DStv launches Explora

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Television
First things first, greetings to all in the name of the Almighty Jesus Christ, hope you had a fantastic weekend. This week we take a look at two issues – the upcoming online television channel called Hezvo! and some of the features on the all new DStv Explora decoder.I am told there is new online television station that’s launching today starting at 5:30pm at the Book Cafe.

Of late, there has been a number of online television stations by Zimbabweans. Already there is Bos TV, which is a bit different in that it is available on free to air decoders as well as Blektoe TV run by Nyasha Madzima and now Hezvo.
Chido Sachikonye, who is involved in the latest project Hezvo!, says accessibility, availability on demand and interaction make Hezvo! so appealing.

Well, we are looking forward to that because previously there were not many channels to review but now that new stations are opening, I foresee exciting times.

According to Chido, Hezvo! has the ability to reach a much wider audience over traditional local TV stations.

“Online TV for Zimbabweans by Zimbabweans. Hezvo! Is a TV Yangu production launched at the beginning of December 2013. HEZVO is an online comedy show that aims to provide a platform for productive Internet-based advertising time for its sponsors, as well as an opportunity for the Zimbabwean public either local or Diaspora to win prizes,” she said.

Elsewhere, MultiChoice Africa launched its next-generation PVR decoder, the DStv Explora, giving viewers a range of additional control and personalisation features to enhance their DStv viewing experience.

The Explora introduces a number of new features and offers more recording space. Viewers can save up to 220 hours of personal recorded content, view one programme while recording another and record more content.

With content discovery, viewers can search for their favourite programmes and find out when they will air gain without surfing the TV guide. They can pause live television for up to two hours, retain buffering when changing channels, conduct word searches and even personalise individual user themes.

“This is another innovation that results from continued investment in technology to ensure DStv delivers the best television experience in Africa,” said Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe.

“The Explora is part of the technology development that ensures that our subscribers get the best viewer experience possible. The absence of high-speed broadband access for countries in Africa means that delivering content through our satellites remains the most reliable way to ensure our subscribers get the best television, without buffering or waiting for downloads from the internet.”

DStv Explora is packaged with a brand new, stylish HD user interface, which makes finding favourite shows or movies on Catch Up so much easier. Content is displayed using HD poster-art, like an Internet VOD service. The Explora additionally has powerful search features that help subscribers find programmes quicker and easier as it searches across the eight-day TV guide, Catch Up, and their own recordings.
Explora’s remote control further enhances the experience with dedicated shortcut buttons to DStv Central, Catch Up, Playlist, Search, Live TV and other viewing options.

“The Explora make sure viewers never miss favourite programmes,” said Liz.