Are you a movie buff? Do you enjoy watching your favorite TV shows on a high-quality screen? Well, then you must have heard of two popular satellite TV services, DSTV and OpenView HD. These two competitors have been ruling the African market for quite some time now, but what sets them apart from each other?
DSTV is a satellite TV service provided by MultiChoice Africa. They offer a range of entertainment channels, sports channels, and movie channels, with packages catering to a variety of preferences. Meanwhile, OpenView HD is a free-to-air satellite TV service. Their audience can enjoy over 20 TV channels, with no monthly subscription fee, although they can choose to pay for some of their premium channels.
So, what is the difference between DSTV and OpenView HD? While both services offer great selections of entertainment, there are some notable distinctions in terms of pricing, channels, and packages. With DSTV, you can access many more channels, including some of the world’s biggest sporting events. In contrast, OpenView HD has fewer channels but offers a more affordable option since there are no monthly subscription fees. Overall, both services certainly have their pros and cons, and selecting the right one largely depends on personal preferences and budget.
Features comparison of DSTV and OpenView HD
DSTV and OpenView HD are two of the most popular satellite television services in South Africa. Although they both offer an extensive range of digital channels, there are several differences between them. Here is an in-depth comparison of their features:
- Channels: DSTV offers more than 200 channels, including movies, sports, TV series, music, news, and kids’ programs. In contrast, Openview HD offers around 20 channels, including SABC 1, 2, and 3, eTV, and selected international entertainment and news channels.
- Pricing: DSTV is a subscription-based service that offers various packages with different pricing options. The basic package starts at R399 per month. In contrast, Openview HD is a free-to-air service that only requires a once-off installation payment of R1,499. There are no monthly subscription fees.
- Picture quality: DSTV offers high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) picture quality options. Some channels are only available in HD or UHD, while others are in standard definition (SD). Openview HD offers only standard definition channels.
Overall, the differences between DSTV and Openview HD are significant, and it ultimately depends on personal preferences and viewing habits. If you prefer a more extensive range of channels and high-quality picture options, DSTV may be the better option. However, if you’re on a budget and only need basic channels, Openview HD offers a more affordable alternative.
HD Channels Availability
High Definition (HD) channels are becoming increasingly popular among television viewers, providing them with a much more immersive and breathtaking viewing experience. When it comes to comparing DSTV and OpenView HD in terms of HD channels availability, there are several factors to consider.
- DSTV offers more HD channels than OpenView HD, with up to 28 HD channels.
- OpenView HD only offers a limited amount of HD channels, with up to 4 HD channels available.
- DSTV offers HD channels across all of their packages, including their most affordable package, while OpenView HD only offers HD channels in their more expensive packages.
- DSTV offers exclusive HD channels that are not available on OpenView HD, such as M-Net Movies Premiere HD, M-Net City HD, and SuperSport HD channels.
It’s important to note that having more HD channels doesn’t necessarily mean that the service is better since the availability of HD channels on OpenView HD is already considered a luxury for many viewers who cannot afford DSTV’s more expensive packages. Getting the best viewing experience through HD channels is undoubtedly a plus for viewers, but the number of channels alone isn’t a good enough reason to choose either service as both offer different price points and features.
Therefore, when choosing between DSTV and OpenView HD, make sure to consider your budget and the channels you specifically desire. Some viewers prefer the cost-effective means of OpenView HD, and some viewers choose the extensive channel offering that DSTV provides.
| Service | HD Channels Availability |
|---|---|
| DSTV | Up to 28 HD channels available across all packages, including exclusive channels like M-Net Movies Premiere HD and SuperSport HD. |
| OpenView HD | Only up to 4 HD channels available, only in the more expensive packages. |
Now that you understand the differences between the two services, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your budget and channel preferences.
Monthly Subscription Fee Difference
When it comes to choosing between DSTV and OpenView HD, one of the important factors to consider is the monthly subscription fee. While both services offer a range of packages to choose from, the cost of each package differs significantly.
- DSTV offers a range of packages starting from R29 per month for their EasyView package which includes over 30 channels. Their premium package, which offers over 140 channels, costs R819 per month.
- On the other hand, OpenView HD is a free-to-air satellite TV service, meaning that there are no monthly subscription fees. All you need is the initial installation cost of the decoder and dish.
