Dishless DStv: How It Stacks Up To Netflix

DStv recently launched its independent streaming service in South Africa, allowing local subscribers to sign up for packages without a satellite installation.

These streaming-only packages are otherwise identical to traditional satellite packages, although they now compete directly with Netflix and other streaming services.

Despite this, DStv’s new Explora Ultra set-top box includes integration with Netflix, whose subscription can be added to your monthly DStv bill.

However, a cable box is no longer required to watch DStv, just the DStv streaming app.

This means that many South Africans without a satellite dish but with home broadband may need to choose between a DStv or Netflix package as a streaming option.

We’ve compared the new DStv streaming packages to the Netflix options below.

Live sports and content

When it comes to content, Netflix and DStv offer a variety of TV shows and movies to choose from.

DStv’s catalog includes a wide selection of local content, while Netflix has an extensive selection of international content packed with high-quality original series and movies.

It should be noted that DStv offers a live TV experience, while Netflix is ​​purely on demand. However, the former is also boosted by box office video rentals.

DStv also offers a number of channels dedicated to live sports via SuperSport, but the selection of sports available in cheaper packages is considerably limited compared to the full set of content on Premium.

Below is the number of channels available in each of DStv’s broadcast-only packages:

One of the main advantages of DStv’s high-end Premium subscription is the free inclusion of a Showmax account.

Access for this grant to Showmax’s catalog of local and international programs, available on demand through the streaming service.

However, Netflix’s catalog is still considerably larger than Showmax’s, making it a more attractive option unless you want to enjoy the large amount of local content on the latter platform.

The table below compares the number of shows available on Netflix and Showmax in South Africa.

Price and transmission restrictions

In terms of streaming quality, Netflix offers streaming up to 4K, which is much higher than the HD streaming offered by DStv.

It’s also priced considerably cheaper than DStv’s high-end packages, competing with the EasyView and Access lines while offering a larger selection of content.

The table below details the streaming prices and restrictions for Netflix packages available in South Africa.

DStv’s broadcast-only packages are priced similarly to their traditional products, making DStv Premium a relatively expensive streaming subscription compared to Netflix.

MultiChoice also offers Showmax Pro as a separate streaming package in South Africa, which includes the full Showmax catalog, as well as a limited selection of live sports.

However, this selection does not include popular sports such as rugby, cricket, or motor racing. Showmax Pro is priced at R449 per month.

DStv subscribers can stream on their iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, or Smart TV device.

Streaming customers can also watch on-demand Catch Up on up to four devices, with a maximum of two simultaneous streams.

The DStv packet transmission resolution is 720p on all devices.

The table below shows prices for DStv’s broadcast-only packages, illustrating the significantly higher price for channels with a larger selection of live sports.

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