We’re willing to bet Skyworth’s QVWi sub-brand isn’t even on your radar, let alone inside your home. Showmax on the other hand, MultiChoice’s home-grown streaming service, is a household name. The two have partnered up to release Showmax-branded 4K TVs and streaming boxes – a cheat code for the South African market that’s sure to bump up QVWi’s cred from here on out.

Showmax takes a Leap of faith

The devices, which include a “range of streaming devices as well as smart TVs” include the newer and more powerful Leap S3 streaming box and a weaker Leap S2 streaming stick. These will be available from all the usual retailers from 1 August 2024 – each arriving with the Showmax app pre-loaded.

Customers will also receive two months of free Showmax Entertainment with each device purchased (excluding the 65in TV model), which is now a R100/m subscription.

“We are thrilled to partner with QVWi to bring these innovative, affordable streaming devices to the market,” says Showmax CEO, Marc Jury, in a statement. “Our goal has always been to make entertainment accessible to everyone. This partnership helps us achieve our mission to be the home of streaming for Africa by providing our customers with more affordable options to enjoy our fantastic content.”

The QVWi Leap S2 streaming stick, which will go for R1,000 when it arrives next week, features all the usual streaming gimmes including 4K streaming and Google TV OS, which has slowly become the industry standard for newer streaming devices.

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The same goes for the more expensive Leap S3 streaming box – which goes for R1,200 – and includes the same processor (S905Y4 Quad A35). Judging by QWVI’s store, the two feature the exact same specs with the only difference being the form factor and the additional ports. According to listings on everyshop.co.za, the Leap S3 does, at least, include double the storage (16GB) and “increased RAM” – up from 2GB in the Leap S2 stick.

The streamer pointed out that customers on the streamer’s mobile plans would not be able to bypass the limitation by casting their content to their streaming box or stick. “The QWVi devices are only compatible with the Showmax Entertainment plan,” it said.

We know QVWi’s new Showmax-partnered TVs will turn up in three sizes – 50in, 55in and 65in – though only the two smaller models will have access to the two free months of the streamer’s Entertainment plan, while the 65in TV is a standalone product.

Here are the recommended retail prices for all the devices we’ve mentioned:

S2 Streaming Stick + 2 months Showmax Entertainment. From R1,000
S3 Streaming Box + 2 months Showmax Entertainment. From R1,200
50” 4K UHD TV + 2 months Showmax Entertainment. From R6,000
55” 4K UHD TV + 2 months Showmax Entertainment. From R6,800
65” 4K UHD TV. From R10,000

QVWi retail CEO Nazim Cassim added, “Collaborating with Showmax allows us to leverage our technological expertise to create products that enhance the user experience. These devices provide a smooth and lag-free viewing experience that will immerse you in the action, whether you’re binge-watching a show or enjoying a blockbuster movie. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds that await you.”