MultiChoice South Africa re-introduces concurrent streaming feature on DStv

MultiChoice is bringing back the ability of DStv Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact subscribers to watch two concurrent streams as part of their subscription. The development, which is with immediate effect, will give subscribers the ability to watch on any device such as smart TVs, laptops, and smartphones.

The move also stems from actions to reverse its previous decision to limit the DStv stream to only one device at a time, which led to several criticisms from customers when the rule was first imposed. 

In addition, the pay-tv had previously limited the number of concurrent streams to prevent risk associated with password sharing which has posed problems for streaming companies globally. 

MultiChoice’s revised decision is in response to changing viewing habits providing avenues for families to stream individually on their devices. The new roll-out, which is not open to entry-level bouquets, will see DStv Stream standalone customers benefit from an additional concurrent stream on any device.

“The latest development builds on the DStv Stream enhancements introduced last year. These include cloud PVR functionality that offers the ability to pause and rewind up to 24 hours without a decoder, an improved ‘Watch from Start’ feature, a refreshed interface with personalized recommendations, better overall stability, and AI-driven content suggestions – with each new feature designed to make streaming seamless and more user friendly,” MultiChoice noted.

The Dstv parent company also noted that each of the new features was designed to make streaming seamless and more user-friendly. It included the ability for parents to set up age-restricted kids’ profiles across live and on-demand content.

“As more South African households use a second screen to broaden their individual entertainment choices, the return of DStv’s second stream option is great news for families,” MultiChoice said.

Also Read: 21% increase: Court restrains FCCPC from taking administrative actions against Multichoice.

Gains for Multichoice sports lovers

For South African sports lovers, the revised update allows them to keep tabs across multiple screens on live sports events being streamed on MultiChoice-owned SuperSport channels at the same time.

“DStv Premium customers, who already receive Showmax at no extra cost, now have access to two DStv streams and two Showmax streams, bringing their total concurrent streaming options to four. With DStv’s packed sports calendar and broad choice of general entertainment channels, more people will have access to enjoy content at the same time, ” MultiChoice noted.

DStv has continued to deliver in the world of sport. On January 29, SuperSport set a record by making 18 live UEFA Champions League fixtures available on the same day.

“With shifting viewing habits and growing connectivity, it’s the right time to bring back the second stream to supplement our overall value proposition,” MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis said.

MultiChoice South Africa is expected to announce its 2025 price adjustments in the coming days, as per its tradition of implementing price adjustments to its DStv bouquets every April. 

The development comes amid the company’s ongoing deal with Canal+. MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela, confirmed that the company is making steady progress on the proposed buyout by French media giant Canal+, with the deal expected to be finalized later this year.

Canal+ is making a bid to purchase the remaining MultiChoice shares at R125 per share. The French TV giant has been gradually increasing its stake in the South African company over the years, passing the 35 per cent mark early in 2024. This, in turn, automatically triggered a mandatory offer for the acquisition of MultiChoice at about R55 billion.

Given that Canal+ now has a stake in the company worth over 45 per cent, the final takeover is valued at around R30 billion in cash. The deal, however, faces significant regulatory hurdles, primarily the foreign ownership laws of South Africa. The Electronic Communications Act (ECA) imposes a cap on foreign firms having over 20 per cent stake in local broadcasting services.