Sentech has announced that it will rebrand Vivid as a universal access direct-to-home satellite platform, \u201cFreevision\u201d, from 30 September 2013.<\/p>\n
This confirms information from an industry source which told IT news website, MyBroadband that Sentech had plans to relaunch its satellite broadcasting platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n The launch of Freevision is expected to be days before the launch of OpenView HD, a subscription-free satellite service from E-tv sister company, Platco.<\/p>\n According to Sentech, the launch of Freevision is a \u201cgap-filler\u201d while the migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT) is ongoing.<\/p>\n In its press statement, the state-owned signal distributor explained that a direct-to-home satellite service was envisioned as part of the DTT migration for those few who would not be able to receive terrestrial TV signals.<\/p>\n All licensed DTT broadcasters will be able to use the Freevision platform, Sentech said.<\/p>\n Freevision will use the Intelsat 20 satellite located at 68.5\u00b0E. This means that the majority of viewers in South Africa would not need to install a second satellite dish or change the position of their existing satellite dish when joining Freevision, Sentech said.<\/p>\n Sentech also said that it would only announce the retail pricing and channel line-up later.<\/p>\n An industry source has indicated that a Freevision dish, installation and decoder is expected to cost between R1,200 and R1,500.<\/p>\n Sentech to enter free satellite TV race?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Another pay-TV service for South Africa?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Platco Digital signs with Luxembourg satellite firm<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free satellite TV operator launch date revealed<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on digital TV<\/h3>\n