The best DSTV package is one that meets all your entertainment needs. While all DSTV packages can easily qualify as ideal based on your entertainment preference, you have to conduct extensive research before settling on one. But where exactly should you start and what do you need to do?
Knowing your audience is a good place to start. To know your audience, you need to answer a few questions, such as, do you have a family? Do you have kids? What do your kids love to watch? What does your family love to watch? What are your interests in so far as TV entertainment is concerned? Once you have the answers to this, you can proceed to choose the best DSTV package.
Compare DSTV Packages
Choosing the best DSTV package can be a daunting task. There are many packages available, and each one offers something different. Some of these packages offer more than entertainment, such as social media and sports channels. Therefore, when making your decision you have to know what you want out of your package. That is whether it be movies, sports, or general programming. You need to compare the DSTV packages available in the market to make a sound decision. Read on for all the information you need to find the best DSTV package.
| DSTV Package | Price | Channels |
| DSTV Premium package | R799 | 150 |
| DSTV Compact Plus package | R519 | 136 |
| DSTV Compact package | R409 | 121 |
| DSTV Family package | R299 | 90 |
| DSTV Access package | R99 | 64 |
| Easy view package | R29 | 33 |
The Value Bundle
The Value Bundle Pack offers 500 TV channels at R229 per month (no-contract). It includes popular movie channels such as M-Net, Mzansi Magic, and Universal. You also have access to international media such as Fox Life, National Geographic, E!, and Eurosport.
If you are in the market for a DSTV bundle, it might be worth looking at this one. It will set you back R299 per month, or you can pay up-front to get the first three months free.
For that price, your options boast limitations, but there are still some good movie channels to enjoy. Mzansi Magic is where you’ll find all of South Africa’s latest home-grown soaps (including Scandal! which has finally returned after its three-month hiatus). M-Net promises “the best choice of movies,” including all your favorites like Spectre and Jurassic World.
Universal is suitable for comedy fans with classics like Dumb & Dumber and newer releases like Ted 2. While E! is perfect for Hollywood gossip, fashion tips, and celebrity scandals.
There are no news channels included in this package, so you’ll have to find your sources or stick with the local TV options that Mzansi Magic provides. On the plus side, international subscribers still get access to National Geographic, Fox Life, Eurosport 1 & 2, E!, and even 3D movies on Sony Max.
Key facts
- Includes 500 TV channels
- It requires No contract
- Includes Mzansi Magic, M-Net, and Universal
- R229 per month | OR Pay the first three months upfront for free
The Feature Bundle
The Feature Bundle offers 20 movie channels at R399 per month (24-month contract). It includes popular music channels such as MTV Base, MTV Dance, VH1 Classic, and Trace Sports stars. You also have access to international media such as Eurosport 1 & 2, Fashion TV & Food Network.
Other channels in the bundle include Starz TV, Starz Edge, Nolly Cinnamon (for children), Tiny Pop (kids), and Baby TV (for babies).
Viewers can enjoy Animal Planet & Discovery Channel for documentaries. There are also several movie options, including MGM HD, AMC, The Horror Channel, and Sony PIX.
Some sports you could see live on your television include SuperSport 1-6
- Premier League Football
- Motor GP
- ATP World Tour Tennis
- Golf Majors
- NHL Hockey
- NBA Basketball
- Formula One Grand Prix Coverage, etc
Some of these sports may not be available 24/7 or in all regions (because of media rights issues. You should check your local listings).
You can access these channels on your TV via the DSTV Explora decoder, or you can enjoy them in up to four rooms when connecting a Conax Gateway HD PVR decoder. You don’t need any additional equipment to watch this pack as it is available with an indoor antenna for your television.
The Feature Bundle costs R399 per month (without contract) and includes a 30GB accessible data allowance. If you subscribed before 31 January 2013, you will get an extra 10GB of data per month at no cost for two months. The bundle also includes the 3 Sports Channels, which are part of the High Definition viewing experience on the MultiChoice DStv Family Pack Plus subscription package. So if you’re a sports fan, this is definitely for you. This feature bundle package is available on Conax or Irdeto set-top boxes equipped with the latest firmware.
