ShowMax: free video streaming from Naspers

ShowMax, the Netflix-like subscription video streaming service from Naspers, is set to launch in South Africa on 19 August with two subscription levels: free, and premium [also see: ShowMax Premium prices for South Africa revealed].

Based on information leaked online, the free tier will be dubbed ShowMax Basic and will give you limited access to the ShowMax library.

The paid-for tier, ShowMax Premium, will include unlimited access to shows and movies, much like Hulu and Netflix.

A free 7-day trial to ShowMax Premium will be available.

ShowMax Premium will let subscribers stream from two devices simultaneously and allow up to five devices to be registered. Content will be delivered via adaptive streaming in resolutions up to 720p high definition.

Some of the TV series set to be available on ShowMax include local productions such as: Egoli, Binnelanders, Orkney Snork Nie, Msawa, and Ballade vir ’n Enkeling.

Current international series looking likely to be shown are:

• Big Bang Theory
• Arrow
• Ray Donovan
• Elementary
• Castle

Initially, ShowMax will only be available in South Africa, and will support the following devices:

• Web browsers on personal computers
• iPhone and iPads running iOS 7 or higher
• Android phones and tablets running Android 4.1.0 or higher
• Samsung Smart TVs (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Samsung Tizen Smart TVs (2015)
• LG NetCast Smart TVs (2012, 2013, 2014)
• LG WebOS Smart TVs (2014, 2015)

More ShowMax and Netflix news

Showmax: Naspers’ new Netflix competitor

Naspers Netflix competitor launching in South Africa

How much South Africans want to pay for Netflix

MultiChoice preparing to compete with Netflix as profits fall

DStv packages cheaper than choosing your own channels