I finally got my Toptv installed yesterday and finally got through to the call centre and got my whole system activated and it has been running since last night. Let's focus on some of the present content and some theories of content further along the line. I took the package though that excluded the Kids and music channels because I am not an avid music video watcher-er. But maybe somewhere along the line I will upgrade my package due to Fuel TV being in the Kids and music section. But I do have every other bouqet of channels and that only costs R219 p/m.
Now the lowdown of channels is as follows and as far as I have seen in the last day according to the guide on the decoder itself.
Variety channels:
Al Jazeera- A news channel broadcasting out of Kuala Lampuur which does give a few good stories and covers whatever is happening in the world currently such as the British elections etc.
BBC WORLD- New agency, currently focused on the British elections and other things around Britain etc. The presenters are top class and have amazing visuals that use green screen technology to report the news in.
Current TV- This channel is actually very good. AL Gore's channel suprising doesn't shove the whole Global Warming documentaries at all
Current is like watching endless Youtube on your TV. They have 'Countdown' shows where they will countdown say the 'Best of Youtube' or the '15 ways in which the media reaches out to women' The channel is made up of Viewer Content. You can even submit your own content to the channel and it could show on the channel. It is content generated by people of the public. A very useful channel for good documentaries. It is also very political as well. This is a very good channel in my books. It has endless content to watch with excerpts of their best shows during the day.
Eurosport News- Haven't really paid attention to the channel because most of the time they are reporting on things such as the Premier League, or some sort of Ice hockey somewhere. But it is useful to get your 30 minute fix of what is going in the sports world from Europe.
Fashion TV- Same one from DSTV, just models walking on ramps and your occasional Midnight Haute...
Fine Living Network- This one's for the ladies. Divine Design, Extreme homes etc. All to do with decor in the house, extreme houses overseas. Its a good channel for all those budding interior disgners etc.
FOX NEWS- I dig this channel. It gives you the news when it breaks such as the 'Suspicious Package in Times Square.' Their presenters get a bit more controversial than other news agencies. Their opinions are a bit more uncensored than say Sky News or CNN, there is much more speculatory statements as well. In the short commercial breaks they have a segment called FOX EXTRA where they report on various things not as serious as the news.
GOD- For all the Christians in the house. This channel shows many many church services, Angus Buchan shows, Soul Survivor, Christian music videos and is probably one of the better religious channels out there today.
Hi nolly- Haven't paid a visit to that channel but it is basically Toptv's answer to Amag from DSTV.
Inspiration- Also a religious channel. They show Hillsong music videos, an array of sermons from well known pastors as well.
MGM- Showing mostly old movies at the moment. Hopefully they will throw in a James Bond festival or 2. This is basically TCM for Toptv.
MSNBC- Channel for all the business news etc. It hasn't really come out in full force yet, still showing alot of ads, but they do show Breaking News etc. for now.
RTPi- Portoguese channel.
Setanta Sports- This sports channel is currently showing Basketball from overseas and Rugby club games from Ireland. No big, major sports events as of yet. But there are still talks of TopSport which will hopefully bring us some major games to watch in the future. But this channel will be useless if you don't know any Rugby clubs or Basketball clubs at all.
Top Gospel- Also showing sermons. Charasmatic churches from around the world singing and dancing and coouple of sermons here or there.
Top One- This channel does have big potential and they have launched with a good start. Lost season 1, Brothers and Sisters season 1, The Bachelor Season 6, some dubbed soapy. The 24 hour version of the channel will be available later this year. But for now it is a good channel to watch some shows you may have never gotten around to . It also shows a movie, tonight they will show Beowulf. It also has shows called WackyTV etc. I think as time goes on this channel can only go from strenght to strength.
Zee cinema- Sometimes click around just enjoy Indian women dancing in the rain and singing in high pitch. It is in essence, the best of Bollywood. So if you're into watching 3 hour musicals with lots of dancing this is the channel for you.
Entertainment and Knowledge:
BET- Showing alot of American BET shows. They actually show game shows hosted by black presenters, shows of black celebrities etc. Shows alot of Hip-Hop music videos as well. Many black people are rejoicing this channel and Toptv for including it. Even as a white man I might enjoy it a couple of times myself.
ID- Investigation Discovery- showing top notch shows such as The FBI Files or Forensic Detectives. Also has a Paranormal Saturdays segment which will have shows that explore the possibilities of UFO's etc. Basically this is Zone reality and Crime channel from DSTV thrown into one and just 10 times better.
Discovery Science- Showing the best of Discovery. So far they've shown Mythbusters, NextWorld, The Gadget Show, How it's made. Its basically the top of the crop Discovery content. The boys in the family will love it.
Discovery Travel & Living- Suprisingly shows good shows. John & Kate plus 8. Home renovation shows. Cake Boss, LA Ink, MIAMI ink etc. I'm most excited about the INK shows because I enjoyed those on DSTV. Cake Boss seems pretty cool and there a whole lot more content on those channels just waiting to show later on as we go on into next week.
