DStv alternatives: pricing online video in South Africa

Good article, I look forward to a follow up on this:

However, just as with BitTorrent tools, it is about what the services are used for and Hall said that unfortunately downloading or streaming content outside the regions it’s licensed for is copyright infringement, even if you paid for it.
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In this day and age, why do we still have schedules on the distribution of media? I remember it used to be due to shipping restrictions of the physical films but aren't those days long gone?
 
Fudzy said:
In this day and age, why do we still have schedules on the distribution of media? I remember it used to be due to shipping restrictions of the physical films but aren't those days long gone?
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Yes, but region restrictions allow them to charge more. Steam perfect example.
 
Qwikslver said:
Yes, but region restrictions allow them to charge more. Steam perfect example.
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Exactly my point, along with app market restrictions. It's like the global corporations are giving their regional divisions an excuse to be sloppy with their marketing.
 
Nicholas Hall, a tech lawyer at Michalsons Attorneys, explained that the use of services such as UnoTelly is perfectly legal.

However, just as with BitTorrent tools, it is about what the services are used for and Hall said that unfortunately downloading or streaming content outside the regions it’s licensed for is copyright infringement, even if you paid for it.
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Making piracy by far the most practical option. :(
 
However, just as with BitTorrent tools, it is about what the services are used for and Hall said that unfortunately downloading or streaming content outside the regions it’s licensed for is copyright infringement, even if you paid for it.
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Well if it's still illegal even though you've paid for it, might as well just pirate it then. If you gonna treat us like criminals then don't be shocked when we act like them as well.
 
If you are already paying for a 4MB ADSL then this is cheap. I have had my 4MB ADSL for for a few years and have been running Netflix for 2 months now. VPN is about R400 per annum and Netflix R90.

Since I have cancelled DSTV premium, I am saving R600 pm.

The only downside at the moment is I find sometimes during the day the streams lose quality but on weekends and at night it is perfect. If you want DSTV for some major sports event, just turn it on for that month.
 
Nduimiso said:
Well if it's still illegal even though you've paid for it, might as well just pirate it then. If you gonna treat us like criminals then don't be shocked when we act like them as well.
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Fair enough but what DSTV is charging should be illegal. The lack of choice is also the reason for alternatives, no sports packages..??? They know if they offer a sports only package their base will drop by 80%
 
Geographical licensing is critical to DSTV's survival. I won't be sad to see either go. I already ignore both in my life, but not having to pay for a VPN would be nice.
 
Fudzy said:
Exactly my point, along with app market restrictions. It's like the global corporations are giving their regional divisions an excuse to be sloppy with their marketing.
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It's more that they want the advantages of globalisation while denying the same to their customers.
 
i have been dtsv free for almost 2years now, i watch what i want when i want.
 
My solution looks like this:

Media PC With XBMC + (PsuedoTV) and all me DVD's riped onto it.
http://hola.org/ (Unlocker is free): Allow for access to Netflix/Hulu and BBC...
Netflix + Hulu subsciptions
DSTV USB Drifta for the sports (SS 1-4 and SS Blitz)

Never looked back and I have all the entertainment I could ever need.

Its a pity DSTV Mobile streaming is only available via Vodacom & MTN, as the R60 a month would have been good enough to replace the drifta to be able to stream all my content.
 
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rpm said:
DStv alternatives: pricing online video in SA

While direct competition in South Africa’s broadcast pay TV space is limited, there are online options
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DStv alternatives:

Quite simple, when south african actually stop just liking and pull finger from arse and do something about it and Naspers (DStv) has to take notice... well **** yeah change will happen. When we just keep on Like, do nothing about it and keep on lining the pockets of Naspers (DStv) we will be fed the same **** until kingdom comes. Nowadays this is a extra as we'd rather have someone else do the work, do the TAG and so on and expect change. How stupid.


If everyone canned their subs indefinitely... Then Naspers (DStv) will be forced to act quickly, but no you keep on giving your money for *** then don't complain if you get *** in return. God forbid you are without tv for 30 days to make it make it better. FAIL.
 
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I tried Netflix and Hulu, but found it rather limited compared to couchpotato and sickbeard. Its a much simpler solution though.
 
Fudzy said:
In this day and age, why do we still have schedules on the distribution of media? I remember it used to be due to shipping restrictions of the physical films but aren't those days long gone?
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The "old way" of distributing media was for local companies to pay for the distribution rights for music, TV shows, movies, live sport, etc within their region. Consumers had no alternative. Those models don't work as well in the internet age, but the regional distributers will fight to enforce the contracts they have in place. Companies like Netflix would have to pay a fortune to come to SA, and you can get bet we're way down the list of countries they'll target.
 
Not quite a true representation of the cost differences, as many people who have DSTV already have and need internet. Its not an either or thing. They should've done a cost difference between 1mb uncapped+dstv vs 4mb uncapped+netflix.
 
I cancelled my dstv and made the switch to unotelly + netflix about 3 months ago. I have never been happier. PS3's quality is much better than the xbox or android if you set it to low streaming quality. It's awesome.
 
Joined the Netflix/Hulu plus bandwagon a month ago and I have to say i am impressed. i don't think i will continue with the sabnzbd downloads (too much heavy lifting for me).
 
freematrix said:
Fair enough but what DSTV is charging should be illegal. The lack of choice is also the reason for alternatives, no sports packages..??? They know if they offer a sports only package their base will drop by 80%
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Naah, they are charging way too little - I see dishes all over the place still... even in poor neighbourhoods. People are suckers for entertainment.
 
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