Digital Television Company StarTimes Media has launched two decoder models known as the Startimes light consisting of a Standard Definition and High Definition DVB T2 decoder for the Digital Terrestrial platform (DTT) aimed at improving the quality of service offered to the Paytv subscribers. The HD decoder is set to retail for Kshs. 999 + 1500 subscription. The standard decoder retails at Kshs. 199 + 1500 subscriptions. The Free to Air channels retail for Kshs. 3299. With the Kshs. 1,500 subscription, subscribers will have a choice of accessing a 10 Month Nyota Bouquet for Kshs. 5 a day, 3 months basic bouquet, 1 and half month of classic and 1 month of classic.
The new decoders come with an improved physical design which is smaller and an improved user interface. Startimes has also phased the previous paytv set top box and consumers will now have an option between the three boxes, the free to air set top box or the two new ones which are paytv with an option of SD and HD. These too can be made to be FTAs by paying a Kshs 1800 to make them open.
The decoders also offer multilingual support for English, Swahili, French and Portuguese increasing convenience. Startimes also announced the launch of two new HD channels, the Bollywood HD and NBA TV HD. There are plans to introduce new HD channels soon. The decoders also have improved capabilities allowing the user to book upto 32 channels over a period of seven days using the new autotune feature. This also has channels categorized in proper categories like movies or cartoons for better navigation.
Speaking during the launch, Startimes Vice President of Marketing Mark Lisboa said Startimes seeks to roll out improved, relevant and exciting products and services for their subscribers.”We want them to have the best experience as they use our services by availing enthralling programming geared towards enriching their television viewing experience” he added.
“The pricing point is true to our vision of driving access and enabling every household to afford and enjoy digital television”. The launch of the new decoders is seen as a move by Startimes to position itself for capturing of the market before the impending digital migration deadline set for 30th March 2015.
Startimes reaffirmed its commitment to the Kenyan market with the construction a 6.9 Billion headquarters in Kenya as well as continued investment in signal distribution and enhancement of the quality of the signal.
