For the first time in South Africa, television viewers will
be able to watch an international drama series at exactly the same time as
their American counterparts.
M-Net Edge (channel 102 on DStv) will simulcast the new,
much-anticipated Season 5 of HBO’s Game
of Thrones when it launches in the US on April 12 at 21h00.
Last year M-Net introduced ‘Express from the US’ to
fast-track top-notch international series to South African shores within 24
hours. Many of these shows reached local screens an hour after their American
premiere, but now M-Net Edge is taking the time lapse to an unbelievable zero
seconds.
“We have been able to screen awards ceremonies and other
one-off events live, but this is a first for scripted international series. It
is further testament to our commitment to ensuring our audiences get the best
viewing experience possible” says M-Net’s CEO for South Africa, Yolisa Phahle.
“It is important for M-Net to remain at the forefront of the
latest broadcast and technology trends and we’re very proud of this new
turbo-charged ‘Express from the US’. In the fast-paced digital age, our viewers
have become global citizens who want instant access to the best programming.
With simulcasts like these we can bring their favourite shows to them in
high-quality HD. We are delighted that HBO sees us as a partner in their
endeavour to use technology to serve audiences better. Our state of the art
broadcast facility will allow us to screen this fantastic show in real time and
we look forward to similar arrangements in the future.”
Viewers who still prefer a good night’s sleep to being ahead
of the office chatter about new story developments can watch the same episodes
on Thursdays at 21h00, with the first scheduled for April 16. Another option is
to set the PVR or to catch the Game of
Thrones Season V simulcast on the DStv Explora.
Before all the plotting, scheming, lust and revenge in the
mythical kingdom of Westeros resume, M-Net Edge will screen the extraordinary
half-hour Game of Thrones special
titled A Day in the Life. Key people
working on the show share enlightening insights into a single day of filming
across three countries – Croatia, Ireland and Spain. A Day in the Life will air on April 9 at 21h00.
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