New DStv decoder on the way

Retailers are struggling to get new stock of the DStv HD PVR 2P decoder from their suppliers, industry sources have told MyBroadband.

Speculation in the industry suggests that stock may have run dry because MultiChoice is planning to launch a new decoder with personal video recording (PVR) capabilities soon.

A document that DStv sent to installers, which is in MyBroadband’s possession, gives weight to the rumours and goes on to suggest that the new PVR decoder might even be cheaper than the HD 2P.

Credible industry sources have also revealed that MultiChoice is working on introducing an additional XtraView environment during 2014.

This means that subscribers will soon be able to watch up to 3 different DStv channels on one installation.

The second viewing environment offered by XtraView currently attracts an access fee of R75/month. It is not clear at this stage whether the third viewing environment will attract an additional fee.

MultiChoice was asked about its plans for the new decoder and the additional XtraView environment it wants to offer, but the company declined to provide specifics at this stage.

“We develop decoders and related features on an ongoing basis,” a spokesperson for MultiChoice said. “We launch these decoders and features when it is market ready, and will announce such when we are ready to do so.”

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