MultiChoice – What You Need to Know About South Africa’s Top TV Service

If you’re looking for TV in South Africa, chances are you’ve heard of MultiChoice. It’s the company behind DStv, GOtv and the streaming app Showmax. In simple terms, MultiChoice brings a mix of satellite channels, digital terrestrial TV and online streaming to your screen.

Why does MultiChoice matter? It’s the biggest player in the market, which means it usually has the widest selection of movies, sports and local shows. It also keeps the price options varied, so you can pick a package that fits your budget.

What MultiChoice Provides

First up, satellite TV. DStv is the brand most people recognize. You get a dish, a decoder and a set‑top box that pulls in signals from the satellite. Packages range from “Access” – the cheapest tier with basic channels – up to “Premium” that includes all the sports, movie, and premium entertainment channels.

Next, digital terrestrial service. GOtv uses a smaller antenna and offers a selection of channels over the airwaves. It’s cheaper than DStv and works well if you live in a city with good signal coverage.

Finally, there’s streaming. Showmax is MultiChoice’s answer to Netflix. It works on phones, tablets, smart TVs and computers. You can watch on‑demand series, movies and even live sports without a satellite dish. Showmax also offers a “Showmax Pro” tier that bundles the streaming service with a DStv Lite package for a hybrid experience.

Choosing the Right Package

Start by thinking about what you watch most. If you’re a sports fan, the “Compact” or “Premium” DStv packages give you access to SuperSport channels. If you only need a few local channels and some movies, “Access” or GOtv “Lite” might be enough.

Check the price list on the MultiChoice website. Prices change a bit each year, and there are often promos for new customers. Look for promotions that give you a free month or a discounted decoder.

Don’t forget about the decoder cost. MultiChoice sells a range of boxes – the basic model works fine, but higher‑end decoders let you record shows, pause live TV and run apps like Showmax directly.

Another tip: bundle. If you already have a Showmax subscription, see if adding a DStv Lite plan saves you money compared to buying both separately. MultiChoice sometimes offers bundle discounts.

Installation is straightforward. For DStv, a technician will set up the dish and align it. GOtv can be a DIY install if you’re comfortable with a small antenna. Showmax just needs the app on your device.

Finally, keep an eye on contract terms. Some packages lock you in for a year, while others are month‑to‑month. If you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, a month‑to‑month plan avoids surprise fees.

In short, MultiChoice gives you a lot of ways to watch TV. Whether you prefer satellite, terrestrial or streaming, there’s a package that fits. Compare the options, watch your favorite shows, and enjoy the best of South African entertainment without overpaying.