Useful information for people with DStv streaming

DStv Stream has introduced several new features that MultiChoice says significantly improve finding, watching, and managing content.

These include searching for movies according to cast and crew, subtitles, and unstable network connectivity detection.

The “Cast and Crew” function sits under each movie synopsis. Clicking on any of the stars or the director will return which of their other titles are available on DStv Stream.

“This is an easy way to build up your My Stuff watchlist with more of what you want to see,” MultiChoice said.

DStv Stream also provides subtitles on supported films. These are available from the settings menu.

MultiChoice has also added network connection monitoring in its tvOS and Android TV apps. DStv Stream will now alert subscribers with a short popup message if the connection becomes unstable.

“These latest developments are part of an ongoing evolution of DStv Stream, with service enhancements rolling out regularly over the past few months,” said MultiChoice.

“Recent updates include access to Cloud PVR storage, Reverse EPG, and Watch from Start functionality.

MultiChoice said Cloud PVR means that subscribers have more storage to download content, making it easier to find, store and access movies, series, documentaries, and other videos. 

Reverse EPG lets viewers rewind live TV up to 24 hours, while “Watch from Start” is a button that restarts a programme currently airing from the beginning.

When MultiChoice first launched Watch from Start in August 2024, it explained that was a first step in bringing full Cloud PVR functionality to DStv Stream customers.

These latest updates come after MultiChoice brought back the ability for streaming and satellite subscribers to watch live programming or on-demand content on any two devices simultaneously.

The company explained that it was able to bring back two concurrent streams after strengthening piracy controls, significantly improving platform stability, and integrating dynamic ad insertion technology.

Privacy-preserving dynamic advertising

In its half-year financial report released in November, MultiChoice stated that it was focused on developing advertising technology solutions for streaming and video-on-demand environments via DStv Stream and Showmax.

“Over the last 18 months, the group was the first in Africa to implement Dynamic Ad Insertion through DStv Stream,” a MultiChoice spokesperson told MyBroadband.

“The technology is enabled by fellow group company, Irdeto, together with a partnership with Invidi.”

Irdeto is a MultiChoice subsidiary that specialises in digital platform security. It offers services and technology solutions that protect platforms, digital assets, and software applications across multiple industries.

Invidi is a privacy-preserving advertising technology provider that helps target commercials to viewers with the same level of accuracy as online retailers and social media platforms.

“The technology enables us to insert separate commercials on DStv Stream from the advertisements shown on the satellite service,” MultiChoice said.

“This is starting to show promising growth as the DStv Stream base grows.”

Regarding the benefits to subscribers, MultiChoice said the technology would improve the relevance of the advertisements customers are shown.

“As we are seeing in many first-world markets globally, it also allows for lower pricing to customers when ad-supported models are able to scale,” said MultiChoice.