Types of DStv Decoders and Price List – MultiChoice Hardware
What are the different types of DStv decoders?
DSTV Decoder Explora
A full DSTV installation package includes a decoder, branded satellite dish and ancillaries to help you control/manage your system as well as install or connect add-ons. These include a remote controller, smart LNB and wifi connectors. An LNB down-converter or antenna is required on every satellite dish to receive signals.
A decoder as the name implies decodes digital TV signals from a DBS satellite. It’s also known as a receiver or set-top TV box. It is the rectangular box that comes with your dish and it contains software which can be updated and upgraded on your compatible device. If you intend to change (upgrade or downgrade) your subscription package, the customer is required to contact MultiChoice. This can be done via the DSTV mobile app (Google Play/Apple Store), DSTV self-serve internet portal, running an SMS USSD code on your smartphone or using the WhatsApp Self-Service automated chat number provided by your DSTv national branch.
MultiChoice offers customers 8 groups of decoders that can be installed with your satellite dish.
SD Single View
Produced in 1995 to 2005, these include the SD 1110, 1131 and 1132. Earlier models include the DSD series (Model 660 to 990). It comes with high quality SD (standard definition) image resolution, 8-day programme planner, channel search, movie reminders, TV parental control, custom channels setup, next-2 programme viewer and ability to link to two or three decoders using XtraView.
HD Single View
Launched in August 2014, this decoder offers HD (high definition) television images with a 720x1080i resolution. It features Dolby Digital 5.1 which produces high quality surround sound, 8-day TV programme planner, movie reminders, TV parental control, advanced channel search, widescreen setting, 24 hour programme schedule viewer, HD menus, interactive apps, SDH subtitles and XtraView connection for up to 3 decoders. Proper installation, dish alignment and the right equipment is required to get the best results. A dish minimum size 80cm dish should be used as well as a single-output LNB also known as a single-line LNB. This decoder is also compatible with a MultiChoice Smart LNB, UniCable LNB or the old-fashioned DSTv Switch/2 or 4 LNB combo used in earlier decoder models. The UniCable LNB is a modern LNB down-converter which is manufactured as a single device rather than a separate DSTv Switch and twin/quad LNB. The MultiChoice Smart LNB has 2 universal ports and 4 DSTv Unicable ports. That means you can connect up to 4 dstv decoders, but MultiChoice only allows a maximum of 3 decoders via XtraView frequency settings.
An HDMI cable and HD TV is required to enable HD viewing.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R449, Installed decoder R649.
Additional Fees: XtraView linking to extra decoder R90 per month.
HD Single View Models:
- DStv HD decoder Model 4u
- DStv HD decoder Model 5s
- DStv HD decoder Model 6s (Launched in May 2019, retailing for R399 standalone and R599 including installation)
- DStv HD decoder Model 7s (Zapper)
- DStv HD decoder Model 8s
SD PVR
This decoder was launched in 2005. It is being phased out and will no longer be available, manufactured nor supported for repairs, maintenance, parts replacement and software updates, so if you are thinking of getting this device – Don’t. Get newer models which are supported by MultiChoice. For those still using the SD-PVR, the model still works but its functionality will be limited and you will get performance issues caused by outdated processors and low memory. Upgrade to a newer or refurbished replacement through your insurance policy or trade-in at the MultiChoice service centre or agent. Terms and conditions apply. Read more about qualifying products here >> replacements and repairs. A trade-in is whereby you can purchase a new model or installation package at a discount, ranging from 40% to 53%.
HD PVR (4-Tuner)
This decoder was launched in 2008. HD-PVR is an abbreviation for High Definition Personal Video Recorder. Modern dstv decoders come with an inbuilt digital video recorder, and the HD-PVR is a classic set-top box that can record and save live television on your device, allowing you to watch movies at your own time and settings. Live TV can be paused for later viewing and up to 150 hours of HD television can be recorded. Simultaneous recording of two channels is possible while you are switched on to another live channel that you are currently watching. Programs can be rewinded back to the start or earlier position, set on slow-motion and fast-forwarded. The HD-PVR set-top box comes with a monthly access fee of R150 and XtraView support for 2 decoders.
