Despite the imminent launch of new free-to-air satellite and digital TV services, Internet-TV will serve as the real game-changer in South Africa, City Press reports.<\/p>\n
South Africans are about to be introduced to a new wave of digital and free-satellite content from various players in the broadcast industry.<\/p>\n
In order to access the new digital wave of television, however, viewers will need access to a set-top box – and more than one, and at a cost.<\/p>\n
Sentech and E-tv sister company, Platco, are this month (September) planning to launch brand new free-to-air satellite TV services, Freevision and OpenView HD.<\/p>\n
An industry source has indicated that a Freevision dish, installation and decoder is expected to cost between R1,200 and R1,500, while OpenView’s decoder and installation has been pegged at around R1,800.<\/p>\n
At the eventual implementation of the DTT crossover, South Africans can expect to pay R400-R700 for the required set-top box to receive the new conent.<\/p>\n
However, despite soon having access to an onslaught of new digital content, the eventual rise of Internet-based TV may render these developments obsolete, the City Press said.<\/p>\n
This is according to an unnamed industry source who claims that the next wave of content providers will be online players – which will offer an abundance of content, choices and platforms to suit every consumer\u2019s lifestyle and price range, proving to be the real competition for current players.<\/p>\n
With South Africa\u2019s late adoption of digital terrestrial television (DTT), new entries into the market may have less time before they get eclipsed, the report said.<\/p>\n
New pay-TV hopeful promises custom bouquets<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free OpenView HD TV broadcaster signs 15 year satellite deal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n New DStv \u201cExplora\u201d decoder launching soon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free satellite TV for SA confirmed: Platco<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n