Internet TV Installers

DStv Now, Netflix or ShowMax?

With so many choices for entertainment on Internet TV, how do you know whether you’re making the right one for your household, tastes, and budget? All the heavy lifting has been done for you to guide this decision. Remember, though, that no matter which service you use, you need 4 Mbps or more to watch series with little or no buffering, and streaming is data-heavy. Also, you need to be aware of data costs, which can be high. Uncapped Wi-Fi is recommended so the entire family can enjoy their favourite shows without any complaints.

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DStv NOW

THE GOOD

You can access it from your cellphone, tablet or computer
You can stream live internet TV (not all channels and programmes, but the offering is good) – great for watching rugby while you braai
You can easily search for any programmes on the DStv schedule
You can schedule recordings on your Explora from the app (you need an optional Internet explorer linked to Explora)
You can watch all Catch Up titles
You can download titles to watch offline, for example, when you’re on a plane for a family holiday or have no Wi-Fi connectivity
You can access information about your DStv account, fix errors and get statements
You can link four devices to one account and watch on all four devices at the same time – this way the kids are kept happy and you don’t have to watch their animated or teen-angst shows
You can set reminders for programmes from the app – great for the busy household
The programmes on offer are current
There is plenty of local content available

THE BAD

You can’t stream programmes from your mobile device to your Apple TV or Smart TV
You need a DStv Premium subscription (R759 per month) to get access
Recent episodes of a series are available but the season is incomplete

THE VERDICT

It’s a digital video store with live TV and channels, but access is quite expensive

NETFLIX

THE GOOD

You get the first month’s viewing free
It offers various pricing options: R130 per month (one screen), R165 per month (two screens), R200 per month (four screens)
It works on your phone, tablet, computer, Apple TV, Chrome etc
You can stream from your mobile device to your Apple TV, Smart TV etc
Some series, movies, programmes and documentaries are shot exclusively for Netflix
You can set profiles (for example Me, Husband, Daughter, Son)
It makes viewing recommendations according to what you’ve watched before – this is great for finding new shows to watch with your family
Complete series are available

THE BAD

There are fewer titles on offer in South Africa than in other countries and you can’t download titles to watch offline
The latest season of a series is not always available – some go to TV first
It’s difficult to stop watching after just one episode – and you know you need your sleep, but it’s just so good! (Not great when you have to get up early for work and get the kids ready for school)
Local content? What local content?

THE VERDICT

It’s more convenient than going to the DVD store, but we hate the fact that there are fewer titles on offer in South Africa

SHOWMAX

THE GOOD

It costs only R99 per month
It can connect up to five devices on one account – great for everyone in the family to get a slice of the ShowMax pie
It works on a phone internet tv, tablet, computer, Apple TV, Google Chrome etc
Most of the titles missing from Netflix SA are available here and there is local content
Complete series are available, but this can also fall under ‘The Bad’ because it doesn’t update with the latest episodes

THE BAD

You only get a seven-day free trial
The great Netflix-exclusive content is not available here
You can’t set different profiles for everyone at home
The recommendations aren’t particularly helpful for new shows
There is no sport or news content to catch up on in the evening or during a braai

THE VERDICT

Put it this way: even the guy who owns the DVD store down the road has a ShowMax subscription