Internet connectivity for DStv Explora: report
DStv subscribers with the new Explora decoder will soon be able to buy a Wi-Fi dongle from MultiChoice to connect the set-top box to the Internet, TechCentral reports.
Quoting group chief technology officer Gerdus van Eeden, the report said that users will be able to connect the dongle to the decoder’s currently unused Ethernet port.
Subscribers would then be able to access MultiChoice’s online-only catalogue of movies on BoxOffice in addition to the ones available on PVR.
You would also be able to to remotely set your decoder to record programmes with the DStv smartphone and tablet application, or from the web, the report said.
Online services for the Explora could launch “before the end of the year” and pricing for the Wi-Fi dongle is not available yet, according to the report.
News of the upcoming online features for the DStv Explora comes after Samsung revealed that it would soon be offering the DStv BoxOffice movie rental service through their smart TVs.
Industry rumours also suggest that MultiChoice is working on a new high definition (HD) personal video recording (PVR) decoder to replace the HD PVR 2P.
The new decoder is expected to be accompanied by cheaper installation deals “similar to the current R599” installation voucher on offer for the standard definition non-PVR DStv decoder.
MultiChoice is also working on offering subscribers the ability to add a third XtraView environment, according to sources.
With XtraView it is currently possible to run two different viewing environments on a single installation and subscription, for an access fee of R75 per month for the additional environment.
Queried about its plans for the new decoder and XtraView environment, MultiChoice declined to confirm or deny the information MyBroadband received from sources, or the speculation in the industry.
“We develop decoders and related features on an ongoing basis,” a spokesperson for MultiChoice said at the time. “We launch these decoders and features when it is market ready, and will announce such when we are ready to do so.”
Update: Responding to queries about the Wi-Fi dongle, MultiChoice confirmed that it plans to offer it before the end of the year and will release details of the technical specs and service offering at launch.
More DStv news
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DStv BoxOffice app coming to Samsung Smart TVs
Cheaper DStv PVR installation deals coming: sources
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