On 15 October e.tv will be launching four new channels in a move that combines developments in digital migration, HD TV and channel bouquets.
All three factors are making the TV landscape very complex so TVSA sat down for a chat with e.tv's Head of Channels Monde Twala to get the inside scoop on the crux of things.
What does it mean for viewers? What are the practicalities? What do we all
need to know?
Presenting the results ... a pack of must-know facts we've gleaned:
1) The channels will be launching as part of e.tv's 15th birthday celebrations which will officially be celebrated on 15 October. You may have seen the birthday promos and ticker boxes on TV?
2) The channels will be available on a new satellite platform called OpenView HD which consists of a set-top box, satellite dish, a selection of channels
and scandal. Already!
Platco Digital - the company behind OpenView HD - says that the SABC channels are going to be on the platform too BUT according to the SABC, they aren't. For more about this, see:
SABC and OpenView HD in tit for tat spat.
3) There's a once-off set-up fee to get the OpenView HD package - it consists of the decoder, dish and installation. There's no monthly subscription nor cost - the channels are free.
4) The set-up price is going to vary from shop to shop i.e. retailers are going to set the price. We've asked Platco for an estimate or range of what the price will be but they haven't been able to confirm it. We'll update when they have.
5) The bouquet launches with 16 channels
if the SABC channels are on it.
6) The channels on it are:
| Lifestyle and Culture channels: |
Zest TV, ASTV and Deen TV. |
| Children and Education: |
eToons+, Mindset TV, Da Vinci Learning
and English Club. |
| Religion: |
Spirit Word Channel and Inspiration TV |
| Entertainment: |
e.tv, eKasi+, eAfrica+ and eMovies+. (SABC1, 2 and 3 if they're on it). |
6) The new e.tv channels are: eKasi+, eAfrica+, eMovies+ and eToons+.
7) eKasi+ is an entertainment channel headlined by new South African shows that have been specifically created for the channel. The idea behind the channel is to focus on Kasi life through chat shows, documentaries, comedies and dramas.
 |
 |
 |
| Khanyi Mbau |
Bonnie Henna |
Masechaba Lekalake |
8) One of the premiere series on the channel is a new society/celebrity talk show hosted by Khanyi Mbau. Yip! She's landed her own show and we're thrilled.
It's called Katch It with Khanyi Mbau and features Khanyi chatting to schlebs on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
9) Other series on eKasi+ include a drama filmed in Cape Town called Traffic. It stars Bonnie Henna and deals with the underbelly of Cape Town, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc.
10) There's also another talker hosted by Masechaba Lekalake. It's called Ek Sê (I Say) and it's similar in format to The Talk.
Masechaba hosts each episode and she's joined by guests who chat with her - some of them return regularly. For instance Tall Ass Mo will be a regular with her.
11) The eMovies+ channel will feature a line-up of South African, Nollywood, Bollywood and international movies.
What about Chuck Norris movies?? We asked Monde Twala. His reply: "Yes!".
12) eToons+ will have a combo of local and international kiddies shows including animated and edicational shows.
13) All of these channels will only be on the OpenView platform when the channels launch. Negotiations are still underway between e.tv, Top TV and DStv regarding whether or not they'll be available on these platforms too.
14) Twala told us that e.tv's happy for the channels to be on any platform - they want them to be on any platform that would like them. Our first thought was that DStv could get iffy about eKasi+ and not want to carry it because they might see it as being too competitive to Mzansi Magic. Time will reveal how they feel about it.
15) Getting the OpenView HD set-up means that you're organised for the upcoming changeover from analogue to digital TV - in the same way DStv and Top TV subscribers are. You won't need to get any other equipment etc.
16) The SABC are also launching a satellite service - with Sentech - part of the reason for the spat! - and the government will be launching a DTT service too. Once all have launched there will be a total of five options for viewers to be digital.
17) Will the new e.tv channels be on all five of them? ... it'll be interesting to see how other channels and broadcasters respond.