I think we can all agree that television in any country, is a complete waste of time. There’s a reason why folks are moving to streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix. Watch what you want, when you want. Technically, having access to that kind of service is illegal. But at least a local alternative is on the way.
It’s called VIDI, and was announced today by Times Media Group. Essentially, it’s a streaming service much like the aforementioned Hulu/Netflix, that will cost you R149 a month for the Unlimited Subscription option, or R27 for a movie rental. Or cheaper flicks for R15 a pop.
The content will be available on PC, Mac and other smart devices, with no decoder necessary. Speaking to Business Tech, TMG CEO Andrew Bonamour said: “Vidi represents a significant step in Times Media’s evolution to a multi-platform media and entertainment company. It reflects a new entrepreneurial and innovative mindset for the group that we believe will bring long term growth and sustainability.”
“It builds on the recent diversification of the company into a range of high growth broadcast and content assets in South Africa and in West and East Africa.”
Right now, the library includes the usual shows, such as Breaking Bad, The Tudors and Grey’s Anatomy. It’s not bad, but it pales in comparison to what’s on offer with the international services. Hopefully it grows, because this kind of service is sorely needed in the country. DTSV is an absolute waste of money, because let’s be honest, you’re dropping around R9000 a year on repeats of Come Dine With Me and Pawn Stars.
And even if you’re only into sports, DSTV is still a massive waste of money. There’s a 30 day trial option right now on Vidi. If the service can add newer, better and more diverse content, it’ll have my attention.
Last Updated: September 10, 2014
James Francis
September 10, 2014 at 13:45
Cool, I might give the trial a go and see how it works. But it’s not clear how this will stream to a TV and the explanation video won’t work. Then there is the question of content. If it’s all just relatively new and mainstream stuff, then it won’t suit my needs.
Weanerdog
September 10, 2014 at 14:29
I don’t believe accessing streaming is illegal. Broadcasting it would be, but not accessing it. I am not even sure that you are infringing of the distribution rights holders in South Africa as long it is for personal use.
Willie Strydom
October 6, 2014 at 09:55
I have signed up for the 30 day trial. It’s ok, however, there are still a few technical problems. I have a 4MB relative stable ADSL line and the regular “buffering” was annoying. And you can not pause and give it a few minutes to buffer 🙁 Also, the site layout is not the best. After watching a movie or TV episode, you have to log in again. Makes it annoying when watching a few things in a row. I will have to see if they sort out the growing pains. If they do, it could be a nice service.
Kervyn Cloete
October 6, 2014 at 10:43
That’s one thing I love about Netflix: no buffering. It just scales down the quality of the video on the fly and then ups it again when it’s “buffered” enough. So you never actually stop watching anything.