SABC hiring inspectors to double-check Sentech's DTT STB installations

[Jan]

SABC wants to inspect Sentech's digital decoder installations

The SABC is appointing independent inspectors to double-check the number and quality of government-subsidised set-top-box installations around the country, The Sunday Times reports.

The publication spotted the broadcaster's tender inviting companies to bid for conducting physical inspections of STB installations to confirm whether the work was completed correctly and that the boxes could receive the SABC's digital channels.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Another Needy Comrade, slipped up on keeping the faithful, connected to their propaganda box - shame.

 

[Arzy]

You know you live in South Africa when you it's not even remotely a surprise to hear the company that got the original tender stuffed it up and the first thought that comes to mind when someone is appointed to go and check on them is that it's another jobs for pals scheme.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

You know you live in South Africa when you it's not even remotely a surprise to hear the company that got the original tender stuffed it up and the first thought that comes to mind when someone is appointed to go and check on them is that it's another jobs for pals scheme.

Always is ...

Our local transformer tripped 4 hours ago, where promised it would be back in 2 hours. Guess, they are in serious need of some overtime work.

Have to watch the IPL on a tablet.

 

[Utterly Confused]

I Like the photo, does this lady know what she is doing, that is no TV aerial and why the hammer?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

I Like the photo, does this lady know what she is doing, that is no TV aerial and why the hammer?

Probably thinks it looks good, for publicity

 

[chrisc]

Is there anywhere a STB can be purchased?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Is there anywhere a STB can be purchased?

Not that I am aware of - seem to remember a price being mentioned of between R300.00 and R500.00, a long time ago.

Bought our domestic a OpenviewHD decoder/dish installation kit.

 

[Gordon_R]

Is there anywhere a STB can be purchased?

Not retail stores, but STBs are available from online suppliers.

 

[RonSwanson]

Not retail stores, but STBs are available from online suppliers.

So unavailable to the poorest of the poor. Well done ANC, you cut your own tongue off, now you want the taxpayers to fund a BEE audit of the outcome of your own AA minister's incompetence. Anyone with half a brain can tell that all seven of them were idiots, why bother wasting the money?

 

[neoprema]

some cadre realized he didn't profit from any SABC tenders recently. So magically, a new requirements is born.

 

[freejester]

As an installer who has installed 100s of DTT STBs, seeing this process now being run by Sentech, gives me zero confidence. One of the companies that I install for is based in Port Elizabeth yet Sentech offers them 80 installations in farm areas of the Free State with addresses that a gps cannot find..... Sentech is starting off with the exact same mistake the SABC started their failed DTT rollout with.....

 

[freejester]

DTT STBs can be bought from Space TV. Not only online.

 

[Geoff.D]

Ja and the problem is there is no guarantee that what is available online will work in SA.
My Moms place in CT does not have a satellite antenna installed, so the only way we would be able to ensure she continues receiving TV is to get hold of an DTT STB. She does not meet the criteria for a subsidised box, and we cant source one for her anywhere that is confirmed able to receive the DTT signal transmitted by Sentech (so far). Will accept any ideas and info anyone has.

 

[Geoff.D]

DTT STBs can be bought from Space TV. Not only online.

Very interested in this! Do you mind providing details of the STB you source from Space TV via PM please if you are uncomfortable with posting on the open forum?

Can you guarantee the Space TV STB works?

What IS the big deal with an installation anyway? Surely it is pretty standard, plug in the existing antenna cable and maybe change the polarisation of the antenna?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

DTT STBs can be bought from Space TV. Not only online.

Who are Space TV, do they have an outlet at any of the local malls?

 

[krieg]

Who are Space TV, do they have an outlet at any of the local malls?

SpaceTV

Couple of branches all over South Africa.

 

[Gordon_R]

Who are Space TV, do they have an outlet at any of the local malls?

Electronics wholesalers. 3 branches in Cape Town. Not exactly what the OP meant...

Edit: It is pretty obvious that there is no business case for major retailers to stock an item with limited profitability and end-of-life technology, where a 'free' competitor model exists...

 

[swakop_toe]

I have no horse in this rodeo and do not follow this utter circus, by the the sounds of it.

So, who qualifies for a subsidised DTT STB?
The current and payed up SABC TV license holders? Or is this another case, like ESKOM, where an SEO will be disconnecting their paying citizens to save them from themselves? And we have to pay more for less to nothing?

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

I have no horse in this rodeo and do not follow this utter circus, by the the sounds of it.

So, who qualifies for a subsidised DTT STB?
The current and payed up SABC TV license holders? Or is this another case, like ESKOM, where an SEO will be disconnecting their paying citizens to save them from themselves? And we have to pay more for less to nothing?

That is about it, the paying SABC licence holders are paying, so that those who do not pay, can watch SABC channels. People like myself, who have long ago stopped watching SABC channels, because of the drivel, they have on show.