No HD PVR update in sight
Pay-TV broadcaster MultiChoice has given more detail regarding the delayed release of an HD PVR firmware update.
Although DStv has significantly increased its value proposition within its high definition package in recent months, by adding two new HD channels and then by releasing a new UEC HD PVR decoder to compete with the current PACE model, subscribers are questioning when they will receive DStv on Demand and Series functionality.
By offering DStv on Demand HD PVR subscribers will be able to access popular programming at any time. Series is set to bring with it the ability to set the decoder to record entire seasons of preselected series.
Currently SD PVR subscribers have access to the DStv on Demand service; HD PVR subscribers however do not.
This functionality is widely expected to carry through in the next software update, although the company has not officially confirmed this. MultiChoice did however explain why the upgrade may take longer than expected.
According to company spokesperson Jackie Rakitla “the next [firmware] build is currently being developed and tested. It will be launched once we are satisfied with the quality of the offering.”
“Due to the nature and complexity of the new features, which includes extensive testing, we cannot specify an exact launch date. New features have end-to-end value chains which must be put in place; the complexity is not just in the decoder but in multiple back-end systems too,” Rakitla added.
According to MultiChoice the testing phase of a major update is often far more complex than subscribers anticipate. This may explain the apparent delay in the release of the HD PVR firmware.
“Testing is not only defined by the outcome of the decoder performance, but also involves the back-end system, which is part of the total value chain. A launch can only occur once all of these units have passed our testing. The length of this round as well as any other testing is dependent on the nature and complexity of the new features,” concluded Rakitla.
It appears that, for the interim, HD PVR subscribers will have to be satisfied with additional high definition channel offerings until MultiChoice is happy that its next update is ready for release.
MultiChoice’s decision to err on the side of caution may work in the favour of DStv subscribers. In the past many complaints leveled at MultiChoice were about poor updates and reduced functionality in the HD PVR. Taking a cautious approach to firmware upgrades may help MultiChoice limit the complaints from subscribers.
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