Written byIt’s big. It looks inviting, it’s all the rave. It’s DStv Premium. But before you make that last move to purchase this package, you want to know what the package is all about. DStv Tech got you covered.
For South African viewers looking for a premium TV experience, DStv Premium is a top choice, offering an unmatched selection of channels and features.
With exclusive sports channels, movie channels, and international content, DStv Premium brings an array of entertainment to your screen.
In this article, we cover the ins and outs of DStv Premium, including its channels, pricing, and standout features.
What is DStv Premium?
DStv Premium is the flagship offering from DStv, South Africa’s leading satellite TV provider.
Designed for viewers seeking comprehensive entertainment, DStv Premium includes a broad range of channels in sports, movies, kids’ programming, news, and more.
Who is DStv Premium Best For?
DStv Premium works for everyone and I mean it. It’s an offering from the biggest satellite TV company in Africa that has ties to some of the biggest broadcasting companies in Asia, Europe and America.
It really doesn’t get any bigger than DStv Premium. Being the biggest package from Multichoice, you’ll most likely have all your needs met.
The only area you may likely complain about might be movies. I say this because it’s hard to compete with the likes of NetFlix, Amazon Prime Videos and other top movie streaming industries.
Besides that, you’ll be very fine with Premium.
DStv Premium is best suited for:
- Sports fans: With full access to SuperSport, viewers can catch live broadcasts of rugby, cricket, football, golf, and more.
- Movie buffs: Exclusive access to premium movie channels, including M-Net Movies 1 and 2.
- Families: A variety of kids’ and family channels make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
DStv Premium Channels: What’s Included?
DStv Premium offers more than 265 channels, covering diverse interests. Here’s a short breakdown of key categories and some notable channels you can expect:
1. Sports Channels
With about 22 sports channels, including the full suite of SuperSport channels, DStv Premium delivers comprehensive live sports coverage in all areas of sports.
You’ll get everything from soccer to tennis, even athletics and extreme sports.
Key channels include:
- SuperSport Grandstand, PSL, LaLiga, Premier League, Rugby and more. These will get you both live games and replays round the clock.
- ESPN and ESPN2 for additional international sports coverage
- SuperSport Variety channels, catering to multi-sport events like tennis, motorsport, and golf.
2. Entertainment and Movies
For movie lovers, DStv Premium has exclusive channels, including the following:
- M-Net (This one’s a flagship entertainment channel with top international series)
- M-Net Movies 1 & 2, Studio Universal, and TNT Africa for the latest movies
- kykNET & fliekNET for Afrikaans content, includin local shows and films
3. News and Documentaries
Do you love news? With Premium, you can stay informed with a robust lineup of news channels:
- CNN, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, and SABC News
- National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, and BBC Earth for nature documentaries
- Discovery Channel and History Channel for educational content
4. Kids and Family Programming
DStv Premium includes family-friendly channels like:
- Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon for children’s entertainment
- Da Vinci and PBS Kids for educational programming
- NickToons, Boomerang, and JimJam for a range of children’s shows
5. Music and Lifestyle
With channels like MTV Base, Channel O, Trace Africa, and Sound City, DStv Premium offers a wide selection for music fans. Additionally, lifestyle channels such as Food Network, HGTV, and The Home Channel provide everything from culinary shows to home improvement content.
DStv Premium Pricing and Costs
As of 2024, DStv Premium is available at a monthly subscription cost of R929 for satellite TV viewers. Yes, because we all know those price hikes are likely going to happen at the beginning of next year.
For customers who prefer streaming only, the price is R799. DStv also offers a “Price Lock” option, allowing subscribers to lock in current rates for 24 months when signing up for a contract.
Are There Any Additional Costs?
For new customers, installation fees and decoder purchases apply. Installation fees vary depending on your region and the DStv installation expert you’re working with.
Please discuss installation fees with your installers.
An Access Fee (R120) is required for features like PVR, which allows you to pause, rewind, and record live TV.
Key Features of DStv Premium
DStv Premium comes with several standout features, enhancing your viewing experience beyond just the channel lineup:
1. Catch-Up and On-Demand Viewing
With DStv Catch Up, Premium subscribers can watch missed episodes of popular shows. This feature includes both local and international content, from series to kids’ shows and sports highlights.
2. DStv App and Streaming Options
Subscribers can stream live TV and access Catch Up on-the-go through the DStv app, available on mobile devices, smart TVs, and laptops. The app allows streaming on up to two devices simultaneously, providing flexibility for households.
3. HD and 4K Streaming
Enjoy high-definition content, with some channels and shows available in 4K quality, delivering a cinema-like experience at home. HD viewing is standard across most channels.
4. Personal Video Recording (PVR)
DStv Premium’s PVR service allows you to record shows, pause live TV, and schedule recordings, making it convenient for viewers with busy schedules.
5. Parental Control
With family viewing in mind, DStv offers robust parental control features. Set restrictions on certain channels and shows, ensuring age-appropriate content for children.
DStv Premium vs. Other Packages: Key Differences
DStv Premium stands out with its all-encompassing channel access and exclusive features. But you may want to see other packages try to level up.
Here’s how Premium compares to other packages:
DStv Package Comparison: Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact
| Feature | DStv Premium | DStv Compact Plus | DStv Compact |
| Price (per month) | R929 (satellite), R799 (streaming) | R619 (satellite), R539 (streaming) | R469 (satellite), R399 (streaming) |
| Total Channels | 265+ | 234+ | 127+ |
| SuperSport Access | All 22 SuperSport channels | Limited SuperSport (14 channels) | Basic SuperSport (10 channels) |
| HD & 4K Content | Available | Limited HD | Basic HD only |
| Special Features | PVR, Catch-Up, DStv App streaming | Catch-Up, DStv App streaming | Basic streaming on DStv App |
Let’s take a closer look to see how the comparisons work out in the following areas: Channel variety, Value for money, sports Channels and Add-Ons
1. Channel Variety and Premium Content
DStv Premium
- Content Variety: Offers over 265 channels, with extensive access to movies, series, sports, news, and lifestyle content.
