DSTV replacement
As I'm staring at the black hole (South Africa), I can't stop wondering how the oppressed people of this great nation feel about continuously being screwed over. The majority of the population have subscribed to an overpriced television service called DSTV. The prices of this "service" are just plain ridiculous and offer little to nothing, other than a repeat of a repeat. But what are the alternatives? Most individuals would say that there isn't an alternative. And here's where they are WRONG!
Price list of DSTV
The black hole has internet through out most of the country, although also overpriced and falling into the category of being one of the most expensive in the world, yet the majority of its people have internet access. This is all you need to replace DSTV, let me explain:
With a 2Mbps uncapped ADSL line or a similar internet solution, you can watch the latest movies, soap series, documentaries or cartoons for the children without having to wait for it to air and at it would cost one R220,00 at the most (excluding your internet service).
One would need to purchase a little device called Apple TV. The price of this device is around R1400. The device has a lot more than just allowing you to watch internet television. For more details on the device you can click here.
Apple TV
What do you need?
Let me break down what one would need to view internet television in the dark hole:
- Electricity, preferably from a generator as Eskom leaves the entire country in darkness
- At least a 2Mbps internet service with either wifi or Lan Cable
- Apple TV device
- An USA iStore account (must be US in order to enjoy Internet TV to the most)
- A DNS server that "places" your device in the United States
- A subscription to either Hulu Plus or Netflix
The Cost:
The cost in the list below does not take into account the price of the Internet Service Provider nor the Apple TV device
- A few litres of Petrol for your generator at around R13.85 per litre
- USA iStore account is for free and can be topped up with vouchers which can be purchased over the internet (details in the article below)
- The DNS server would cost $4,99 (a little over R50,00)
- Hulu Plus or Netflix costs $7.99 per month (a little over R85,00)
- Total cost: R135,00 per month (based upon one subscription, either Hulu or Netflix)
Getting started:
Start by downloading iTunes. This only has to be done by individuals that do not own an iPad,iPhone or MAC. Once downloaded read this article which helps you setting up an American iStore account.
Next up you will need a DNS server (this server virtually places the apple device in the USA). The DNS server is needed to change your Internet location. Without this you will not be able to view any of the American Internet TV content. For the DNS server I would recommend Unotelly. Unotelly has 2 servers in the dark hole, one in the violent city of Johannesburg and the other server is placed in the homosexual city of Cape Town. Unotelly has a free trial period of around a week.
Unotelly server locations
Now that you have the DNS server it is time to set up your Apple TV. It is important to watch the tutorial in this short movie in order for your Apple TV to work correctly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPVdVKckyf4
Now that your device is setup you can start your free trial with either Hulu Plus or Netflix.
Netflix/Hulu Plus service providers
Note:
The Unotelly DNS server, Hulu Plus and Netflix all have a free trial period. To see and experience all what Apple TV has to offer in the black hole, use the free trial period before committing yourself or before buying US iStore vouchers.
Buying iStore vouchers:
There are several ways of purchasing iStore vouchers over the internet. All of them will obviously make some amount of money out of these vouchers. Some of these providers are: iTunes Giftcards and iTunes Vouchers. I personally would buy them over eBay as this works out cheaper. When purchasing through eBay make sure that you buy from a reputable seller. The chap I buy from has a great rating ganq2000.
For a complete guide of Apple TV channels, click here.
And with this my dear oppressed friends from the dark hole, you can safely give DSTV the boot and save quite a bit of money.
Happy viewing,
Stevie