The Full House Bundle
It’s no secret that we love TV. And with the whole house. There is too much choice. So for those who are ready to cut the cord and say goodbye to the sky and hello to over 400 of SA’s most proper channels. The whole house might be the ultimate solution for you! With the entire home, you will get all the entertainment channels + sports.
So if reality shows are your thing, then the whole place has got it covered with Lifestyle YOU, Real House Wives of Jozi, Dance Moms. If crime drama or mystery is more your taste, check out Bones & CSI: NY on Fox Crime or Law & Order SVU on M-Net Series Zone 2.
Comedy lovers can enjoy South Park & The Jeff Dunham Show on Comedy Central and sitcoms on Studio Universal. If music is your thing, then you can catch the latest and greatest at V Hits and VH1 while doing some soul searching with classic hits on Classic V.
The best part about the whole house, though, has to be sports lovers. With SuperSport 1, 2 & 3 + ESPN + Sport 10 (Kwese) + Kwesé Free Sports (free-to-air), there’s no such thing as a dull moment for sports.
Whether it’s rugby, cricket, football, or Formula One, Full House has got you covered. So, whether it’s SABC 1 or
- M-Net Series Zone: The Good Wife; Mzansi Magic EastEnders
- BET: A Different World, SABC 2 or e.tv: M-Net City + Scandal; Mzansi Magic Family Guy or Disney Channel: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Whatever your taste, there is always something for everyone with a whole house – Get it for R599 per month (no-contract)
The Sports Channel
This is the mother of all sports channels. It will give subscribers over 50 hours of live sport each week, from local to international sporting events. The Super 14 rugby games, Vodacom Challenge football games, and much more are among its regular programming. In addition, it shows reruns of some old classics such as the Bodyworks Fitness show, The Golf Show, and It’s Academic.
Other highlights include select cricket SA v England series matches in full, plus a daily magazine-style show previewing upcoming events, results, and analysis every weekday afternoon. For the weekends, there is a 24-hour sports news channel called Sports News 24/7, which brings you up to date with local and international sporting news from around the world.
Another great feature of the Sports Channel is their acclaimed show, The Big Eight, which allows subscribers to phone in and speak directly to some of the biggest names in sports. Some boxing legends called into this show include Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and George Foreman. The show also brings subscribers clips from the world’s top boxers around the globe.
The Springbok Bundle
This package includes 50 channels at R699 per month (no contract). This bundle has it all for that discerning viewer who wants to watch everything on TV. Our selection ensures something for everyone in this pack, from the top news channels to popular music channels! It includes M-Net Movies 1 & 2, Mzansi Magic World 1 & 2, eTV Africa News Channel, movies, M-Net Series & Power, MTV Africa, and Trace Sports Stars.
What Makes Us Stand Out From All the Rest?
- Special introductory price of R699 per month for two months. After this period, the monthly subscription fee will revert to its regular rate of R999 per month.
- You do not have to leave your existing TV service provider as we are a satellite TV channel you install on your decoder through your remote control
- Free installation at a time and place convenient for you–no more having to wait around for a technician who may or may not show up. We can send our engineers after hours if it is more convenient for you. We will then set up the dish on your roof, connect it to your decoder, and make sure everything works perfectly before leaving.
- We offer the Springbok Bundle as a satellite TV channel on your decoder. This means that you can now watch 50 channels through your existing providers’ box. You do not have to buy an additional decoder or contract with another service provider!
- You have two months to try out our package AND enjoy free installation at a time and place convenient for you. After that, the monthly subscription fee is R999 per month.
The SuperSport Select Bundle
This is the ultimate bundle for those who love sport! It costs R799 per month (no-contract). With this pack, subscribers can watch games from soccer to cricket and tennis to F1 motor racing. What’s more? Subscribers enjoy major local events such as Vodacom Challenge and MTN8 with access to all of the Springbok test matches and Tri-Nations Rugby Union tests in South Africa.
