[Satellite TODAY 05-07-10] MultiChoice, the leading DTH operator in South Africa, has launched an on-demand service, the company announced May 5.
     DStv On Demand will be available through any of MultiChoice’s personal video recorders, and MultiChoice also will have an online element, DSTV On Demand Online. At launch, the online service will only be available through the MWEB ADSL service, but MultiChoice is in discussions with other ISPs to offer the service.
     The launch of on-demand services coincides with a new DTH competitor ready to hit the pay-TV market in South Africa. On Digital Media (ODM) plans to launch pay-TV services before the end of May.
     ODM has a deal with SES Astra for three transponders on the Astra 4A satellite and has also contracted to provide the related broadcasting services via its affiliate Astra Platform Services. ODM is 20 percent owned by SES Astra.