FOX- Showing Boston Legal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 24, Family Guy, The Simpsons and boasts new episodes every day... It is a good source of shows if you've never watched them before but they do start through the middle of the series such as 24 season 3, Family Guy season 3. They will be starting Greys Anatomy soon as well.
Top Crime- Crime shows such as Relic Hunter, 18 wheels of justice etc, Cold Squad.
Top Explore- Has alot of cool travel shows on. It oushines the travel channel by a mile. With shows such as Globe Trekker, Surfing in the Amazon. It shows you alot of content that will be enjoyed by everybody.
Fox Retro- This channel has yet to be launched. Currently its just a bunch ads running but it seems they have plans to launch this weekend with shows such as MASH, Magnum PI, Baywatch, Dukes of Hazzard, Battlestar Galactica. All your oldies.
Natura- Enjoyable channel. Way better than Anmal Planet on MC. IT shows several documentaries as well such as 'Animals sensing danger' etc. It also shows beautiful images of animals all the time. The filming is second to none.
Top History- Showing many good history programs. 1945 war programs, Searching the Egyptian tools etc. Its a good source of History.
Ultimate Movies:
FOX FX: Still hasn't launched yet but they are launching very soon it seems. Not only movies they will also show Las Vegas, The Office, Peep Show etc.
SHOtime- I have no clue what the shows are that they show on SHOtime. It does not seem to be the same content as showed in USA such as Dexter, Nurse Jackie, Pen and Teller. Its more unknown content such as 'Hebrew Hammer' 'Mountain on the moons'
Silver- Independent films and mostly old ones. Some movies that you might recognize but nothing special yet. Lets
Top movies 1/2/24: Top movies is a good channel at the moment. This weekend they've already shown Spiderman 3, later on they are showing Titanic, they will also show Murder on Orient Express. It is a combination of new and old content and that is exactly what MM1 and MM2 was on MC.
If I can be honest. I like what I'm seeing currently the channels can only improve with time. They have got it right to master the Discovery channels which makes DSTV's Discovery channels null and void. The movie channels are already showing good potential. The news channels are top class. There are some new channels that you will let into your life. There are some old shows you can re-visit. In no way is Toptv a SABC re-run machine as some has speculated. It is a definite competitor to DSTV. It shows similar content but just needs to iron out the dating of their content. Hopefully they can catch up a few seasons so that soon they will be on par with DSTV but I'm not sure I see it soon. As far as I'm concerned I can do a movement over to the system but if you are worried of losing your favourite shows in their current seasons, you might not want to move over just yet. But Toptv is showing its stripes and people are hungry for what Toptv has to offer.
Now the lowdown of channels is as follows and as far as I have seen in the last day according to the guide on the decoder itself.
Variety channels:
Al Jazeera- A news channel broadcasting out of Kuala Lampuur which does give a few good stories and covers whatever is happening in the world currently such as the British elections etc.
BBC WORLD- New agency, currently focused on the British elections and other things around Britain etc. The presenters are top class and have amazing visuals that use green screen technology to report the news in.
Current TV- This channel is actually very good. AL Gore's channel suprising doesn't shove the whole Global Warming documentaries at all
Current is like watching endless Youtube on your TV. They have 'Countdown' shows where they will countdown say the 'Best of Youtube' or the '15 ways in which the media reaches out to women' The channel is made up of Viewer Content. You can even submit your own content to the channel and it could show on the channel. It is content generated by people of the public. A very useful channel for good documentaries. It is also very political as well. This is a very good channel in my books. It has endless content to watch with excerpts of their best shows during the day.Eurosport News- Haven't really paid attention to the channel because most of the time they are reporting on things such as the Premier League, or some sort of Ice hockey somewhere. But it is useful to get your 30 minute fix of what is going in the sports world from Europe.
Fashion TV- Same one from DSTV, just models walking on ramps and your occasional Midnight Haute...
Fine Living Network- This one's for the ladies. Divine Design, Extreme homes etc. All to do with decor in the house, extreme houses overseas. Its a good channel for all those budding interior disgners etc.
FOX NEWS- I dig this channel. It gives you the news when it breaks such as the 'Suspicious Package in Times Square.' Their presenters get a bit more controversial than other news agencies. Their opinions are a bit more uncensored than say Sky News or CNN, there is much more speculatory statements as well. In the short commercial breaks they have a segment called FOX EXTRA where they report on various things not as serious as the news.
GOD- For all the Christians in the house. This channel shows many many church services, Angus Buchan shows, Soul Survivor, Christian music videos and is probably one of the better religious channels out there today.
Hi nolly- Haven't paid a visit to that channel but it is basically Toptv's answer to Amag from DSTV.
Inspiration- Also a religious channel. They show Hillsong music videos, an array of sermons from well known pastors as well.
MGM- Showing mostly old movies at the moment. Hopefully they will throw in a James Bond festival or 2. This is basically TCM for Toptv.
