Zimbabwe’s digital migration journey was a long and frustrating one. We still aren’t at the promised land, however, we have made great strides.
After decades with just one TV channel and a handful radio stations, the gates were cracked open and a few new players snuck in. The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) licensed a number of players and some of them have been broadcasting for a little while now.
You might have heard about ZTN and 3ktv. The full list looks like this:
- 3KTV
- NRTV
- ZTN Prime
- Keyona TV
- Jive TV
- ZBC TV
- ZBC News24 (coming soon)
- 6 radio stations (the national stations you know)
Early last year we got a Zimbabwe All Media Products Survey (ZAMPS) report claiming that 3ktv was more popular overall in Zimbabwe than South African channels. Interesting, right?
The point is, these new TV channels are somewhat popular. The only problem has always been ‘how does one get to watch them?’ Most Zimbabweans did not have access because they needed either a DStv decoder or a set top box that was hard to come by.
Well, that set top box is scarce no more. BAZ is stocked up to the rafters. We got a chance to see the little set top box up close and personal.
On the front it says ‘Combo S2+T2’ which means this little box can accept both terrestrial and satellite signals. The terrestrial bit only means signals come from local TV stations and are received by an antenna on your property. You know how satellite needs a dish and LNB.
This is coming in handy at this time because some areas still do not have terrestrial coverage. For these areas, you can make use of satellite. For now, only these places have terrestrial coverage: Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Kadoma, Lupane, Kamativi and Gwanda. If you aren’t located in these places you will need a satellite dish.
What’s great about this being digital television and not analog like before is that showers are a thing of the past. All the channels listed above are all in high definition (like the late Soul Jah Love would like).
You will note that even on DStv, most channels are in standard definition. So, all HD channels in Zimbabwe is great.
If you want to get in on the action, you can get the set-top box, antenna and all its cables for $30 or the ZiG equivalent. It’s available on the Techzim Market as well, click here to grab one and it will direct you to WhatsApp. Just send the word ‘decoder’ and you’ll be set.
Alternatively, send a message that says ‘decoder1′ to 0717684274 on WhatsApp.
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50 comments
Are you accepting Zig?
Yes we are accepting ZiG
I think there is a commendable variety of content available across the various local TV stations that caters to diverse viewer preferences.
While ZBC TV may not be the premier option, it is advantageous that the channel is broadcast in high-definition, providing a more visually appealing viewing experience compared to the standard-definition offering on DSTV
The investigative documentaries that occasionally air on the ZBC News channel are quite fascinating.
The music video programming on Jive TV is presented in high-definition, though the repetitive nature of the content is a major drawback
Keyona TV does not have the most robust content selection, and the news bulletins appear to still be a work in progress. However, this channel can serve as a suitable option for those seeking a music-focused viewing experience.
Of the available stations, 3KTV seems to offer the most compelling lineup, with a comparatively reduced reliance on repeat programming and some entertaining dramas.
NRTV features a fair amount of repeat content, but does provide some intriguing shows like “The Daily Dose,” “Mhosva,” and “Highest Praise”
ZTN Prime appears to be the preeminent destination for local sports coverage. The channel also boasts modern, world-class production values in its news presentation, and features other captivating programs such as “The Most Wanted” and Mujaya (Holy ten) reality show
The major problem I think is the marketing it’s very poor across all the stations
What happens to the decoder kana richidonhedza amwe machannels how do you solve this like out of 7 rasara ne 4 channels?
Is it possible to watch those channels outside of Zim using the said decoder?
Yes it is possible to access the channels on the same decoder with a satellite dish from anywhere in the world
Anywhere? Lol
No it’s not possible around the world ! The 7e satellite has a beam coverage on sub Saharan Africa and it does not beam on other continent’s especially America , Asia. .. And mind in other parts of the world to have access to these stations there will be need for 1.2M Dish sizes. It’s not just a one size fits all for the whole world.
It’s best you do proper research before giving these advise
Why are the prices in USD? BAZ of all parastatals should be the ones spearheading ZIG
You can use ZiG, convert using the official exchange rate.
$5 USD profit u are making on that transMedia decoders…. not that bad.
These new channels need interesting local content if they are to match South African channels in terms of quality entertainment
The whole process to get to the decoder took about twenty years. Cut off date for analogue (which most Zimbabweans are using) was supposed to be 2015. The signal and programs have been available on free to air satellite for a very long time and on terrestrial for quite some time. Those with equipment which receive the signal have been enjoying all along.
