DStv launches new channel

DStv launched 1Max (stylised 1max) on channel 103 for Premium and Compact Plus subscribers on 1 April 2024, offering these customers select content from MultiChoice’s Showmax.

It airs content like the Tracking Thabo Bester documentary and thriller Red Ink, both of which recently launched on Showmax.

“It will also feature content from other territories in Africa, such as the Nigerian telenovela Wura and The Real Housewives of Lagos, as well as international series like Ted, Yellowstone and Season 6 of The Good Doctor,” said DStv.

“The content on 1max gives viewers only a sample of what’s available on the streaming service and encourages viewers who enjoy the shows to go to showmax.com and get streaming.”

The channel is also available to DStv Premium Stream and Compact Plus Stream subscribers.

DStv Premium subscribers already get a complimentary Showmax subscription to watch content on demand, while Compact Plus subscribers can subscribe at a discounted rate.

Those who wish to catch up on titles with higher age restrictions on 1Max will have to stay up late.

DStv included a short FAQ section in the article announced 1Max, explaining why shows like Red Ink and Tracking Thabo Bester only air from 22:00 onwards.

“DStv adheres to the regulatory rules of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA). Titles with age restrictions from 16 upwards are scheduled later in the evening to adhere to regulatory requirements,” it said.

The broadcaster suggests that those who don’t want to wait until 22:00 to watch the content should subscribe to Showmax.

MultiChoice and DStv have not made a big deal of 1Max’s launch.

The company did tell MyBroadband in February that it planned to launch a channel for Showmax’s original content on DStv Compact Plus and up. However, it did not have a name or channel number at the time.