TopTV plans video on demand for 2012

Cape Town – On Digital media (ODM) is planning a video-on-demand (VOD) service for TopTV which will form part of the pay TV service's PVR roll-out set for 2012.
 
The introduction of PVR is now seen as more important than the addition of new high definition channels at TopTV, though HD is still on the cards.

"TopTV is still planning a release for HD but following research and input from subscribers we realise there is more demand right now for the PVR, which is what we're focusing on," said the pay TV operator.

DStv BoxOffice

The roll-out of a PVR service, originally planned for 2011, was scrapped and moved to a later date.

"TopTV will be launching the PVR in 2012," TopTV told Channel24.

"The PVR needs a testing phase and time to get into retail. The PVR will include features like VOD."
 
With MultiChoice launching the DStv BoxOffice VOD service this year and SouthTel planning its own VOD service called VOD:TV for 2012, TopTV is also working on a VOD service of its own that will form part of its commercial PVR release, currently planned for 2012.

Sport on the back-burner
 
TopTV is still keeping mum on the addition of new TV channels. The company appears to have largely capitulated on the issue of starting of a sports channel that was also promised for the thirdquarter of 2011, with most sports rights tied up by SuperSport.
 
"We are very aware of our subscribers' love of sports and the need for it on our platform," said TopTV.

"At the moment we are dealing with the challenges of other providers securing rights and paying large sums of money for these. However our content teams are exploring all available opportunities."
 
TopTV has passed the 300 000 subscriber mark and says the company is "happy in terms of business forecasts and growth plans".