South Africa is moving more towards streaming-based entertainment services. With the introduction of Netflix into our country, we have realised we need to do a comparison of the services. In this blog post, we will compare the services of Netflix, Showmax, Vidi, and DSTV Now.
What comes to mind, as Nerds, is the importance of streaming quality and options available. We also want to know the selection of content that the services offer and at what price. The table below outlines this:
| Name of Service | Quality | Content | Price | Connection Required |
| Netflix | Standard and HD. Internet speed in South Africa is not suitable for UHD. | +/- 750 titles
231 series 500 movies
|
Currently priced in dollars. There are 3 per month options:
1. $7.99 (+/- R140) 2. $9.99 (+/- R170) 3. $11.99 (+/- R200) |
0.5 Megabits per second – Required broadband connection speed to 25 Megabits per second for UHD viewing |
| ShowMax | Standard and HD | +/- 1000 titles
400 series 600 movies
|
R99 per month | 3 Mbps uncapped or faster for an “improved viewing experience”. |
| DStv Now | HD. The standard for older titles | 126 series and 26 reality TV titles
142 movies Allows for live streaming and has talk shows such as The Daily Show. 13 Show titles available. Sport matches available as well. Constantly updated with fresh and newer content
|
R899 per month with the Explora. Only Premium PVR and Explora clients can access DSTV Now.
R27 for a box office movie title. You must be a subscriber to access this feature. |
You can use DStv Now on any broadband Internet connection, including ADSL, 3G/HSDPA, 4G/LTE or Wi-Fi. We recommend a minimum connection speed of 2Mbps, but for the best experience, we recommend a 4Mbps line or faster. |
*Figures as of the 15th January 2016. All can work on a 2Mbps line, however, we do recommend a 4 Mbps line. Please be aware that even if you are on a 4Mbps ADSL line you may not get that speed.
If you need to upgrade your line, we can help! Contact Dial a Nerd today!
But how good is the content on these streaming services?
The best value for money in terms of the number of titles is Showmax. All services update their content so that is a given, however, DStv uses the Now service as an add-on for current subscribers. So if you already have a DStv subscription, this is a great added value service, available on Android, iOS, Windows and online. All the services can be streamed through your Internet browser.
Netflix offers many interesting documentaries, well-loved and new series and movies. DStv appears to have the most recent content, but Showmax has the most variety. In terms of local content DStv Now, Vidi and Showmax have local titles. This is Netflix’s biggest weakness, with literally no local titles available.
Our suggestion is to look at what your family needs and wants. Netflix is great for people wanting to watch new things, whereas Showmax has very recognisable and good quality titles. Vidi and Showmax have older titles, but their variety of movies you can rent is much larger than its competitors. Vidi’s rental movies include new releases and old movies. DStv’s box office has only selected a few new releases. If sport is of huge importance, DStv Now is great, however, Netflix does have streaming options overseas for this, so perhaps South Africa will follow. For the kids, DStv, Showmax, and Netflix have better quality content. Netflix also has a “safe-mode” for kids where there is only child-friendly content. You can switch back to adult content when you are ready.
You can stream all services using a CloudGate Circle (Android) and CloudGate Square (Windows) device. Contact us today to order yours.
hello
I’m not sure if you are the right people but I am at my wits end with ALL service providers – we live at 46 Plantation Road which is in Eastleigh Edenvale Johannesburg. All we are looking for is uncapped internet which runs at about 20 average and that won’t KEEP dropping and to be with a provider that has ACTUAL customer service.
PLEASE assist as we feel like we are living in the dark ages
many thanks
ulla
Hi Ulla,
Unfortunately we aren’t an Internet Service Provider but we have a very good relationship with Cool Ideas who will definitely assist you.
Dear Dial a nerd, I have recently cancelled my DSTV Prime service and opened a Netflix account which I am happy with. DSTV though is still charging me R 90 per month for the pvr function, although I have moved to the R 25 package on which I really don’t need pvr. When I called to cancel this additional function (which I presume is what allows one to pause and rewind shows/tv) they didn’t know if cancelling it will affect me ability to pause/rewind Netflix shows. Do you know if I can safely remove this function (and the cost!) and still use my Netflix account happily, rewinding and pausing shows?
Hi there,
We think you should be able to close your DSTv PVR function as Netflix isn’t affiliated with Netflix.
Good Afternoon
Through which app can i stream ESPN?
DSTv Now has ESPN channels or you can sign up with ESPN https://www.espnplayer.com/packages
Hi Dial.a.Nerd
I have a LTE package and would like to move to an uncapped line(fiber is not available). will a 4mbs line ADSL/DSL line suffice to live stream anything web based?
also if you can steer me in the direction of a good ISP with top Customer Service.
Hi Aaron,
4mbps is ok but not the best when it comes to internet speeds, we recommend Cool Ideas. Or have a look at the uncapped LTE deals out there.
Hi hope you can help me. I recently shot and finished my movie over a 1000 came to the screenings, but now I have people asking for it around South Africa. As my movie was self funded I would like to make some moola back to fund my next movie and hopefully buy some new gear.
How can I get my movie online and get paid for every view?
Who would be the best streaming service provider to go with?
Any advice would help.
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark,
That’s wonderful news! We do have Netflix in South Africa and for a more local audience contact Showmax.