DStv adds internet-powered TV services

Africa’s MultiChoice has unveiled suite of internet-connected services for its pay TV service DStv, including catch-up, remote record and on-demand offerings.

Available to customers of DStv’s Expolra DVR, the new connected services will start to roll out from this week, with viewers able to access these by connecting their set-top box to an Ethernet cable or by buying a DStv WiFi Connector.

The new internet-connected DStv Catch Up Plus service will give viewers access to twice the number of entertainment titles they can currently watch on the satellite-delivered DStv Catch Up, doubling the selection from 300 to 600 movies and TV shows, with more to be added in the coming months.

At launch, users will be able to choose up to 25 titles from the catch-up library to download and then watch from their set-top box, with instant-access progressive downloads to be added in the first half of next year.

The new remote recording function will let viewers use the DStv.com website via laptop, smartphone or tablet to set their set-top box to record.

From December, MultiChoice will also launch the DStv NOW app, which will give DStv Premium customers with DVRs to access content on the go.

The iOS and Android app will let users access 12 channels and DStv Catch Up content, as well as set remote recordings.

“MultiChoice is focused on innovation. Today we unveiled more content, more convenience, more customer choice and more control,” said Imtiaz Patel, Group CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, claiming the connected services are a “big step forward in the evolution of our innovation roadmap.”