South Africa’s sole mobile TV service, DStv Mobile, has introduced an upgrade to its Drifta USB, launched last year. Like its predecessor, the new Drifta functions as a portable decoder and allows users to connect to DVB-H broadcast mobile TV and access DStv Mobile content live on their computers.
“It’s just a matter of loading the Drifta USB application onto your PC,’ explains Mark Rayner, general manager: DStv Mobile South Africa. “After that, you simply plug the Drifta USB into your PC and launch the application; within seconds you can then enjoy DStv Mobile content.’
The same channels are available across all DStv Mobile capable devices: sport, news, music, cartoons, and general entertainment.
Also announced was the addition of popular content channel M-Net Series to the DStv Mobile bouquet. The channel boasts content such as CSI Miami and The Good Wife.
“Consumer feedback has shown us that M-Net Series is a highly desired channel for mobile consumption and we’re glad that we were able to secure it for our mobile viewers,’ comments Aletta Alberts, general manager: DStv Content.
Like the original DStv Mobile Drifta launched in 2010, the Drifta USB also makes use of DVB-H technology. Rayner continues: “The Drifta USB has been launched to address the needs of customers who primarily want to use their PCs and laptops for viewing. Based on the positive response we received from the Drifta, we wanted to come up with something more affordable and exclusive to devices with USB ports.’
The device has a signal strength indicator and an antenna that can be extended and positioned vertically to improve reception where necessary. There is also a smartcard embedded inside the device, so that no additional card has to be inserted – it automatically connects to the laptop or PC it is plugged into.
Drifta USB is available at MultiChoice centres and select retailers, the Drifta USB is also available online from Kalahari.net. Subscription is R36 per month and the service is available to DStv Premium subscribers at no extra cost.
The launch of the device comes just in time for the start of the Rugby World Cup. With most matches being played during South African working hours, the Drifta USB’s ability to access the games via a computer is sure to prove ideal for viewers.
DVB-H coverage is available in the nine major cities of South Africa.