The SuperSport Select Bundle includes 40 channels:
- SuperSport 1 & 2
- SuperSport 3 & 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10
- SuperSport Blitz, Chelsea TV South Africa, M-Net The Rugby Channel (Reds Only), M-Net Golf Channel (Blues only), Varsity Rugby League (all regions), MotorGP Racing (No weekends)
- Football 1-3 (all regions) live on select days
- Fox Sports News SA/Channel 702 SA Live 24hrs daily
- Kyknet Muziek en Kuns (Music and Arts) Specials
- World Wrestling Entertainment: Wrestle Mania
- NBA Finals: The Ultimate Fighter: UFC 91 Main Card live on select weekends
- SuperSport also screens live boxing events.
- Events: Vodacom Challenge, MTN8, Soccer World Cup 2010 Countdown, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, cricket from all over the world, including ICC Cricket World Cup and more.
The Family Value Bundle
For those who want the complete family package, this is ideal for you. It costs R299 per month (no-contract). This all-inclusive pack offers over 200 channels with access to major local and international stations. Subscribers get access to pay-tv on over five decoders in your home at no additional cost. So, whether it’s sports on SuperSport 1 & 2 or movies on Mzansi Magic World 1 & 2, there is something for everyone in this pack.
You’ll even get access to the most popular kids’ TV shows with Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Nick Jr. This is available on your primary decoder and accessible on any other box in the home. Suppose you’re looking for more options for infotainment, your needs are covered adequately. DStv Explora offers radio channels on an additional decoder, while you can stream some movies on one of your boxes using MGO or Showmax.
There are four different packages to choose from. Namely:
The Family Value Bundle (R299 per month)
This package gives you access to both pay-tv stations plus great local and international content, including all movie networks plus Sports1 & 2. It contains over 200 channels which include seven kids channels. The Accessibility Extra Value Bundle (R499 per month) includes everything from the Family Value bundle, plus access to 9 radio stations and various Bollywood channels.
The Accessibility Extra Bundle (R699 per month)
This package gives you both pay-tv stations plus great local and international content, all movie networks plus Sports1 & 2, as well as good music choices on Top 40 Channels. It contains over 508 channels, including 15 kids’ channels. The Entertainment Extra Value Bundle (R899 per month) includes both pay-tv stations plus great local and international content, all movie networks plus Sports1 & 2, as well as the DStv Catch Up service, which allows you to watch programmes up to seven days after the first broadcast on selected TV channels. It contains over 616 channels, including 15 kids’ channels.
The Family Favourites Package
If you are looking for a great family package but don’t want too many movie channels, this might be the one for you! This package includes 100 channels at R499 per month (24-month contract). It offers a great mix of entertainment and lifestyle channels. Tracks include Music TV, Cartoons 1 & 2, Zoom In 4 SA Sports Channel, M-Net Series World 1 & 2, and Trace Sport Stars.
This package is ideal for people who enjoy a wide variety of entertainment in one package. The kids will love all the cartoons channels, and you’ll be able to watch your favorite reality shows on M-Net Series World 1 & 2, not to mention that it includes SA’s ONLY 24/7 Sports channel Zoom in 4 SA Sports Channel.
This Family Favourites Package also includes two music channels – Music TV and Trace Urban.
Special Features
This package offers excellent value, quality entertainment at an affordable price! It includes six months of free access to DStv Catch Up Plus, enabling you to watch content from any channel anytime. You can also create up to three unique user profiles, allowing easy personalization of your TV viewing experience. It’s features include:
- 100 channels at R499pm (24-month contract)
- SA’s ONLY 24/7 Sports Channel – Zoom in 4 SA Sports Channel
- Trace Urban music channel included in a package
- Access to DStv Catch Up Plus enables you to watch content from any channel anytime, create unique user profiles, and much more!
Other Information: they include DSTV Explora Decoder with this package. If you wish to upgrade your Explora to the latest PVR Explora 2 model, you will need to pay an extra R1,500 once-off for the decoder upgrade. You can also choose between monthly rentals of either the Explora or the PVR Explora 2 decoder.
The Kids Favourites Package
Here is an excellent package for those who love their kids’ favorite TV shows. The Kids Favourites pack includes 100 channels at R499 per month (24-month contract). Tracks include MTV Africa, Nickelodeon Africa, Cartoon Network & Hungama TV, Toonz Animation India, and the Disney Channel.
