OpenView HD, the satellite service launched late last year by eTV sister company Platco Digital has now made it even easier for people to choose and use its service by announcing that it will work with existing satellite dishes like those used by subscribers to Multichoice’s DStv service.
A plethora of video streaming and video-on-demand services have launched in South Africa in recent weeks, including video-streaming service VIDI from the Times Media Group and Altech’s Node service, giving consumers more choices than ever before when it comes to video content. DStv, meanwhile, has extended support for its BoxOffice on-demand video service to users other than merely subscribers to its Premium bouquet.
OpenView HD allows users watch to 18 channels via a dedicated decoder, but unlike its rivals users need only pay a once-off fee for the decoder and installation rather than monthly subscription fees for the service.
Through an agreement with local signal distribution company Sentech, OpenView HD has leased space on the IS20 satellite – the same satellite used for DStv, Vivid and Freevision. This means users no longer need to get a dedicated satellite dish in addition to the requisite decoder in order to receive OpenView HD and can, instead, use their existing dish.
“We are delighted to be able to increase viewer access to the OpenView HD platform and extend options for TV viewers across South Africa,” says Maxwell Nonge, MD of Platco Digital. “The IS20 offering will make it easier for the consumer pocket, as those with existing satellite dishes will not need to purchase new ones.”
Consumers that have an existing dish for a competing service now have the option of buying the OpenView HD decoder on its own for R849. The decoder comes with a do-it-yourself installation guide, but the company still offers the services of professional installers if needed.
Channels on offer via OpenView HD include SABC 1,2 and 3, eAfrica+, eHD, eMovies+, Da Vinci Learning and Mindset.