Zimpapers Logo

TopTV.
TopTV is already operating in South Africa where it offers its subscribers bouquet packages that are frequently cheaper than the equivalents sold by DStv.
A local radio/television personality and a partner to the deal, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the pay-per- view TopTV was negotiating for a broadcasting licence in Zimbabwe.
If the deal sails through, Zimbabwean satellite television audiences will have an alternative to DStv, which recently increased its subscription fees for Premium, Compact and Compact+Sport bouquets with effect from April 1. The new prices for Bouquet Premium went up from US$66 to US$70 while for Compact plus Sport rose from US$45 to US$48 and Compact from US$25 to US$28.
However, the monthly subscription for DStv Access and Family bouquets remains unchanged as well as those for Dualview, Extraview and PVR services.
There is also going to be serious competition for ZBC-TV, which has of late suffered viewer fright in the last couple of years as most viewers invested in free-to-air satellite television channels.
According to the official of TopTV, a decoder would cost a minimum US$10 while the bouquet packages will cost anything between US$20 and US$40 depending on the type.
TopTV offers different pay TV packages for R99 per month, subscribers will have access to over 20 channels, providing comprehensive coverage of genres, including general entertainment, news, sport, movies and gospel, to name a few.
Also on offer to subscribers are seven different pricing options ranging from R99 to R249 per month.
TopTv is the first satellite TV network of its kind in South Africa that brings digital TV into homes across the country with innovative, flexible and affordable packages including the best of movies, music, lifestyle, documentary, kids and sport.
A sneak preview on TopTV’s website reveals that the bouquet packages have most of the stuff that excite Zimbabwean fans except for SuperSport which has a huge following on DStv.
Channels on offer include those created specifically by TopTV with content sourced both locally and internationally, including Top Movies, Top One, Top Gospel and Top Crime, as well as a range of highly sought-after international channels from outside suppliers.
Nine locally developed channels will offer audiences a mix of local and international flavours.
Owned by About On Digital Media (Ptv) Ltd On Digital Media (ODM), a proudly South African incorporated company with effective BEE shareholding of 68percent.
The company was awarded an ICASA Pay TV Licence on September 12 2007 and issued the licence on July 9 2008.
ODM will offer a new commercial satellite subscription service to South African audiences based on maximum choice and affordability.
Some of the channels include:
CHANNEL 205
MUT, a 24-hour football channel devoted to coverage of Manchester United across all leagues.
The channel also show match day build-up, club-related news and much more.
CHANNEL 355
South African 24-hour independent English channel spreading the message of Islam to humanity. The channel aims to provide informed and balanced viewing to promote a more informed view of Islam.
CHANNEL 401
Al Jazeera has 24-hour international, in-depth news coverage with a different perspective on world events.
CHANNEL 170
e.tv offers a wide range of high quality local and international programmes. Highlights are Sunday night movie blockbusters and special movie festivals.
CHANNEL 220
Eurosport News features European and international sports news continually updated every 30 minutes.
CHANNEL 452
Fashion, beauty, glamour and style 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CHANNEL 405
Fox News is the popular and controversial American news broadcaster. Although perhaps not impartial, it has been called the most entertaining news programme in the world.
CHANNEL 351
GOD TV is a global media ministry with an exclusive line-up that includes award-winning youth programming. Offers inspirational Bible teaching and live events from different nations
CHANNEL 402
France 24, an international news channel that covers global current events from a French perspective. It has diverse and thought-provoking content, opinions and debates 24 hours a day.
CHANNEL 120
Hi Nolly features specially selected movies from the Nollywood film industry. All the most thrilling drama and action from this hotbed of African creativity.
CHANNEL 350
Top Gospel is a multi-denominational Christian lifestyle channel that showcases the best content from Europe, the US and South Africa, includes preacher slots, talk shows and music videos.
CHANNEL 121
Zee Cinema: Only the best from Bollywood. Singing, dancing, love interests, comedy and daredevil thrills – it’s all here.
CHANNEL 150
Top One is a specially packaged family entertainment channel with strong international and local programming. It has something for everyone – drama, lifestyle and award-winning series.