Recent news about Multichoice-owned DStv’s efforts to curb password-sharing has caused fiery users to take to social media. Yesterday the broadcaster announced that it will limit the number of concurrent streams on its streaming service from four down to one.
“From 22 March 2022, customers will be limited to streaming DStv on one device at a time. They will still be able to watch previously downloaded content on a second device,” DStv details in a terms and conditions update.
This means no one account will be accessible as a streaming service on more than one device at any given moment. Regardless of the subscription package. Premium subscribers that are dropping R840p/m (from 1 April 2022) won’t be able to watch more than one stream on one device at a time.
Lucky for you, however, there is a myriad of other streaming services out there. While we won’t detail the heavily convoluted world of IPTV (TV channels broadcast over the internet), we’ll cover some of the major streaming services, and the content available on ‘em.
Netflix
We’ll start with the one everyone knows. Netflix has always offered an extensive library of shows and films.
In recent years, however, it’s invested a considerable amount of dollars in content development under its own production house. And its content offers a much more diversified catalogue of high-quality content. In contrast to Hollywood, which has managed to feed the world American-centric content for decades.
South African Netflix users will now be paying a bit more to stream some of the best television content available, however. While it’s more expensive, Netflix’s subscription costs could very well still be more affordable than the alternatives. It starts at R50p/m for the mobile package, R160p/m for the standard one and R200p/m for the premium sub.
As far as concurrent streams go, a single Netflix account can stream simultaneously on up to four devices with a premium subscription.
Amazon Prime Video
Equally famous, but not as widely used is Amazon’s Prime Video platform. It’s an offshoot Netflix competitor made by Jeff Bezos’ Amazon empire.
The company has also started investing heavily in its own original content in recent years, offering up some brilliant shows in its catalogue. A catalogue that already has some great licenced content like House, South Park and Parks and Recreation.
If you’re after value for money, it’s clear Amazon Prime Video should be on your list. It offers a fairly large content library for only R87 (ish, it’s converted from $6) per month. Here you’ll get access to things like The Grand Tour, The Boys, Fleabag and many more Amazon Originals, including a wide range of films. Don’t forget Jack Reacher, which launched recently and offers a particularly thrilling viewing experience.
With Amazon Prime, you’re allowed to stream three different movies or shows to three devices at the same time but you can only stream the same movie or show to two devices simultaneously.
Apple TV+
‘Course everyone and their grandma is on the video-on-demand (VOD) bandwagon these days. Especially Apple. There’s money to be made? Count ‘em in!
Apple TV+ launched back in 2019 and is available in SA for a very reasonable R85p/m. Its library is fairly bare, and only really lists original content made by Apple. Good thing most of its original shows are well produced and feature some recognisable faces. Some standout ones are See featuring Jason Momoa, and Ted Lasso featuring Jason Sudeikis.
Apple TV+ will allow for up to six concurrent streams to different devices. More than the other platforms but it’s not the most.
BritBox
South Africans grew up with old British favourites like Mr Bean and Top Gear — which means nostalgia fuels the success of BritBox in the country.
BritBox made its internet debut in SA on Friday 6 August 2021. And this is the ideal place to gain access to those old favourite ‘box-sets’ as many call them.
None of us are planning to buy said box sets for a chance to watch Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen or Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder any more than we plan to watch segments of ‘em on YouTube. If your heart lies in the UK, it’s a no-brainer to invest a mere R100 per month for this service. Its content lineup is bound to grow from here, and you have the option to check it out via a 7-day free trial.
BritBox takes the crown for the number of concurrent streams allowed, we think. The site doesn’t specify exactly how many so that means there’s no limit, right?
Showmax
It’s a bit ironic to see this one here – as it’s owned by the very holding company that owns DStv. Many of its products go hand-in-hand. DStv Premium subscribers automatically receive free access to Showmax, so they should already know about it. But it may be worth looking into making it part of your streamer mix if you’re dropping DStv.
Showmax offers heaps of local South African content, and the fairly overpriced Showmax Pro subscription at R450p/m adds some sports channels. So if you’ve dropped DStv and need that sports fix, this one may be for you. The R100p/m standard option also features licenced HBO content — which is the only legal way you’ll get to watch it in SA.
You’re allowed two concurrent Showmax streams simultaneously. That’s not that many, but it’s twice as much as DStv (from the 1 April 2022).
Disney+
It’s finally confirmed. South Africa (and a bunch of other territories that aren’t important right now) will get access to the Disney+ streaming service mid-2022. That’s rather soon.
Disney+ launched in late 2019 and has since diverted all of its original content away from other streaming services to its own. Currently, you won’t find much Marvel or Disney content on services like Netflix or Amazon Prime video, as it’s all been funnelled to Disney+.
In the US, the service currently costs $8 per month, which means we’re looking at around R125 in South Africa once it launches. A press release confirms a ‘winter 2022’ release date, which means we should see the service live in the country around June/July.
With Disney+ you’ll get access to four simultaneous streams. Four seems like a good middle ground. Anything is better than one we guess.