[ad_1]
MultiChoice recently launched a variety of new DStv offerings, including a new DStv decoder called Explora Ultra.
Like the previous Explora set-top boxes, Explora Ultra will allow the reception of the satellite broadcast signal from DStv to your television and will support new or existing satellite installations.
However, the new set-top box has a built-in Wi-Fi connection and offers a number of new features aimed at DStv clients with Internet connections and streaming packets.
MultiChoice said this product will offer customers “the best of the satellite world and the best of the broadcast world” in one package.
It is currently unclear when Explora Ultra will launch in South Africa, with MultiChoice indicating that the launch date for the new set-top box will be announced in due course.
A major focus of the DStv showcase event, during which Explora Ultra was launched, was the integration of support for third-party streaming services into DStv’s unified platform, with the company emphasizing its role as a content aggregator for online services. and satellite.
The company previously confirmed had signed a deal with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, although this has had problems since then.
This deal is under investigation by the Competition Commission, and neither the Commission nor DStv have provided further details on the nature of the investigation.
Integrating third-party streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video could be a game changer for DStv and Explora Ultra, although the fate of this concept is currently unclear.
However, even without Netflix and Amazon Prime Video support, Explora Ultra offers a number of great features over the previous generation Explora 3.
We compared the specifications and features of both devices to illustrate the improvements offered by the new decoder.
Offline experience
MultiChoice claims that Explora Ultra will offer the same selection of offline features as Explora 3, including standard DStv viewing and Catch Up.
“The characteristics of all Exploras are the same when there is no Internet connection,” said DStv. However, Explora Ultra offers better recommendations through its revised, unified home screen.
The full list of offline features offered by Explora 3 and Explora Ultra is as follows:
- Pause Live TV for 2 hours
- Reach
- Ticket office
- Eight-day TV guide
- Parental control
- Interactive apps
Users can record up to 110 hours of content on both Explora devices, although this may vary depending on the quality of the recordings.
The Explora Ultra has an advantage against the Explora 3 in both video and audio quality, however, it offers 4K video and Dolby Atmos audio support.
It should be noted that these additional features only apply to supported media, as standard satellite broadcasts do not support 4K resolution.
“Selected third-party applications on DStv Explora Ultra offer 4K streaming content, subject to availability and subscription terms,” said MultiChoice.
Online features
The biggest difference between these two set-top boxes is in their online features.
Explora Ultra not only offers support for third-party applications, but also includes DStv Now and the full version of the Showmax application.
“Although they both have Showmax, the Ultra has the full-featured Showmax app,” says DStv.
In contrast, Explora 3 only offers Catch Up Plus and a less advanced version of Showmax.
With Explora Ultra, you can view a variety of content through your internet connection, including videos from third-party applications.
DStv recommends the following minimum internet connection speeds for DStv Explora Ultra users:
- SD transmission – 2 Mbps
- HD transmission – 10 Mbps
“For 4K streaming, we recommend checking the requirements of individual content providers,” said DStv.
“Although a capped connection can be used for limited streaming, we recommend an unlimited connection (due to the volume of data consumed during transmission), with a line speed based on customer viewing requirements.”
When combined with the retention of all the traditional satellite broadcast features of previous Explora models, it is clear that Explora Ultra introduces a host of new features and display options.
It’s unclear how much the Explora Ultra will cost compared to the current generation Explora 3, but DStv claims it is the “must-have” device for those who want a simple and easy way to access content across many services.
Specifications for DStv Explora Ultra and Explora 3 are shown below.
specs
| specs | Explore 3 | Explore Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | Dolby Digital | Dolby Atmos |
| Video quality | 720p, 1080i | 720p, 1080i, 4K |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB for external Wi-FI DStv connector | Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
| Recording capacity | Up to 110 hours | Up to 110 hours |
| Smart card slot | yes | Not |
| User bands | 32 | 32 |
| USB ports | two | one |
| insurance | R35 per month | R45 per month |
| Price | R1,999 (including installation) | TBA |
Now Read: Nu Metro Cinemas To Reopen In South Africa
[ad_2]
