Naspers creates DStv Now and Showmax unit for new streaming services

[Newsfeed]

Naspers creates DStv Now and Showmax unit for new streaming services

Naspers has created a new video entertainment unit, which will be headed up by Niclas Ekdahl as CEO from 10 September 2018.

The Connected Video unit will run the Showmax and DStv Now services in South Africa. It will also be responsible for developing new over-the-top services for the MultiChoice group.

 

[EADC]

Maybe throw some money at people that can improve your streaming.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Their stream quality is shocking, but they're throwing money at a box instead of fixing the fundamentals...

 

[Hamster]

Good one Naspers! I've always wanted another device in my living room to compliment my Chromecast, PS4 and cellphone. Netflix can learn a thing or two from you guys... :erm:

 

[LCBXX]

Curious how the previously-marketed-as-a-discreet-entity Showmax is gradually being folded into the overall DStv model.

That said: I do not understand why DStv is so hell-bent in making access to their streaming content so incredibly difficult. Blocking access on rooted/jailbroken devices and uncertified devices is only hurting growth. Surely they can deal with issues that may arise from the rooted and uncertified devices as they manifest themselves; simply restricting, even refusing, support to clients not using certified devices will be better than the current approach. You have customers actively going out there and getting themselves internet connectivity and TV Boxes so that they can consume your services, without the need of an official installer and what not, yet DStv chooses to be stubborn on the matter whilst complaining about Netflix eating into their numbers.

 

[Polymathic]

making it easier for them to exit the sector

 

[Skerminkel]

Good one Naspers! I've always wanted another device in my living room to compliment my Chromecast, PS4 and cellphone. Netflix can learn a thing or two from you guys... :erm:

By "unit" they mean business unit, not a device. (Quite obviously, as you cannot have a device in you living room run by a CEO!)

 

[Skerminkel]

As I predicted, DSTV and Showmax are continuously moving closer together. The original Showmax was a beta/sandbox to develop their technology and business systems. Now that satellite broadcasting is dying, SM will take over (under whatever branding.)
Mark my words.

 

[Hamster]

By "unit" they mean business unit, not a device. (Quite obviously, as you cannot have a device in you living room run by a CEO!)

Do'h! That's a bit embarrassing...

But I'll leave the comment for when they actually try it :crylaugh:

 

[bwana]

Their stream quality is shocking, but they're throwing money at a box instead of fixing the fundamentals...

I thought by unit they meant a new division of the company?

EDIT: see that was already mentioned by another above.

I wonder if they did start selling a box if it would have netflix available? I know NowTV sells a heavily subsidised rebranded Roku that doesn't allow for Netflix to be installed.

 

[Skerminkel]

Do'h! That's a bit embarrassing...

But I'll leave the comment for when they actually try it :crylaugh:

Ha ha! They are bound to try it - market a streaming box that is supposedly much better than everything else on the market, but comes preloaded with the Showmax app only!

(And the scheme will fail, because consumers are not that stupid any more.)

 

[The_Ogre]

Do'h! That's a bit embarrassing...

But I'll leave the comment for when they actually try it :crylaugh:

You and Mike Hoxbig made me go back to the article -> ctrl+F -> box -> 0/0. I was like :wtf: Two out of the first three posters in the thread are talking about a box. Let me rather keep quiet, I might just embarrass myself

 

[Hamster]

You and Mike Hoxbig made me go back to the article -> ctrl+F -> box -> 0/0. I was like :wtf: Two out of the first three posters in the thread are talking about a box. Let me rather keep quiet, I might just embarrass myself

To be fair, I'm also a victim...

 

[milomak]

i guess we can tell who doesn't read the actual articles

though from the headline i too thought this was a story about a device

 

[Skerminkel]

You and Mike Hoxbig made me go back to the article -> ctrl+F -> box -> 0/0. I was like :wtf: Two out of the first three posters in the thread are talking about a box. Let me rather keep quiet, I might just embarrass myself

Saw that and thought I would rather come and read the comments on the forum, where the sharper folks hang out. Alas...

Actually, the jargon used by the compilers (I cannot call them authors) of these stories is just too vague and unclear. Terms like "unit" and "system" are ambiguous cliches.

 

[Lord Farquart]

Actually, the jargon used by the compilers (I cannot call them authors) of these stories is just too vague and unclear. Terms like "unit" and "system" are ambiguous cliches.

For your sake I hope Bwana does not see this comment.

 

[Speedster]

Curious how the previously-marketed-as-a-discreet-entity Showmax is gradually being folded into the overall DStv model.

That said: I do not understand why DStv is so hell-bent in making access to their streaming content so incredibly difficult. Blocking access on rooted/jailbroken devices and uncertified devices is only hurting growth. Surely they can deal with issues that may arise from the rooted and uncertified devices as they manifest themselves; simply restricting, even refusing, support to clients not using certified devices will be better than the current approach. You have customers actively going out there and getting themselves internet connectivity and TV Boxes so that they can consume your services, without the need of an official installer and what not, yet DStv chooses to be stubborn on the matter whilst complaining about Netflix eating into their numbers.

My understanding is that their content licenses require this. Uncertified boxes could potentially, as an e example, break the hdcp requirement and allow for illegal distribution of the content.

Also, why do people even go out and buy uncertified boxes?

 

[supersunbird]

My understanding is that their content licenses require this. Uncertified boxes could potentially, as an e example, break the hdcp requirement and allow for illegal distribution of the content.

Also, why do people even go out and buy uncertified boxes?

Probably cheaper, and so they can whine lol

 

[kianm]

Probably cheaper, and so they can whine lol

Yeah the $ is why

But some of those generic Droid devices are just too crappy and eventually a waste of $ when one eventually goes for a proper unit

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

The Connected Video unit will run the Showmax and DStv Now services in South Africa. It will also be responsible for developing new over-the-top services for the MultiChoice group.

Never mind all that guff, let's get to the real important questions: will they pay lots of tax and will it be BEE compliant?

:crylaugh: