MultiChoice has not yet managed to resolve the problem that caused its new DStv BoxOffice service to crash within 24 hours of launch.
Pay-TV provider DStv has introduced what it claims is SA's first satellite-based video-on-demand service. DStv Premium subscribers can access video-on-demand offerings through the service, which was unveiled last Thursday night.
MultiChoice says DStv became aware of the problem on Friday evening. “One of our core systems in processing BoxOffice requests malfunctioned due to high demand.”
Affected subscribers experienced several glitches that ranged from blank screens to movies not being available after request SMSes were sent.
The company explained that some subscribers were able to use BoxOffice successfully, while others experienced problems during the rental process.
It adds that its engineering teams are working to resolve the problem. In the meantime, an interim solution to process rental requests has been implemented so that subscribers can still access the service.
MultiChoice says the registration process remains unaffected and is fully operational. However, the rental process will have a slower reaction time than normal and will take up to 30 minutes as opposed to the expected five minutes.
Restart please
MultiChoice has apologised to customers for the inconvenience and says it will provide an update as soon as it is in a position to do so.
It advises that should subscribers not be able to view their movie within 30 minutes of their initial request, they should start the rental process again.
The company assures that subscribers will not be billed for unsuccessful rentals.
As a result of the problem, it offered two free movies to subscribers who successfully registered on Friday, instead of one as initially planned.
Subscribers can contact the company via Facebook, Twitter (@DStv) or get updates and information on the BoxOffice Web site.
Online next
The provider says the BoxOffice service will be rolled out in several phases. The first, launched on 21 July, offers a satellite-based value-added offering to DStv Premium subscribers through personal video recorders.
The next phase of the BoxOffice roll-out will be an online offering, available to all South African broadband users by the end of this year.
The offering allows current premium subscribers to “push the green button” on their remotes and follow the steps.
Subscribers pay for the service through a monthly debit order, pre-loading funds into their accounts or by credit card. Once a movie is rented, it can be viewed multiple times within a 48-hour period.
The service is offered at an introductory price of R25 a title.
Share