MultiChoice launches connected entertainment services

What do you do when you are already connected to the most exciting and capable PVR decoder on the market? Get a service connection. This week, MultiChoice unveiled its connected services for the DStv Explora. Namibian subscribers will now be able to connect their DStv Explora to the Internet and unlock a world of entertainment through DStv Catch Up Plus, as well as gain access to Remote Recording capabilities. DStv Catch Up Plus will give DStv Premium subscribers - with an active Explora subscription - access to more than 300 titles of great series, movies and other exclusive content. Subscribers can download up to 25 titles at a time from the Internet to their DStv Explora. The data charges for the downloads will be as per the subscriber’s data plan with their Internet Service Provider and for their account. DStv Catch Up, which is currently available to DStv Premium subscribers with PVR decoders (incl. HD-PVR and DStv Explora), offers catch up content that is instantly available for viewing - this is also known as Push Video On Demand. DStv Catch Up Plus is an additional catalogue of catch up content that can be downloaded to be watched later on the DStv Explora – which is known as Pull Video On Demand. Another fantastic feature of Connected Services is Remote Recording. This lets subscribers schedule recordings via their laptop, smartphone or tablet when they are away from home. All they have to do is log into the TV Guide on the DStv website or app using their Connect ID, then select the programme they would like to record. This programme will then be recorded and added to their Explora playlist. Never miss a programme when away from home ever again! Subscribers can also use the DStv NOW app, which will enable them to set recordings from any iOS or Android mobile device. “When we launched the DStv Explora in 2013, we promised that we’d make it even better – we’re now delivering on that promise”, stated Roger Gertze, General Manager of MultiChoice Namibia. Gertze added, “The DStv Explora is a great platform, which enables us to offer our subscribers a range of services that will take their entertainment to the next level. Catch Up Plus and Remote Recording are just the first of many Connected Services to come. This is just the beginning.” To enjoy these connected services, subscribers will need to link their DStv Explora to an existing Internet router, either by cable or via the DStv WiFi Connector (still to be available) which connects the DStv Explora to the existing WiFi network (the Connector will be available in retail for N$399 at a later date). Any DStv Explora subscriber can use the Remote Recording capabilities. However, DStv Catch Up Plus is exclusively available to DStv Premium subscribers with active subscriptions. Access to DStv’s connected services is included with the monthly DStv Premium subscription and access fee. WINDHOEK STAFF REPORTER