MultiChoice finally gives DStv subscribers the ‘Watch from Start’ function – but there's a catch

by Thinus Ferreira

While its financial position forced MultiChoice to scrap its announced plans for DStv Glass - a TV set with a built-in decoder based on the UK's Sky Glass - the pay-TV operator is now rolling out some of the functionality that would have been incorporated in that for DStv Stream customers, like "Watch from Start" and cloud recordings.

From Tuesday 12 November DStv Stream will allow viewers to jump back on certain linear TV channels and "rewind" up to 24-hours. 

The Telkom ONE streamer which was taken over by the SABC for its SABC+ streamer was the first to offer this linear roll-back option to users.

The functionality was also meant to become available in DStv Glass, where DStv subscribers would have been able to talk to their TV set to switch to a specific TV channel and to then order "Watch from Start" to see a movie or TV show episode from the beginning that might already have started.

MultiChoice will now also make it possible for DStv Stream users to save live shows to watch within 30 days. Traditional DStv decoders can't do "Watch from Start" or cloud recording.

MultiChoice says the added DStv Stream functionality will become available on 12 November for web users, with gradual updates across iOS, Android, and other platforms.

"With 'Watch from Start' and Cloud PVR, we're giving viewers more control over their viewing experience," says Marc Jury, MultiChoice South Africa CEO.

"We know customers want the freedom to enjoy content on their schedule, and these new features bring the flexibility of streaming to the live TV experience. Our customers can now enjoy the best of both." 

"Watch from Start" won't be available for all DStv linear TV channels but will include several SuperSport channels, M-Net (DStv 101), Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and kykNET (DStv 144).

The cloud recording function allows DStv Stream subscribers save live content, accessible in the "My Stuff" section. According to MultiChoice, both features are set to roll out with automatic updates where possible.

MultiChoice's DStv Stream adds its Watch from Start in preparation for the launch of DStv Glass.

by Thinus Ferreira

Like what has been possible with DStv decoders, MultiChoice has now added "Watch from Start" functionality to its DStv Stream app, making it possible for subscribers to begin watching content that has already started.

The Watch from Start functionality is something that is available in Sky's smart TV known as Sky Glass that works with an internet connection and no need for a mounted satellite dish.

MultiChoice is on track to launch a localised version of Sky Glass, rebranded as DStv Glass, by the end of this year in South Africa which will have to incorporate this function as well, hence its addition to DStv Stream.

Like with traditional DStv decoders where subscribers can drag back the cursor in the buffer bar to go back to the beginning or another point in the timeline, Watch from Start allows users to restart any live event by clicking a button.

According to MultiChoice, the newly added functionality is designed "to provide subscribers with greater control and flexibility over their streaming experience".

MultiChoice says Watch from Start "is a first step in bringing full cloud PVR functionality - recording live events from any device, to watch later - to DStv Stream customers, who could previously only access this if they were a PVR decoder viewer".

The Watch from Start feature is currently available in South Africa and the Rest of Africa on iOS, Android mobile, web, Hisense, tvOS, and most Samsung TVs. MultiChoice says it will be rolling out on other platforms soon.

"Along with this is a new and improved version of the smart TV user interface (UI) including enhancements that have made the app simpler for the customer to use and navigate. These updates have been rolled out on LG, Samsung and Hisense and will also be rolled out to DStv's connected Streama device soon."

Rochani Steenkamp, executive head of DStv Stream Product, says "These features not only improve convenience but also allow our subscribers to enjoy their favourite shows and live events exactly how and when they want".

According to MultiChoice the navigation for mobile has also been reworked to help subscribers with content discovery in the main section of the app.

Daniel Courtenay, DStv Stream executive head, says "These are just the first in a list of innovative improvements on our road map for the year".