Space Television has introduced its OpenView HD (OVHD) decoder to the South African market at a manufacturer suggested price of R999, a spokesperson for the company has told MyBroadband.<\/p>\n
The Space TV set-top box will compete with the R850 Ellies decoder that launched with OVHD in 2013.<\/p>\n
A fully installed Ellies system (dish, decoder, and installation) costs around R1,400, while Space said it expects a full installation of its system with the most basic steel dish to cost R1,599.<\/p>\n
While Space is not undercutting the price of its other competitor in the market, it is hoping to catch the eye of consumers with its feature set.<\/p>\n
According to Space, an over-the-air upgrade will enable personal video recording (PVR) and TVlink (similar to DStv\u2019s XtraView) capabilities; features that aren\u2019t available on the Ellies decoder.<\/p>\n
Space said that its first shipment of OpenView HD decoders arrived in South Africa during December 2013 and were initially available through its branches.<\/p>\n
Since then, Space said it has extended its reach to a number of independent retail stores, as well as retail groups such as SER\/Expert, Shaw Group and Group Appliances, which it said accounts for 800\u2013900 retail stores countrywide.<\/p>\n
You can buy a fully installed OVHD system from these stores, or the box only if you have an existing installation, Space said.<\/p>\n
Those interested in an OpenView HD installation can also request a Space set-top box from their preferred installer, Space said.<\/p>\n
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