DStv Premium customers, who already receive Showmax at no extra cost, now have access to two DStv streams and two Showmax streams, bringing their total concurrent streaming options to four."
"DStv Compact customers also now have two DStv streams, can add Showmax to their subscription at a discount, and enjoy two Showmax streams, also giving them four concurrent streaming options in total.
According to Byron du Plessis, MultiChoice South Africa CEO, "With shifting viewing habits and growing connectivity, it's the right time to bring back the second stream to supplement our overall value proposition".
"With 150 million monthly views, the DStv Stream platform continues to grow. DStv satellite customers can access DStv Stream for free, but it is also available as a standalone streaming option."
"With the return of the second stream, our customers have more opportunities to engage with the content they love, including the best local stories, world-class sport, as well as a variety of international content options."
