Netflix, ShowMax or DStv? Which one is should you view? Let our handy at-a-glance guide help you decide.
Gone are the days of watching only SABC, E.tv or M-Net. First to transform the way we view TV was Showmax and then amid much excitement Netflix arrived. Everyone has an opinion on which you should buy into, making it rather overwhelming.
Each of these platforms offers thousands of great movies and series to South African viewers, as well as great value for money.
However, many South Africans are not willing to pay for all three of these services and instead opt to sign up for only one of these options.
To make it easier we have rounded up some things you need to know and hopefully these will aid you in deciding.
| DSTV | SHOWMAX | NETFLIX | |
| WHAT IS IT? | DStv is MultiChoice’s digital satellite TV service in Africa, launched in 1995, providing various bouquets offering general entertainment, movies, lifestyle & culture, sport, documentaries, news & commerce, children, music, religion and consumer channels to MultiChoice subscribers. | A video-on-demand streaming service that gives subscribers access to a huge catalogue of series, movies, documentaries and kids’ shows either online at showmax.com or using the Showmax app for phones, tablets, smart TVs, media players and gaming consoles. | A subscription-based streaming service that allows our members to watch TV shows and movies without commercials on an internet-connected device. You can also download TV shows and movies to your iOS, Android, or Windows 10 device and watch without an internet connection.
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| WHAT DO YOU NEED? | A TV, a satellite dish and a decoder.
Alternatively, DStv is available online at now.dstv.com or by downloading the DStv app for your mobile device from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Please note that data costs apply if you are using the app on your mobile network.
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Showmax is accessible on internet-connected devices like smartphones, smart TVs, laptops and tablets. All you need is a subscription, and a device that can connect to the internet and you’ll have Showmax with you, wherever you are. | You can stream Netflix from any Internet-connected device that offers the Netflix app. Netflix-ready devices include streaming media players, smart TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops.
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| COST PER MONTH? | Premium: R829
Compact Plus: 539 Compact: R409 Family: 295 Access: R115 PVR Access Fee: R105
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Showmax: R99
Showmax Mobile: R39 Showmax Pro: R449 Showmax Pro Mobile: R225 |
Mobile: R49
Basic: R99 Standard: R139 Premium: 169 |
| PROS? | Ø You can get access through your cell phone, tablet and also your computer.
Ø You can get direct TV streaming Ø DStv’s programme schedule is uncomplicated and it is easy to find programmes. Ø Catch Up automatically records programmes. Ø There is a fair amount of local content. Ø Rent movies from BoxOffice, hot off the movie circuit. Ø Extra services (at a fee of course) such as Catch Up, which allows you to acess content after it has been aired. Ø You can link different appliances to one account. The whole family won’t, for instance, have to watch animation. |
Ø Watch what you want, when you want.
Ø It works on a cell phone, tablet, computer, Apple TV, Google Chrome, etc. Ø Most of the titles that are not on Netflix SA are available here and there is local content. Ø Complete series are available. Ø Can be linked to your DStv Account.
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Ø The first month is free of charge.
Ø Watch what you want, when you want. Ø It works on your smartphone, tablet, computer, Apple TV, Chrome, etc. Ø Some series, movies, programmes and documentaries are shot exclusively for Netflix. Ø You can set up different profiles for the whole family. Ø It makes recommendations on the basis of programmes you have watched previously and your interests. Ø It’s Ad free. With Netflix, you can enjoy an uninterrupted flow of streaming, as it is free of ads even in the lowest priced basic plan.
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| CONS? | Ø The subscription amounts to almost R1 000 a month.
Ø If is difficult to opt out. You cannot simply click and unsubscribe button. Ø After unsubscribing you are stuck with the infrastructure (dish and decorder) afterwards. Ø Even with Catch Up you cannot watch what you want to, when you want to, like you can with online services.
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Ø Only the first seven days are free of charge.
Ø The wonderful exclusive Netflix content is not available here. Ø You cannot set up different profiles for the family. Ø There are no sport options or news channels. Ø You probably won’t find the latest seasons of your favourite series. |
Ø A season not made by Netflix will first have to finish on TV before it becomes available on Netflix
Ø There are no sport options or news channels. Ø There are fewer programmes in South Africa than in other countries. Ø Geolocking. The shows that you can watch on Netflix are contingent to the region where you live. In the US, you have access to a far greater selection of TV shows and movies that might not be available in another region. |