MSNBC- Channel for all the business news etc. It hasn't really come out in full force yet, still showing alot of ads, but they do show Breaking News etc. for now.
RTPi- Portoguese channel.
Setanta Sports- This sports channel is currently showing Basketball from overseas and Rugby club games from Ireland. No big, major sports events as of yet. But there are still talks of TopSport which will hopefully bring us some major games to watch in the future. But this channel will be useless if you don't know any Rugby clubs or Basketball clubs at all.
Top Gospel- Also showing sermons. Charasmatic churches from around the world singing and dancing and coouple of sermons here or there.
Top One- This channel does have big potential and they have launched with a good start. Lost season 1, Brothers and Sisters season 1, The Bachelor Season 6, some dubbed soapy. The 24 hour version of the channel will be available later this year. But for now it is a good channel to watch some shows you may have never gotten around to . It also shows a movie, tonight they will show Beowulf. It also has shows called WackyTV etc. I think as time goes on this channel can only go from strenght to strength.
Zee cinema- Sometimes click around just enjoy Indian women dancing in the rain and singing in high pitch. It is in essence, the best of Bollywood. So if you're into watching 3 hour musicals with lots of dancing this is the channel for you.
Entertainment and Knowledge:
BET- Showing alot of American BET shows. They actually show game shows hosted by black presenters, shows of black celebrities etc. Shows alot of Hip-Hop music videos as well. Many black people are rejoicing this channel and Toptv for including it. Even as a white man I might enjoy it a couple of times myself.
ID- Investigation Discovery- showing top notch shows such as The FBI Files or Forensic Detectives. Also has a Paranormal Saturdays segment which will have shows that explore the possibilities of UFO's etc. Basically this is Zone reality and Crime channel from DSTV thrown into one and just 10 times better.
Discovery Science- Showing the best of Discovery. So far they've shown Mythbusters, NextWorld, The Gadget Show, How it's made. Its basically the top of the crop Discovery content. The boys in the family will love it.
Discovery Travel & Living- Suprisingly shows good shows. John & Kate plus 8. Home renovation shows. Cake Boss, LA Ink, MIAMI ink etc. I'm most excited about the INK shows because I enjoyed those on DSTV. Cake Boss seems pretty cool and there a whole lot more content on those channels just waiting to show later on as we go on into next week.
FOX- Showing Boston Legal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 24, Family Guy, The Simpsons and boasts new episodes every day... It is a good source of shows if you've never watched them before but they do start through the middle of the series such as 24 season 3, Family Guy season 3. They will be starting Greys Anatomy soon as well.
Top Crime- Crime shows such as Relic Hunter, 18 wheels of justice etc, Cold Squad.
Top Explore- Has alot of cool travel shows on. It oushines the travel channel by a mile. With shows such as Globe Trekker, Surfing in the Amazon. It shows you alot of content that will be enjoyed by everybody.
Fox Retro- This channel has yet to be launched. Currently its just a bunch ads running but it seems they have plans to launch this weekend with shows such as MASH, Magnum PI, Baywatch, Dukes of Hazzard, Battlestar Galactica. All your oldies.
Natura- Enjoyable channel. Way better than Anmal Planet on MC. IT shows several documentaries as well such as 'Animals sensing danger' etc. It also shows beautiful images of animals all the time. The filming is second to none.
Top History- Showing many good history programs. 1945 war programs, Searching the Egyptian tools etc. Its a good source of History.
Ultimate Movies:
FOX FX: Still hasn't launched yet but they are launching very soon it seems. Not only movies they will also show Las Vegas, The Office, Peep Show etc.
SHOtime- I have no clue what the shows are that they show on SHOtime. It does not seem to be the same content as showed in USA such as Dexter, Nurse Jackie, Pen and Teller. Its more unknown content such as 'Hebrew Hammer' 'Mountain on the moons'
Silver- Independent films and mostly old ones. Some movies that you might recognize but nothing special yet. Lets
Top movies 1/2/24: Top movies is a good channel at the moment. This weekend they've already shown Spiderman 3, later on they are showing Titanic, they will also show Murder on Orient Express. It is a combination of new and old content and that is exactly what MM1 and MM2 was on MC.
If I can be honest. I like what I'm seeing currently the channels can only improve with time. They have got it right to master the Discovery channels which makes DSTV's Discovery channels null and void. The movie channels are already showing good potential. The news channels are top class. There are some new channels that you will let into your life. There are some old shows you can re-visit. In no way is Toptv a SABC re-run machine as some has speculated. It is a definite competitor to DSTV. It shows similar content but just needs to iron out the dating of their content. Hopefully they can catch up a few seasons so that soon they will be on par with DSTV but I'm not sure I see it soon. As far as I'm concerned I can do a movement over to the system but if you are worried of losing your favourite shows in their current seasons, you might not want to move over just yet. But Toptv is showing its stripes and people are hungry for what Toptv has to offer.
obo everyone.
