Video on demand is a media distribution system that allows users to access videos without a traditional video playback device and the constraints of a typical static broadcasting schedule. In the 20th century, broadcasting in the form of over-the-air programming was the most common form of media distribution
Below Are The List of VOD Services In South Africa
1 Altech Node
Technology group Altech, part of the JSE-listed Altron stable, on Thursday evening announced that it is making a big play into the video-on-demand (VOD) and home automation markets with a new, satellite-based home entertainment product called the Node that it hopes will become a significant new revenue stream for the group in coming years.
The Altech Node platform incorporates the second VOD service to be launched in South Africa in as many weeks. Unlike Times Media Group’s Vidi service, however, the Altech Node is a satellite-connected box that delivers “push VOD” content — much of it in full 1080p-resolution high definition — to subscribers.
Content is delivered over satellite, which subscribers can then watch “on demand” from the set-top box’s built-in 1TB hard disk drive.
Altech believes this is a better model than delivering content over the Internet in a country where the fixed-line broadband network remains relatively poorly developed and expensive. The service uses Intelsat-20, so DStv subscribers don’t have to install a new dish.
Sentech has been contracted as signal partner.
The Node was developed by the Durban-based Altech UEC, South Africa’s largest set-top box and decoder manufacturer. Subscriptions cost R299/month and there’s an upfront R3 499 fee for the set-top box, which includes installation of either a new dish or quad-LNB (low-noise block downconverter) on an existing DStv dish installation. A contract option is also available through Altech Autopage, the group’s cellular service provider, allowing consumers to amortise the upfront cost of the set-top box over a 24-month period.
The Node has accompanying Android and iOS apps that allow smartphones to be used to control it
The Node has accompanying Android and iOS apps to control it remotely
“The idea for the Node was incubated three years ago,” Altech CEO Craig Venter tells TechCentral. “We then invested 40 000 man hours on software development alone.”
Indeed, Altech roped in seven group companies into the Node’s development, which involved building the set-box, creating billing and customer relationship management platforms, establishing a call centre, and even building an online commerce payments platform.
“We own everything, not just the set-top box,” Venter says. “We have more than 40 patents across all the countries where we intend selling this product.”
In some markets, Altech intends making the Node available as a white-labelled solution, allowing other companies to brand it and market it. In South Africa, though, Altech is taking it directly to market.
The group expects to sign up tens of thousands of subscribers in a “very short space of time” and is targeting hundreds of thousands of subscribers in the longer term, according to Venter. “Initial indications are good. Retailers wouldn’t be placing orders unless they felt comfortable.”
Altech has reached agreements with a number of retailers and service providers for the commercial launch.
Dion, Game, Makro, Incredible Connection, OK Furniture, Hirsch’s Homestore, Jet Mart and Pick n Pay will all sell the Node and its associated home automation, security and other accessories.
Cell C has been chosen as the launch mobile network partner, though Venter says the company is open to discussions with MTN and Vodacom as well. The two larger mobile operators are known to have been considering VOD services of their own for some time, though neither has launched a commercial product.
2 OpenView HD
Platco Digital, the company behind South Africa’s new free-to-air satellite television service, OpenView HD, has unveiled the selection of channels that it plans to broadcast from launch on 15 October.
The company, which is owned by Hosken Consolidated Investments — the same company that controls free-to-air broadcaster e.tv — has disclosed that it will offer 16 channels grouped into four broad content categories.
The channels are:
— Entertainment: SABC1, 2 and 3, e.tv, eKasi+, eAfrica+, eMovies+
— Culture and lifestyle: Zest TV, ASTV, Deen TV
— Children and education: eToons+, Mindset TV, Da Vinci Learning, English Club
— Religion: Spirit World Channel, Inspiration TV.
Platco MD Maxwell Nonge says that e.tv will be offered in high definition but declines to comment on which other channels will be broadcast in this resolution as he is not at liberty to disclose that information given that his company is simply the platform operator.
“This is our launch offering and we will offer additional channels,” Nonge says.
OpenView HD will cost consumers an estimated R1 599 for a dish, decoder and installation voucher, though Nonge says they should “shop around as prices will differ from store to store”. The product will be available through a wide range of retail outlets and through satellite installers.
The Platco Digital platform uses the same SES-5 satellite as On Digital Media’s TopTV, which means consumers with TopTV dishes will be able to receive the service. Subscribers to MultiChoice’s DStv will need to purchase a new dish.
See also: OpenView HD technical details revealed
Which streaming service is best in South Africa?
The best streaming services in South Africa
According to MyBroadband, Prime Video offers the largest number of titles among major subscription video streaming services like Netflix and Showmax.
What streaming services can you get in South Africa?
Can you save on these costs?
| Service | Cost per month, may vary depending on bundle chosen |
|---|---|
| Netflix | R49 to R199 a month |
| Amazon Prime | R79 a month |
| Apple TV+ | R84.99, R849 a year |
| eVOD | Free, R5 per day to R29.99 per month |
How much do you pay for Netflix per month in South Africa?
Streaming service Netflix will increase the prices of its two most expensive monthly plans in South Africa from Tuesday (19 October). The price of the popular Standard plan will increase by R20, increasing from R139 to R159 per month.
Netflix price hike for South Africa.
| Tier | Current price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | R99 | R99 |
| Standard | R139 | R159 |
| Premium | R169 | R199 |
Which is better Netflix or Showmax in South Africa?
If you want the better Netflix packages (standard or premium), then Netflix is a little costlier than Showmax. Again, you will have to opt for one of the pricier packages if you want to stream from multiple devices. There are few South African productions to choose from. Sports streaming is not yet available