ONTAPtv became the newest player to launch into the South African video-on-demand (VOD) market today claiming to be the first service to offer "`a la carte content packages" for the SA Market. The new service comes in at a lower price point than rivals and offers a unique offline viewing option as well as traditional VOD streaming content.
ONTAPtv.com comes from Hong Kong's leading integrated telecommunications operator HKT, via its international operating division PCCW Global. The launch comes a month after Naspers-backed ShowMax launched to South African consumers and will have to compete with other VOD services like MTN FrontRow and Vidi as well as the imminent arrival of Netflix in 2016.
ONTAPtv head Lindsay Servian is confident that there is something for everyone on the service that offers over 2500 hours of local and international content which can be watched on up to three devices.
The content lin-eup includes local SABC series as well as leading international content from studios like Warner Bros, MGM and BBC Worldwide. ONTAPtv.com also offers Chinese content from PCCW's now TV, Hong Kong's leading IPTV service.
"We are also delighted to announce our sponsorship of projects of the Maxum Media Accelerator (the MMA) to produce local dramas which will be available later this year. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to the development of exciting local content, whilst helping to grow the South African film and entertainment industry," according to Servian.
With around 2,500 movies and episodes, and more expected to be added, customers can stream content via the internet or download video content which will then be available offline for 48hours.
"This is a major VOD innovation in South Africa, and will, we believe, greatly expand the number of customers who will now be able to enjoy the service, and at a highly affordable price," according to Servian.
Winning price point
ONTAPtv's price point could be what gives it an edge with packages starting from just R39 per month and going up to R89pm for the "Mega Pack". Customers can also rent blockbuster hits from R15 for a 48-hour period.
ONTAPtv says it has introduced a "revolutionary `a la carte approach to watching video on demand" to ensure that customers only pay for the content they want to watch. There are a range of packages on offer and a free trial for those who want to try the service before committing to a package.
Servian also announced a deal with AlwaysOn for specially priced data packages when the service is used at AlwaysOn Super Wi-Fi locations nationwide. These include a 15GB package for R29 or a 50GB package for R59, both valid for 30 days.
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