- However, OpenView HD does offer an optional add-on package called OpenView Plus, which provides access to additional channels, including sports channels. The OpenView Plus package costs a once-off fee of R1,399 or a monthly subscription fee of R99.
It is clear that OpenView HD comes out as the cheaper option when it comes to monthly subscription fees, especially with the added benefit of their free-to-air service. However, it’s important to note that the cost of the initial installation for OpenView HD may be higher than that of DSTV, depending on the location and accessibility to a signal.
Below is a table summarizing the monthly subscription fees for DSTV and OpenView HD:
| Package | DSTV Monthly Subscription Fee | OpenView HD Monthly Subscription Fee |
|---|---|---|
| EasyView (30+ channels) | R29 | Free |
| Compact (120+ channels) | R409 | Free |
| Premium (140+ channels) | R819 | Free |
Overall, the difference in monthly subscription fees between DSTV and OpenView HD can have a significant impact on your budget. While OpenView HD is the cheaper option due to its free-to-air service, some users may prefer DSTV’s comprehensive package options and additional features. Ultimately, it all depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Number of satellite dishes required for each service
One of the main differences between DStv and Openview HD is the number of satellite dishes required for each service. This can have a significant impact on the installation process and the overall cost of the service.
- DStv requires a single satellite dish to receive all channels. This dish is typically between 80cm and 1m in diameter, depending on your location and the number of channels you want to receive. It is connected to a decoder, which then sends the signal to your TV.
- Openview HD, on the other hand, requires two satellite dishes. The first dish is connected to a decoder, which receives the free-to-air channels. The second dish is connected to a separate decoder, which receives the Openview HD channels. This means you will need two separate dishes and decoders to access all the channels available on Openview HD.
The need for two satellite dishes can make the installation process for Openview HD more complicated, as both dishes may need to be installed on separate parts of your home. It can also make the service more expensive, as you will need to purchase two separate dishes and decoders.
It’s important to note that DStv and Openview HD both offer a range of packages at different price points, with different channel options. So while the number of satellite dishes required can impact the installation and cost of the service, it’s not the only consideration when choosing between the two.
Below is a table summarizing the number of satellite dishes required for each service:
| DStv | Openview HD | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of satellite dishes required | 1 | 2 |
Ultimately, the number of satellite dishes required for each service is one aspect to consider when choosing between DStv and Openview HD. While DStv only requires one dish, Openview HD offers free-to-air channels and a range of affordable packages. It’s important to weigh all the options and choose the service that best fits your needs and budget.
Number of Channels on Each Service
One of the most significant differences between DSTV and OpenView HD is the number of channels available on each service. DSTV is the more premium offering, boasting a larger selection of channels compared to OpenView HD.
- DSTV: DSTV offers over 200 channels, including a wide selection of local and international channels. With multiple packages to choose from, subscribers can access a variety of premium channels, movies, and sports
- OpenView HD: OpenView HD, on the other hand, offers around 20 channels, which are mostly free-to-air channels and a few select paid channels. Although it’s a more limited offering than DSTV, OpenView HD provides an affordable alternative for people looking to access some TV programming without paying monthly subscriptions.
Channels Offered
The channels offered on both platforms differ in scope and programming. DSTV includes premium channels such as MNet, SuperSport, and kykNET, while OpenView HD focuses more on South African broadcast and free-to-air channels such as e.TV, SABC 1, 2, 3, and others.
DSTV has a robust sports offering, which includes coverage of various local and international leagues and tournaments. Soccer fans can catch the English Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga on SuperSport. On the other hand, OpenView HD concentrates more on news and entertainment programs, including local soapies, reality shows, and cooking shows.
Channel Comparison Table
| Channel Type | DSTV | OpenView HD |
|---|---|---|
| Sports | Extensive offering including Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Super Rugby and Cricket | Limited offering including select Premier League and local soccer |
| News | Large selection covering international, regional and local news | Few news channels with focus on local events |
| Entertainment | Large selection including premium and international channels | Focus on local broadcast channels and reality shows |
Both DSTV and OpenView HD have their unique offerings, and subscribers have access to a selection of channels that caters to their preferences. While DSTV is more expensive, it provides a more comprehensive selection of channels, including premium and international options. OpenView HD is a more affordable option that targets individuals looking for a few local channels and free-to-air networks.