- Exclusive Channels: Includes all SuperSport channels (22 in total) such as SuperSport Rugby, SuperSport Cricket, and SuperSport Golf. This package also includes M-Net Movies 1 and 2, Discovery Channel, and exclusive entertainment channels, making it ideal for sports fans and entertainment enthusiasts.
DStv Compact Plus
- Content Variety: Around 234 channels, designed to balance sports and entertainment content.
- Specialized Sports Access: Limited access to 14 sports channels like SuperSport PSL, Premier League, and ESPN 2, but excludes some niche sports channels available on Premium.
- Popular Channels: Features M-Net Movies 3 and 4, 1Magic, and select SuperSport channels, making it a great mid-range option for sports and movie lovers.
DStv Compact
- Content Variety: Over 127 channels, focusing on basic entertainment needs with a reduced selection of movie and sports channels.
- Basic Sports Access: Includes 10 sports channels, such as SuperSport PSL and SuperSport Football, but lacks the more specialized sports content.
- Standard Entertainment: Offers channels like M-Net Movies 3, BBC Brit, and Cartoon Network, suitable for viewers seeking affordable yet diverse entertainment.
2. Price and Value for Money
This area is a little tricky because the value you get from a package is largely subjective.
A lot depends on the channels you’re looking for. On that note I recommend looking at the specific channels features for each package when trying to determine how valuable they are to you.
But if you’re assessing value on a cost/channel basis, this table will help you out.
| Package | Price per Channel (approx.) |
| DStv Premium | R5.24 |
| DStv Compact Plus | R3.24 |
| DStv Compact | R3.68 |
DStv Compact and Compact Plus packages offer a better price-to-channel ratio compared to Premium.
However, Premium remains the top choice for comprehensive sports, HD quality, and exclusive entertainment, while Compact Plus and Compact offer good value for users on a budget.
3. Sports Channel Comparison
| Package | Sports Channels | Notable Channels Included |
| DStv Premium | 22 SuperSport channels | Grandstand, SuperSport Action, SuperSport Cricket |
| DStv Compact Plus | 14 SuperSport channels | SuperSport PSL, ESPN 2, SuperSport Action |
| DStv Compact | 10 basic SuperSport channels | SuperSport PSL, LaLiga, Premier League, ESPN |
DStv Premium is ideal for sports fans needing full access to SuperSport’s dedicated channels. Compact Plus and Compact offer fewer sports channels, focusing on mainstream sports like soccer and rugby.
4. Additional Features and Streaming Options
When it comes to features and add-ons, Premium includes a lot of mouth-watering offerings. But you can’t simply write off Compact and Compact Plus.
Let’s start with Premium.
DStv Premium offers full HD and 4K content, PVR recording, and streaming access on the DStv App. Subscribers can stream on two devices simultaneously, offering flexibility for households with multiple viewers.
DStv Compact Plus and Compact on the other hand, include streaming on the DStv App, but with limited HD access and fewer device options, making them more budget-friendly but with basic functionality.
Each package caters to different preferences, so weighing the features, channel availability, and price will help determine the best fit. Let me know if you’d like more detailed information on specific channels!
Pros and Cons of Choosing DStv Premium
Wit the pros and cons, let’s get a brief look at what may make or break your love for DStv Premium.
Pros
- Comprehensive sports, entertainment, and news offerings
- High-quality streaming options with HD and some 4K content
- Access to exclusive channels not available on lower-tier packages
Cons
- Higher monthly price compared to other packages
- The other thing with a pricey DStv package like Premium is the movie content. There are far too many repeat movie contents. This is why you may want to bundle int Showmax or Netflix in your subscription.
Is DStv Premium Worth It?
DStv Premium is an excellent choice for households that value variety and exclusive content. It’s an all-in-one giant offering.
It’s best for business and big households where a broad range of entertainment content is need for diverse needs of people available.
Conclusion
DStv Premium offers an unparalleled entertainment experience with its wide range of channels, high-definition options, and premium features.
While it comes with a higher price, the value it brings—especially for families and sports fans—makes it a popular choice. Whether you’re streaming on the DStv app or watching on your satellite decoder, DStv Premium is designed to provide a world of entertainment right at your fingertips.
FAQs
What is the monthly price for DStv Premium?
As of 2024, DStv Premium is priced at R929 per month for satellite and R799 for streaming-only customers.
Can I stream DStv Premium on multiple devices?
Yes, DStv Premium allows streaming on up to two devices simultaneously through the DStv app.
What are some exclusive channels available on DStv Premium?
Some exclusive channels include M-Net, SuperSport Grandstand, and M-Net Movies.
How does DStv Premium differ from DStv Compact?
DStv Premium offers more channels, including all SuperSport channels and exclusive movies, along with features like 4K streaming and PVR.
Is PVR included in the DStv Premium package?
Yes, PVR is available for DStv Premium customers who opt for the Access Fee, enabling live TV recording.
Are there discounts for DStv Premium?
DStv occasionally offers discounts and contract “Price Lock” options, helping subscribers avoid price increases.
What sports channels come with DStv Premium?
DStv Premium includes all SuperSport channels, ESPN, and dedicated sports channels covering everything from rugby to golf.
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