A new multimedia suite of channels for kids aged between 2 and 14 will be available on DStv at the end of the year. The suite of four themed, 24-hour children’s TV services includes MTV Africa, Nickelodeon Africa, Cartoon Network & Hungama TV, and Toonz Animation India. All provide a safe, fun environment with programs that boast shaping by local needs and customs. They tailor each channel to our diverse African audiences through its unique live-action shows, movies, music videos, animation series, and reality programming.
MTV Africa will broadcast from Johannesburg into multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa via DStv. It features music video shows that include TRL (Total Request Live), My Super Sweet 16, Punk’d, and Pimp my Ride.
Nickelodeon Africa will broadcast from Johannesburg into multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa via DStv. It features kids’ shows like Nick at Nite.
Cartoon Network & Hungama TV will broadcast from Johannesburg into multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa via DStv. It features a mix of Indian language and English language programming targeting children between 2 and 14 years.
- Hindi language animation series include Chhota Bheem, Motu Patlu, Krishna, MiniPunia, Teen Titans Go.
- English language children’s programming includes Ben 10 Omniverse, Adventure Time with Finn & Jake, The Amazing World of Gumball, Beyblade Metal Fury, Transformers Robots in Disguise, Pokémon.
This package is only available on DStv Compact channel 126 or 129, respectively.
The DStv Explora Package
This is South Africa’s first truly personal TV viewing system. It allows individuals to choose what they want to watch. The all-inclusive package features six HD channels, one standard definition channel, and four audio channels. It costs R999 per month (24-month contract)
What’s in the Package?
The following channels are available in this package:
- M-Net HD
- M-Net Movies 1HD
- M-Net Movies 2 HD
- M-Net Movies 24HD
- VUZU(TV)
- 1Magic (Standard Definition)
- 2Top TV (Standard Definition)
- 4Live Sports Extra 1 & 2 (Audio Channels)
You will need an Explora receiver box, Explora remote control, and power cable for this package. You can also buy a wireless adapter to allow you to tune in to your Explora via Wi-Fi (Ekstra).
DStv Catch Up: (Free)
This package will allow you to watch all the shows you missed on DSTV, but only for a limited time. You can pay a small monthly fee and keep a recording of each episode for as long as you need it. This may be a good deal if you’re unsure about your reception, but we still recommend getting one of our other deals. You should also know that at any one time, there are 30 or 40 new episodes available online. So DStv Premium is worth considering as well.
Catch Up TV: ($2/day)
You may not want to commit to an ongoing subscription. So this package will give you access to whatever content you want to watch for $2 per day. This is good if you’re not sure whether DSTV Premium or Cinema will be best for your lifestyle. But there are some limitations you should know.
First, only the 30 most recent programs will be available, so don’t get caught out. It can also take up to an hour to download them all before you can begin watching them.
Finally, some channels won’t allow catch-up viewing on this package. You’ll be able to stream CNN and CNBC live throughout the day, though – which is good news if you’re moving out here soon.
Kids (R129 per month)
You have young children who love cartoons and need something decent to watch during the day. With this new package, you’ll get free access to Disney Junior plus six more kid-friendly channels that boast fun and educational programs. Kids spend hours exploring this exciting new world of endless possibilities, and you can rest easy knowing they’re in safe hands.
Every offer comes with a 14-day free trial, so you’ll be able to check everything out without spending a cent! After that, it’s up to you to negotiate your special subscription deal.
DSTV offers a variety of packages to suit all your needs. If you are looking for the best value, we recommend The Value Bundle, which includes over 50 channels, including MNET and SuperSport Select, at only R129/month per month. You can also get more than a TV with DSTV Catch-up – watch your favorite shows on-demand anytime, anywhere. Kids will love our selection of kids’ favorites, like SpongeBob SquarePants or Sesame Street. Parents will enjoy family time with their children by watching movies together in HD. The Price is subject to change without notice. Offer expires 31 December 2017. Terms & Conditions apply.
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Job is a seasoned writer with a good understanding of the emerging markets, Africa to be specific.
