DStv Explora Wi-Fi streaming on the way: sources

·6 Oct 2014

One of the features being developed for the DStv Explora decoder is the ability to stream content from it to mobile devices over a Wi-Fi network, an industry source has told MyBroadband.

The feature is only in testing, and it is understood that there is no guarantee yet that it will launch when MultiChoice enables Internet features on the Explora decoder.

MultiChoice promised that it would be possible to connect the Explora to the Internet before the end of 2014, and more recently revealed that it would be launching a Wi-Fi dongle to enable the decoder’s online features.

This dongle will connect to the Explora’s Ethernet port, and will let subscribers set recordings remotely using a mobile app or web interface.

Connecting the Explora to the Internet will also let subscribers rent movies from DStv’s online BoxOffice catalogue, MultiChoice said.

The ability to stream content to mobile devices is another feature that may be enabled by this upcoming Wi-Fi dongle.

MultiChoice was asked to confirm whether a Wi-Fi streaming feature is in development, and whether it will allow subscribers to stream live TV, or on-demand content stored on the Explora, or both.

“Details of the technical specs and service offering will be announced at launch,” a spokesperson for MultiChoice said.

Asked whether they are still on track to launch the dongle before the end of the year, MultiChoice re-iterated the statement it provided on the topic in June:

When we launched the Explora last year we indicated that it will be Internet enabled in the latter half of this year. We’re still committed to deliver this before the end of the year.

This article was first published on MyBroadband.