Signal Quality Difference Between the Services
When it comes to choosing the right satellite TV service, signal quality is an important consideration. Here’s what you need to know about the signal quality difference between DSTV and OpenView HD:
- DSTV offers a higher signal quality than OpenView HD. This is because DSTV has access to superior technology and more advanced broadcasting infrastructure, which allows for a clearer, more consistent signal.
- OpenView HD, on the other hand, relies on Free to Air (FTA) broadcasting technology. This means that the signal quality is not as reliable or consistent as DSTV, particularly during periods of bad weather or when there is interference from surrounding buildings or trees.
- It’s important to note, however, that the difference in signal quality may not be noticeable to the average viewer. Unless you’re a particularly discerning viewer, you may not even notice the difference between the two services.
For those who are technically minded and very interested in the finer details of signal quality, here’s a table comparing the two services:
| Service | Signal Quality | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| DSTV | High | Available nationwide |
| OpenView HD | Medium | Available in selected areas only |
Ultimately, when it comes to signal quality, DSTV is the clear winner. However, it’s important to consider the other factors that might influence your choice of satellite TV service, such as price, channel lineup, and additional features.
Availability of on-demand content on each service
One of the key distinguishing factors between DSTV and Openview HD is the availability of on-demand content. With on-demand content, you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies anytime you want, as long as you have an internet connection.
DSTV offers an extensive on-demand library called Showmax, which features thousands of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. This library is included in some of the DSTV subscription packages, while others require an additional fee to access it. Showmax also has a mobile app that allows you to watch on-demand content on your mobile devices.
On the other hand, Openview HD does not have an on-demand library. Instead, it offers a catch-up service that allows you to watch missed episodes of your favorite TV shows up to a week after they have aired. This service is only available if you have a decoder that is connected to the internet.
Advantages and disadvantages of on-demand content
- Advantages:
- You can watch your favorite shows anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection
- You don’t have to stick to a fixed schedule for watching your favorite TV shows
- You can watch entire seasons of a TV show, back to back
- You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through episodes
- Disadvantages:
- You need a stable internet connection and a device to stream on
- The content available on the service is limited to whatever is available in the library/subscription
- You may have to pay an additional fee to access on-demand content
- If you binge-watch too much, you may end up procrastinating more important tasks
Showmax vs. Openview catch-up service
Showmax and Openview catch-up service are two different forms of on-demand content offered by DSTV and Openview HD, respectively. Showmax has a significantly larger library, as well as exclusive content that is not available on other platforms. The catch-up service offered by Openview HD only allows you to watch missed episodes of your favorite TV shows up to a week after they have aired, while Showmax offers entire seasons of TV shows and movies. However, Showmax requires a subscription, while the Openview catch-up service is available at no extra cost to Openview HD customers.
Comparison table
| DSTV (Showmax) | Openview HD (Catch-up service) | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Extensive on-demand library | Catch-up service for missed episodes up to a week after airing |
| Exclusive content | Yes | No |
| Subscription fee | Yes | No, available at no extra cost to Openview HD customers |
Overall, if you are looking for a more comprehensive on-demand content library and don’t mind paying a subscription fee, DSTV’s Showmax would be the better choice. However, if you are on a budget and don’t need access to a large on-demand library, Openview’s catch-up service can meet your needs. Regardless of which service you choose, on-demand content is a convenient and flexible way to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
FAQs: What is the difference between DSTV and Openview HD?
1. What is DSTV? DSTV is a premium subscription-based satellite television service that provides entertainment, sports, and news channels to its viewers.
2. What is Openview HD? Openview HD is a free-to-air satellite television service that provides a limited number of channels to its viewers without any subscription fee.
3. What is the difference in pricing? The biggest difference between DSTV and Openview HD is their pricing. DSTV requires a monthly subscription fee, while Openview HD is completely free.
4. What are the differences in the channels offered? DSTV offers a wider range of channels including premium entertainment, sports, news, and movie channels, while Openview HD only offers a limited number of channels that cater to the basic needs of a viewer.
5. What equipment do I need to access these services? Both DSTV and Openview HD require a satellite dish and decoder to access their services. However, DSTV’s decoder is more advanced and offers more features than Openview HD’s decoder.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading! Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of the differences between DSTV and Openview HD. Remember, DSTV offers more channels, but requires a monthly subscription fee, while Openview HD is completely free with a limited number of channels. Consider your needs and budget before picking a service that suits you the best. Stay tuned for more informative articles and don’t forget to visit us again later!