DStv has launched its DStv On Demand service - a free offering available to premium subscribers who have uncapped MWeb ADSL accounts. The service is not available - free or for a fee - to subscribers not meeting both of the above requirements.
The on-demand service makes 80 hours of content per week available to subscribers either via their computer (PCs and Macs), or 20 hours of “the most popular TV series and sports magazine shows for up to seven days after broadcast on DStv channels” via PVR, the company says.
Due to the size of the files (600Mb per movie and 300Mb per episode), subscribers who wish to use the online service will need an uncapped MWeb ADSL account. DStv says it is in negotiations with other Internet service providers (ISPs) to offer the service.
According to DStv online GM Jason Probert, the company doesn't have digital rights management in place, but rather has URL obfuscation to prevent unauthorised use of content. This technical requirement is another reason the service is only being launched with MWeb initially, he notes.
Further, says Nolo Letele, group CEO of MultiChoice SA, the high bandwidth requirements and quality of service provisions, and a desire not to have unhappy customers complaining about poor streaming quality or slow downloads, also prompted this arrangement.
“MWeb has come to the party with its uncapped ADSL offering, which we hope other ISPs will do too. We are in negotiations with all ISPs offering services to our customers to extend the offering.”
DStv is taking flack on the matter of the online offering, with some launch attendees noting the online service used to be freely available, and has now been closed and restricted to a limited pool of subscribers.
DStv On Demand is immediately available.
Share