MultiChoice has announced that its streaming platforms, DStv Stream and Showmax, are prepared to introduce 4K content as soon as there is enough customer demand.
This plan hinges on having sufficient subscribers with high-speed, uncapped internet access, which is necessary for streaming 4K content without worrying about data limits.
“Regular reviews are conducted to assess the viability of offering 4K to our customers, and if it becomes commercially feasible, we will make an announcement to the market,” stated Byron Du Plessis, CEO of MultiChoice SA.
While most international competitors have already embraced 4K (2160p) streaming, MultiChoice has restricted its offerings to full HD (1080p) until now. The increasing affordability of 4K TVs has made this technology more accessible, even for less affluent households.
The delay in launching 4K streaming stems from a strategic choice, grounded in the company’s operating environment and the associated costs of supporting higher resolution streaming.
International streaming services typically flourish in developed markets where consumers can afford fast, uncapped internet. Conversely, MultiChoice operates across Africa, where broadband access is often limited, and many rely on smartphones with capped data bundles for internet access.
Although South Africa boasts strong fibre infrastructure, it has yet to reach lower-income communities. Nonetheless, initiatives by companies like Vumatel are underway to expand coverage in these underserved regions.
In previous discussions, MultiChoice pointed out that 4K streaming demands about 7GB per hour compared to 2GB for 1080p, making it impractical for many African users without uncapped internet options. Additionally, supporting 4K requires more robust encoding, storage, and delivery capabilities, increasing operational costs.
Internet quality is also crucial. MultiChoice has gained valuable insights from public tests of 4K streaming over the years, notably during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the company, “The streams performed well in areas with reliable connectivity, but, as anticipated, faced challenges in locations with poorer internet access.”
While MultiChoice had previously indicated 4K as a “future priority,” it has not provided a specific timeline for its rollout.
In a recent update to MyBroadband, MultiChoice confirmed that the DStv Stream service can already support 4K for select content on compatible devices. “Customers who opt for the 4K choice in the app will access it where available,” the company noted.
When questioned about the availability of 4K content, MultiChoice clarified that only the tests conducted could be streamed in ultra-high definition. “Although there isn’t any 4K content available right now, both DStv and the DStv app are fully equipped to deliver 4K broadcasts on supported devices,” it stated.
Indeed, MultiChoice successfully streamed and broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2022 in 4K on live TV and DStv Stream, laying the groundwork for future offerings.