My experience after watching for some time is that it is just like one big station as one can feel the Zimbabwean respectable type of programming, making all the stations sound like they are from one media house. The repetition of programs and nauseum is a cause for concern as it sometimes appears like a tape that rewinds and restarts, on all the channels, with only changes on the news articles. There are repeats more than twice daily of , e.g Kapenta fishing, Dementia, Pangolin, lake Chivero hyacinth, Ema and many others. It’s worse on the music channel.
Over the years a lot of effort was put into the training of content creators for the yet to come digital TV, and one wonders where those who got the training are putting their skills, if the schemes went as advertised.
DSTV has all the most modern technology available to it as they also create some of the broadcast technology. It is for the sake of their business that they still have programs in SD or standard definition due to the reason that most of their customers have different generations of decoders, and most of them not capable of playing HD.
Does the ZBC decoder have a subscription card slot so that they can go on a subscription platform and make money for expansion, and maybe ease on car owners and radio and television licence requirement?
I wouldnt be prepared to part with my $30 as yet. ZBC inorwadza kuona good people. And im also assuming all the ZBC lite stations take from their mama. These stations have no creative content that would keep you glued to your telly. Judging by how our known content creators die in poverty the stations do not pay that much for content. However, its a step in the right direction chasara kunyatsovhura mawaves to competitive stations.
If I’m correct no new tv coverage has been made since the 80s? Pathetic.
Its been 10+ years since i owned a TV. What have i missed?
Ive been using it for months now…its great
What is the name of the space satellite for satellite dish configuration and setting?
Eutelsat 7b direction, north west… Same as position of Azam or kwese
Is kwese still working ?
More work shld be put on content creation and diversity rather than the recycled repeats and kusport the channels are very lacking
when you buy one of these sh!tty decoders, dont forget to pay your tv license too !!!
Yeah the moment you get one of these expect endless letters of demand to pay your TV licence otherwise it will be attached to your property.
They will use this to force people to pay for dull content.
So can I access all those channels without th decoder with an antenna only?
It ain’t possible you will need the decoder to do so
Thank you R Pker
Where can i purchase one?
From Techzim, as they have written in this very article.
I am sure they should be able to deliver to your address and you pay when they deliver, as they do with cellphones, however, you have to check with them on the decoder purchase. It will save you from hunting for where they may be available including travel and parking expenses if they are doing the cash on delivery.
Thank you DK
Yes we are doing cash on delivery and we still have delivery even when you pay through electronic forms of payment even when you pay in ZiG.
Best experience for buying this is via WhatsApp: https://wa.me/263717684274?text=decoder1
i will wait until wicknell starts dishing them out for free ….
This is too much ,wiki will never do that
Hahaha!
he will dish out for free to those who don’t need them
The only free things in life are sunshine and oxygen! For the decoder, you need to earn it. The man does not give anything for free, he gives to those who have done something to have certain qualities to qualify.
Can the USB port play video files – tiowne remote yacho, itai Youtube review zve.
How do I get my decorder- I need one
Asi hauna kuverenga article kusvika kwainoperera. Number dzakaiswa wani kwekupedzisira
https://wa.me/263717684274?text=decoder1
Out of topic
I was reading an article online about meta’a Ai and how only 13 countries at the moment have access to it and us zimboz are part of the lucky 13, now why didn’t you techzim tell us that
We didn’t know 😕
Does setting up require a technician?
Funny I heard this again today
https://www.techzim.co.zw/2019/04/zim-courts-undergoing-digital-migration/
Vanhu ve Techzim matanga futi ne nyaya yenyu yekutishaisa news, today marks 7 days since you posted your last article.
It’s exactly what l was about to say,it’s now 7 days/1 week since an article was posted.Maybe ideas of wht to write are becoming scarce.
Ngavatigadzirire havo website ye Pindula tiverenge hedu news dze politics ne dzana Madungwe
Tikutadza kuita set up using the aerial, Tiitirewo video.
Enjoy good
Is there need for decoder if have a Tv Wich is a digital tv (DTV)
More work shld be put on content creation and diversity rather than the recycled repeats and kusport the channels are very lacking
I agree with this merge fruit point of view.