[MC Marietjie]

We are distributing this press release this afternoon. So here it is for the Forumites first:

MultiChoice and Altech UEC launches locally developed 2-tuner HD PVR

MultiChoice today announced the introduction of an Altech UEC supplied 2-tuner HD PVR 2U into the South African market.

Collins Khumalo, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa: “This model provides the same sought-after features our PVR-enabled subscribers have come to love. It is important to us to partner with South African companies such as Altech UEC to support the manufacturing sector in our country.”

About the decoder

The HD PVR 2U, two- tuner PVR, offers one recording environment and one viewing environment, independent of each other. In addition, it offers the ability to pause and rewind live TV. The slow motion feature ensures that viewers can review split second action at will.

The PVR can record up to 150 hours of standard definition programming or 50 hours of high definition programming. It can also be linked to any of DStv's Xtraview-enabled decoders and PVRs to provide a second viewing environment.

Other features include a 24-hour i-Plate, Dolby 5.1 surround sound capability, favourite channels selection, series record, full parental control and aspect ratio toggle.

Designed for this market, the HD PVR 2U offers a ruggedised power supply and surge protection on both the LNB inputs and the HDMI port.

Rodger Warren, Managing Director, Altech UEC South Africa: “Altech UEC products are not new to the South African television market. We have been partnering with MultiChoice since the launch of DStv. We have consistently delivered high quality, reliable decoders to the market including the popular world-first dual view decoder in 2005 and other standard satellite decoders, like the new DSD 1132.”

DStv Value Added Services

DStv Premium subscribers will have access to DStv’s value-added services. DStv On Demand which provides catch-up viewing of the most popular series and sporting events and BoxOffice which is a movie rental service from the comfort of your couch.

The Altech UEC HD PVR 2-tuner decoder will be available at leading retailers and furniture stores with from May 2012 at a retail price of R1499.

Subscribers should also note that a standalone HD PVR in the home attracts the normal bouquet subscription as well as a monthly access fee of R65, which is charged to access multiple environments on the DStv platform.

MultiChoice recommends that installation of the HD PVR is done by a DStv Accredited Installer. To find an accredited installer in your area, SMS your postal code to 33936 (SMS costs R1.00)

[Tulani]

have always been a fan of UEC over Pace. hoping my seal of approval will bear good testimony

[MC Marietjie]

@Tulani - you should've told me before we issued the press release - could've included your testimony!

[lyndonl]

Does it have the DMX DJ? And does it have all the current bugs as the pace?

[Crusher]

MultiChoice and Altech UEC launches locally developed 2-tuner HD PVR

And therein lies its potential downfall. Why do we in SA always insist on reinventing the wheel?

Having said that (and got it off my chest), I will probably be a customer of that unit, after having been so disappointed with the PACE HDPVR 4T over the years (actually only after the many sub-standard software upgrades (sic))

I do hope that MC have bench- and stress-tested this new unit extensively

[Staffy]

so still a puny size harddrive! should be having a 2 or 3TB HDD in it, 150 hrs record time is useless

[ivanj]

Originally Posted by lyndonl

Does it have the DMX DJ? And does it have all the current bugs as the pace?

Ditto, would love to know

[Geoff D]

Really good to see this posted on the forum first thank you!

Really good news to see this. Local is lekker!

Looking forward to see it in action.

[markvg]

Originally Posted by MC Marietjie

The HD PVR 2U, two- tuner PVR, offers one recording environment and one viewing environment, independent of each other. In addition, it offers the ability to fast forward, pause and rewind live TV. The slow motion feature ensures that viewers can review split second action at will.

Is this correct? Can you REALLY fast forward live TV? If so I want one NOW! Can't wait to see tomorrow's Lotto Draw!

[Geoff D]

Heh heh!

Interesting interpretation of what was said!

I want to know exactly what "independent" means. Does it mean that this decoder does not lose the buffer on a channel change?

And that when viewing a recording, the live buffer remains in place?

Now that would be something!

The UEC website has a reference to a DSR4828 HD MPEG-4 DTH PVR. Is this the one?

Small glitch in spec sheet on UEC site: The references to memory do not line up too well