Netflix versus ShowMax

I'm planning to ditch DSTV in March (before their lovely annual price increase comes around) so yesterday I signed up for my 1 month Netflix trial.

I'm a first-time Netflix user and sign-up was nice and easy and everything else is pretty straight-forward. I like the profiles and the interface works well.

As some have pointed out, the local content offering is a problem and most of the available TV shows and movies I've already seen so Unotelly is a must for me to even consider using Netflix going forward.

Another thing I had a problem with yesterday was the playback quality. Currently on a 4MB line (100GB capped account) and for some reason I was not able to stream anything above SD quality. I did take the standard (HD available) package and changed the playback settings from "Auto" to "High" but I'm still not even getting 720p.

Most Netflix users I've spoken to say they can easily stream 720p and even up 1080p on a 4MB line so I'm a bit stumped.

This is a bit of a deal breaker for so me so is there perhaps a way to resolve this?
 
HiToKiRi said:
I'm planning to ditch DSTV in March (before their lovely annual price increase comes around) so yesterday I signed up for my 1 month Netflix trial.

I'm a first-time Netflix user and sign-up was nice and easy and everything else is pretty straight-forward. I like the profiles and the interface works well.

As some have pointed out, the local content offering is a problem and most of the available TV shows and movies I've already seen so Unotelly is a must for me to even consider using Netflix going forward.

Another thing I had a problem with yesterday was the playback quality. Currently on a 4MB line (100GB capped account) and for some reason I was not able to stream anything above SD quality. I did take the standard (HD available) package and changed the playback settings from "Auto" to "High" but I'm still not even getting 720p.

Most Netflix users I've spoken to say they can easily stream 720p and even up 1080p on a 4MB line so I'm a bit stumped.

This is a bit of a deal breaker for so me so is there perhaps a way to resolve this?
Click to expand...

From time to time I got 720p on my 2mb account
 
Slightly off topic. I have a chrome cast which has been pretty useless since I bought it (just cant get the DNS workaround working). In any case, I have everything installed on my phone etc to use it, but due to Uno telly working in the background, I need the DNS thing to work. Question: If I turn off Uno telly, then in theory my chrome cast will recognise my region as legit, which will allow me to use the bladdy thing? is this correct?

Thanks.
 
Wasp_21 said:
Slightly off topic. I have a chrome cast which has been pretty useless since I bought it (just cant get the DNS workaround working). In any case, I have everything installed on my phone etc to use it, but due to Uno telly working in the background, I need the DNS thing to work. Question: If I turn off Uno telly, then in theory my chrome cast will recognise my region as legit, which will allow me to use the bladdy thing? is this correct?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You don't need to turn off Unotelly. That's the thing with the Chromecast. Even with Unotelly on you will get ZA Netflix.
 
HiToKiRi said:
I'm planning to ditch DSTV in March (before their lovely annual price increase comes around) so yesterday I signed up for my 1 month Netflix trial.

I'm a first-time Netflix user and sign-up was nice and easy and everything else is pretty straight-forward. I like the profiles and the interface works well.

As some have pointed out, the local content offering is a problem and most of the available TV shows and movies I've already seen so Unotelly is a must for me to even consider using Netflix going forward.

Another thing I had a problem with yesterday was the playback quality. Currently on a 4MB line (100GB capped account) and for some reason I was not able to stream anything above SD quality. I did take the standard (HD available) package and changed the playback settings from "Auto" to "High" but I'm still not even getting 720p.

Most Netflix users I've spoken to say they can easily stream 720p and even up 1080p on a 4MB line so I'm a bit stumped.

This is a bit of a deal breaker for so me so is there perhaps a way to resolve this?
Click to expand...

Which ISP?
 
Last night was the first night we tied Netflix. Content not exactly what I'd hope for. But for the price (vs Monochoice)... Looking forward to some awesome viewing.
 
skeptic_SA said:
Last night was the first night we tied Netflix. Content not exactly what I'd hope for. But for the price (vs Monochoice)... Looking forward to some awesome viewing.
Click to expand...

Documentaries, documentaries and documentaries. Also change regions via Unotelly and you should be happy.
 
I am continuing my Netflix subscription, worth it if you use vpn and own a 4k tv...
 
Netflix works out better for me and a few of my friends because of the fact that we have consoles and Showmax doesn't have an app for consoles.

Sure, there aren't as many shows as I would like there to be, but there is more then enough to keep me happy.
 
Wasp_21 said:
Slightly off topic. I have a chrome cast which has been pretty useless since I bought it (just cant get the DNS workaround working). In any case, I have everything installed on my phone etc to use it, but due to Uno telly working in the background, I need the DNS thing to work. Question: If I turn off Uno telly, then in theory my chrome cast will recognise my region as legit, which will allow me to use the bladdy thing? is this correct?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Have you blocked Googles DNS on your router?
 
Chevron said:
Which ISP?
Click to expand...

WebAfrica.

I've tested again during the week and still Netflix refuses to play anything over SD quality.
My download speeds seem fine though but is there a possibility that WebAfrica are shaping/limiting Netflix traffic?
 
Last edited:
On these new services, Netflix & Showmax do you have to watch at scheduled times or can you connect and watch at a time suitable to the subscriber?
 
Suits S1 to S5 on ShowMax now

New content added on a almost daily basis.

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How easy is it to cancel ShowMax? What information do they require if you use one of these pre-paid cards?
 
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