Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Microsoft's XBox One in South Africa launches; not able to access MultiChoice's DStv electronic programme guide (EPG).


Microsoft's new XBox One console launched in South Africa is not able to give users access to MultiChoice's DStv electronic programme guide (EPG) when connected to a DStv decoder in the way that other country's digital terrestrial and pay-TV operators' EPG's are integrated and accesible through the new XBox One.

A Microsoft SA spokesperson told TV with Thinus that XBox One users are able to plug their DStv decoder into the HDMI pass-through of the XBox One, although it won't allow them to control their DStv decoder from their XBox One.

"This will not allow control of the DStv decoder. It will simply feed through the video signal from DStv".

"With calling out 'XBox, watch TV' DStv will then play. Navigating the guide and TV channels on DStv will still require a DStv remote," I'm told.

"We are in discussions with DStv to bring services to the platform but have no news to disclose at this point in time".

In America and the United Kingdom Microsoft's new XBox One works well and is fully integrated with the EPG's of free-to-air as well as pay-TV providers.

UPDATE 15:24 - Microsoft South Africa adds that "Microsoft is constantly exploring opportunities with various strategic partners. When any of these opportunities result in new services or products, we'll make the necessary announcements".