ShowMax: what the Memeburn team thinks

By now you’re probably well aware of the fact that Naspers has launched ShowMax, a video on demand (VoD) service aimed squarely at grabbing the attention of the country’s online population before Netflix’s inevitable arrival (scheduled for some time before the end of 2016).

At R99 a month, it’s clearly designed to make South Africans think twice about using the semi-legal methods currently required to access overseas streaming services in South Africa. For one, it gives them some reprieve from the fluctuations of the Rand/Dollar exchange rate. For another, it comes with local and HBO content that Netflix doesn’t have.

But will that be enough to make it a success?

I’ve already outlined some of the other significant challenges the service will have to overcome if it’s going to make it.

Read more: ShowMax: the good, the bad and the Naspers conundrum

That’s just one viewpoint though.

For a broader perspective on ShowMax’s chances, I asked my Memeburn colleagues to weigh in with their first impressions of the service:

Graham van der Made:
It is entering at a very good price-point, and the fact that it’s not affected by currency fluctuations is a bonus. It’s also snagged a lot of high-profile TV shows, which is good.

I am impressed that it’s offering a free service for users. Sure it doesn’t have a large variety of shows available, but for cartoon nostalgia junkies like myself, Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Arthur are already a plus.

Having every show approved by the Film and Publications Board (FPB) may prove to be a hinderance in the long-run.

Jacques Coetzee:

I like it so far. I think R99 per month won’t burn a hole in most of South Africa’s online users’ pockets.

Read more: ShowMax: 7 things you should know about Naspers’ new VoD service

As to content, it’s managed to get me interested with HBO favourites (GoT, Boardwalk Empire and Vice News really). I guess the service will be tested when it comes to the release dates of these series. The dedicated KykNet and Mzansi sections will also strike a chord with their relevant audiences. I mean you can go watch Egoli and Orknie Snorknie from the early 1990s!

I haven’t tested any HD shows yet, but the quality seems fine on other shows. There’s no lag and little delay.

In terms of execution, Naspers has done well. Whether it’s going to keep people interested remains to be seen. This is where exclusives, timely release dates and a good recommendation engine are going to have to shine. I really hope this works though.

Andy Walker:

I’m not quite sure if the majority of South Africa will ever warm up to the idea of streaming video on demand, especially considering the need for a fairly chunky internet connection. Nevertheless, it’s always great to see a new competitor in the market, especially from a conglomerate as large as Naspers.

Read more: It’s official: Naspers’ launches video streaming service ShowMax

A tiered system might be better than its current R99 plan, and I’m pretty sure that most people will just stick with DStv because of the SuperSport bouquet. If ShowMax offers the same content as DStv, why change?

Myolisi Sikupela:

I think it wins for binge watching purposes but not having the latest releases could hurt it. Getting the best shows as they come out allows you to be part of the global conversations about those shows, which is important. That you still needs to pa another service to watch the shows as they play on TV and then Showmax to watch later is going to be deciding factor.

What I am excited about is the possibility for the service to produce its own content. We have seen Netflix succeed in this regard and when and if ShowMax goes this route, then it will begin to be exciting.