New channel numbers and more for DStv customers from October 1

With DStv launching several new channels in the recent past, the channel re-numbering initiative is focused on ensuring that all channels are grouped as relevant by genres. This will mean that viewers can find the channels that they are looking for easily and quickly. This update of the channel numbers will also allow for future channel growth on DStv.

General entertainment channels with international content will be located from channel 101 to 143, whilst general entertainment channels with local content will feature from channel 144 to 169. Documentaries and lifestyle channels will sit from channel 170 to 190 and the free-to-air channels such as NTA, Silverbird, AIT and Channels TV will be on channel 250 to 285. The SuperSport channels in HD and SD will be housed from channel 200 to 249 onwards.

Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) channels on same number
Whilst some channels are being moved around, DStv is also taking the opportunity to put HD and SD channels on the same channel number. For example, M-Net and M-Net HD will be on channel 101 from 1 October 2012. This means that if you are a DStv Premium customer with an HD PVR, you will receive M-Net HD on channel 101 whilst a customer with an SD decoder will get M-Net on channel 101 from 1 October.

The only exceptions will be Discovery HD Showcase which is not available in SD and SuperSport HD channels which are not scheduled with the same content as the SD channels.

“Whilst it may take some getting used to, we trust that the new channel numbering will make for an overall better navigation and viewing experience on DStv. We want to assure our customers that we have taken every care to ensure there is as little disruption and change to their viewing routine as possible,” said Collins Khumalo, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

Themed M-Net Movie channels 
M-Net will also replace its MM1 and MM2 movie offering and expand it to six movie channels, one premiere and five themed channels: M-Net Movies Premiere, M-Net Movies Action +, M-Net Movies Family, M-Net Movies Comedy, M-Net Movies Drama and Romance, and M-Net Movies Showcase. These channels will all be available in HD.

Movies released by Hollywood studios will first be screened on M-Net Movies Premiere or on M-Net on a Sunday night at 8pm. Thereafter, the movie will be screened again on the relevant themed M-Net Movies channel. However, some niche movies will be screened directly to the relevant themed M-Net Movies channel. There are two movies starting on the M-Net Movies channels starting every half hour.

“The change to themed movie channels will make it easier for viewers to find a movie that appeals to their mood or taste at a particular time. The daily choice of movies on the M-Net Movies channels will increase and it will be more convenient to find a movie to watch,” says Pierre Cloete, Director of M-Net Movie Channels.

And to help viewers navigate the channel number changes, DStv is also launching a dedicated channel (DStv channel 198), hosted by Big Brother star IK Osakioduwa.  Alternatively simply press OK on your DStv remote and click on the Renumbering section for info.

DStv subscribers can also get information on the upcoming DStv channel re-numbering initiative on the DStv website.