DStv gets a new satellite and promises more services

Q: When will DStv be switched from IS–7 to IS–20? Will subscribers have to retune their decoders or realign their dishes?

A: The transition date will be communicated soon. Subscribers do not have to prepare for or do anything for this transition.
Click to expand...

Was there not an article that stated that to get access to all the HD content on this new satellite subscribers will have move over to a large 90cm dish ?
 
ColdComfort said:
Was there not an article that stated that to get access to all the HD content on this new satellite subscribers will have move over to a large 90cm dish ?
Click to expand...

MultiChoice said that they don't have plans to switch from DVB-S to DVB-S2, which was the reason for the larger dish.

Even if the switch were to happen, only those who upgraded from an SD installation with a smaller 60-odd cm dish to HD with upgrading the dish will be affected. HD installations done with a DStv voucher get a 80cm dish, if memory serves.
 
Jan said:
MultiChoice said that they don't have plans to switch from DVB-S to DVB-S2, which was the reason for the larger dish.

Even if the switch were to happen, only those who upgraded from an SD installation with a smaller 60-odd cm dish to HD with upgrading the dish will be affected. HD installations done with a DStv voucher get a 80cm dish, if memory serves.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanation. ;)
 
Hopefully the upgrade will allow true-HD resolution (as is available in Europe, for example), rather than the half-HD currently offered.
 
So if we search for this new dish with the decoder, will we be able to pick it up or how long before it is operational?
 
new services / better services for more price?

I understand that their old satellites had a bit of bandwidth issue, so I understand the yearly increases, but they going to keep pushing up the price instead of cutting their prices

they're the "fastest growing" and all, but you'd think more clients with their "subsidised" stront means lower prices all around..... but no...
 
Jan said:
MultiChoice said that they don't have plans to switch from DVB-S to DVB-S2, which was the reason for the larger dish.
Click to expand...

Is this still their official response? It would be terribly shortsighted not to have plans to switch to DVB-S2. As far as I know this won't happen during the migration, but it is definitely on the cards for the near future...
 
No, Europe does not have true HD resolution as this requires a bit rate in excess of 20 megabits.

EVen with Sky, their HD is not as good as watching a bluray, but it is definitely better than SD viewing.

entrepr said:
Hopefully the upgrade will allow true-HD resolution (as is available in Europe, for example), rather than the half-HD currently offered.
Click to expand...
 
Afaik they can start testing the transponders as soon as the satellite is "locked" in position which means the jets that power it have aligned it precisely. This usually takes a few mins and can be verified from the ground station. Then it is handed over to the satellite owner who have probably already sold the space to MC and others already.

It takes 15 mins odd to get to orbit and another 15-30 mins to get it aligned, then the big switch-on. But you won't know what frequency they will be testing on, although it will be in the 11-12 GHz range
 
At an additional expense? Monochoice can shove their services. I am now used to not having them since Feb.
 
werfie said:
... promise of more price increases maybe?
Click to expand...

Jip just wait for that R50 - R100 price increase... Now that 10Mbps adsl is so much more affordable some innovating company needs to launch video-on-demand services ASAP and cash in!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter