If you've invested in a High Definition TV you're no doubt chomping at your remote control for more HD channels on DStv. The wow factor of HD has one big disadvantage: watching in Standard Definition will never be the same again. You want to watch
everything in HD instead.
Now.At the beginning of October DStv added M-Net Movies 1 HD to the paycasters bouquet, which took the number of HD channels to a total of five: with two SuperSport channels, Discovery HD Showcase and M-Net HD.
According to Aletta Alberts, General Manager of content for Multichoice, four more HD channels will be added to these between now and 2012.
While these are implemented, Multichoice will continue negotiations for extra satellite bandwidth, which will alllow for the introduction of further HD channels after 2012.
The transmission of an HD channel takes a whopping three times more bandwidth than for an SD channel. The bandwidth DStv currently has only has space for four more HD feeds, hence the urgency for bandwidth.
Alberts told TVSA that these imminent channels will definitely be mirror reflections of channels currently available on DStv, as opposed to different versions of channels. This is currently the case with M-Net Movies HD 1 and for most of the content on M-Net HD.
In contrast, Discovery HD Showcase has a very different schedule from the SD Discovery Channel (on Channel 121) - it features a combination of programming from across various Discovery channels e.g. Discovery World.
The reason for favouring mirror channels is to avoid confusion in terms of schedules and to keep the signature schedules and timelines of the channels intact.
The choice then becomes about the technology so that viewers aren't pushed into watching alternative shows or favourite shows at alternative times. If your favourite channel is M-Net Series, then you know you're seeing it
exactly as it is, except in HD.
As for which channels we can expect in the four: M-Net Series is a strong possibility. The channels that are first in line to go HD are those that are most broadly popular, as opposed to more niche channels. M-Net Series and M-Net Action are strong possibilities for the four , while Vuzu isn't.
In addition to developments in HD, Alberts also confirmed that DStv will be keeping up with the new trends in 3D TV. They've been investigating options and will
definitely be introducing a 3D channel in the future - which we're thrilled about. There's no news as to what it will be exactly nor when it will arrive as the technology and shows surrounding it are developing every moment but as soon as we hear more about it we'll keep you scooped.