DStv over Internet
MultiChoice announced on Friday 14 April 2010 that it has launched Digital Video Broadcast over Internet Protocol (DVB over IP) to commercial establishments such as hotels, shopping malls and office complexes. Later in the year, it will be extended to gated residential communities and residential apartments.
DVB over IP enables customers to receive their favourite DStv channels delivered over a closed multicast IP network. The channels are then distributed to individual DStv IP decoders.
MultiChoice chief technology officer, Gerdus van Eeden says, “Commercial customers now have access to a range of services that were previously restricted by bandwidth. The exciting features and benefits of this service enable these establishments to enhance their services and add unique value to their customers' experience.”
One of the benefits is that several digital services such as telephony, internet, DStv and even security can be made available over the same physical network, resulting in significant cost savings to the commercial customer.
MultiChoice identified a need in the market to address the current limitations and conducted trials before launching the system. Soccer City is one of the first recipients to implement the system in their suites and control room.
The solution supports standard and high definition television services; as well as surround sound, multiple language options, 8-day electronic TV guide, central PIN management on both parental control and installation menus and a TV link. It also offers an interactive portal and commercial establishments so that hotels, stadiums, and office complexes can tailor-make the portal to suit their requirements.
Commercial customers interested in the DVB over IP solution can contact one of the DStv accredited System Integrators, as the service requires full installation and purchase of a DStv IP-HD1 decoder and Appear TV Head-End.
For more information go to www.dstv.com/dstvsa/content/en/commercial_sales_DVB_IP.
