Netflix in South Africa has created a lot of excitement with their launch announcement last year.
For those who are familiar with the online streaming service, as well DSTV subscribers who have not yet seen true competition to the satellite service for many years, this is exciting times.
Naturally there is worry that DSTV’s revenue will suffer, which could be why all DSTV packages are now increasing by eight percent or more – higher than inflation which was announced on Friday 1 April at a seven to eight percent increase.
Although there has been alternative services in recent years, sadly none had the features to rival DSTV, and this is why Netflix could come across as more of a threat to DSTV.
A lack of competition has allowed the broadcast service to retain high prices and with the increase, it now sees Premium package subscribers paying R759 per month.
In order for a DSTV customer to have access to all their channels and services DSTV has to offer, one must be subscribed to their Premium package.
Only the higher value packages allow subscribers access to MultiChoice’s BoxOffice service, which offers the ability to rent movies online for 48 hours, through the decoder. The scheduled viewing and endless advertisements are also features that Netflix can easily out-do, and others have already tried.
Altech’s NODE was set up with a similar concept to the BoxOffice service. The service offers its own decoder, and a custom designed remote, allowing subscribers to switch effortlessly between regular television and online content.
While a subscription to NODE is only a R299 setback, the R3499 once-off charge for the decoder takes some convincing and serves as a reason why it never matched the success of DSTV.
Even their Triple Play package which consisted of a TV, phone, and internet with MTN, plus the decoder fee, all for R799 per month, wasn’t enough to match up to DSTV.
Altech Node is now simply something of the past as their services shut down last year October.
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Quad Core Mxq HD Smart Android Tv Box media player with Kodi, YouTube, Netflix. This device can be connected to your TV to enjoy streaming videos on Netflix and YouTube to name a few.
The 2.4g Mini USB Wireless Russian Version Keyboard Touchpad & Air Mouse Fly Mouse Remote Control For Android retails at R304. This little device is the first of its kind that allows you full PC control from the comfort of your couch. It is a remote, mouse and keyboard all in one.
Here’s what you need to know about VIDI
VIDI is the newest TV-on-demand service in South Africa, and the most similar to Netflix’s service. VIDI is South African orientated and allows users to have instant access to online film and television content. A subscription costs R149 a month, with the option to rent newer movies or programs.
The streaming service is available on most computers and handsets with an internet connection, though hooking them up to your TV can be a hassle. Also, in comparison to Netflix, VIDI has access to significantly less content.
As a relatively unknown service, it is doubtful that it will be able to compete with Netflix. This is especially true as it currently remains overshadowed by DSTV, though arguably due to the infrastructure available to South African users.
For a long time, internet had limited availability in South Africa, making it easy for DSTV to monopolise the market as the best-paid TV service.
In recent years, however, internet penetration has increased dramatically throughout the country, spurring the creation of the newer services, VIDI and NODE.
Cell-C announced their new Fibre-to-the-Home service, ‘C-Fibre’ yesterday which hopes to bring increasing coverage and reach to all of its customers.
