DStv subscribers with an Explora personal video recorder (PVR) decoder can now access sister company ShowMax’s video-on-demand service.

ShowMax said on Monday that DStv, which is owned by Naspers subsidiary MultiChoice, has begun rolling out a software update for the Explora that adds ShowMax to the decoder.

Naspers launched ShowMax last August.

The Explora needs to be Internet-connected in order for DStv subscribers to be able to access ShowMax.

Over the past four months, ShowMax has added a range of new viewing options. They include an app for the latest generation Apple TV as well as AirPlay and Chromecast support for streaming video direct from mobile devices to big-screen TVs.

“In South Africa, interest in Internet TV is entering a new phase,” said ShowMax chief product officer Barron Ernst in a statement.

“In addition to early adopters, we’re now seeing a more mainstream customer base wanting to try the service out. For Explora owners this is a risk-free proposition — binge entire box sets from the very beginning without having to buy any new equipment.”

ShowMax will be added to all active DStv Exploras in South Africa in a phased roll-out.

A ShowMax subscription is needed to access the service. Customers paying for DStv via debit order will be able to pay for ShowMax directly through their DStv account.

“We’re already busy on the next phase which is developing apps for additional streaming media devices as well as gaming consoles,” said Ernst.

Mark Rayner, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, explained that DStv subscribers have asked for previous seasons of shows that are currently on DStv.

“Adding ShowMax to the DStv Explora puts the entire history of the best TV shows in one place for you to watch from the very beginning — you see the latest season on DStv, and can binge on previous seasons on ShowMax,” Rayner said.