How many satellite TV programs can you record at once with an HD-PVR decoder?
A 4-tuner hd-pvr set-top box gives more recording options than a 2-tuner. With a 2-tuner, you can simultaneously record one channel while watching another channel or you can record two live channels at the same time. The second option is preferable if you aren’t watching TV i.e. if you are busy with something else or out of home. Just set the decoder to dual-recording and go out, then come back to watch the video playback. Dual tuners were adopted in the satellite/cable tv market as early as 2003.
A 4-tuner allows you to simultaneously record up to 3 channels while watching another channel or you can record up to 4 live channels at the same for later viewing.
Additional Access Fees: HD PVR(4-Tuner) decoder R105 per month.
HD PVR (2-Tuner)
The decoder was launched in May 2012 as a joint development between MultiChoice and Altech UEC (Pty) Ltd retailing for R1,499 and access fee of R65 per month. A 2-tuner hd-pvr set-top box by MultiChoice has noticeable differences as well as similarities with the 4-tuner. Its maximum recording capacity for HD television is 50 hours and that for SD television is 150 hours. Since it has only two tuners, you can simultaneously record one live channel while watching another or you can record two live channels at the same time for later viewing. Live programs can be rewinded and paused for a maximum time of 2 hours. Saved videos can be fast forwarded and set to slow motion. The set-top box comes with an XtraView connection for 2 decoders.
DSTv Explora 1
Known as Explora or Explora 1, this new generation decoder was launched on 15 August 2013. It raises the standards in screen quality, recording capacity and extra features which are not available on other HD-PVR set-top tv boxes. Viewers will enjoy the crystal clear full HD tv, simultaneous recording of live channels while switched on another channel in viewing mode, pausing live TV for 2 hours at most, maximum recording capacity of 220 hours, option to download and save the whole series, XtraView support for 2 or 3 decoders and video playback of downloaded programs – rewind, fast forward, slow motion and replay. Subscribers are required to pay R105 per month for 3 decoders on XtraView in addition to the normal R105 access fee for DSTv Explora which includes XtraView support for a single decoder.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R999, Installed decoder R1,699.
Access Fees: Dstv Explora + XtraView link to one decoder R105 per month.
Additional Fees: XtraView link to two decoders R105 per month.
What’s more exciting about DSTv Explora are the three extras – DSTv Catchup,BoxOffice and Showmax which are available on 4 subscription packages on this decoder (Premium, Compact-Plus, Compact and Family packages).
What is DSTv Catchup?
DSTv Catchup is a video-on-demand service available via internet streaming or satellite tv set-top box. A video-on-demand service (VOD) allows subscribers to access selected content from broadcasters at anytime without following a daily TV programme. That means if your favourite show, movie or series is scheduled to play at 7:00pm on Fridays, you don’t need to wait for Friday to watch your show. You can watch it now or any chosen day by streaming and downloading it to your device via Catchup. However, due to content rights and distribution licenses, not all TV programs are eligible for VOD viewing. You can watch all types of pre-recorded television content on Catchup with the exception of live shows which are only available during or after streaming. Every few hours, MultiChoice adds selected programs on the Catchup bank. Access the collection and play your favourite shows.
Your decoder must have a hard drive in order to download and save Catchup movies. All DSTv decoders with a PVR (personal video recorder) are capable of downloading and storing Catchup movies, so the minimum requirement is the DSTv HD-PVR set-top box which has a maximum storage capacity of 20 hours. All DSTv decoders released after the HD-PVR models have an inbuilt hard drive and video recorder. The DStv Explora has a minimum storage capacity of 175 hours, which makes it perfect for storing a wide range of UHD shows on Catchup. More storage space means more movies, blockbusters, documentaries, series episodes, kids entertainment, sports and other stuff. Up to 25 shows can be stored on your DStv Explora decoder.
Streaming and downloading Catchup shows on your decoder incurs an access fee of R95 a month. This fee only applies to set-top boxes. You can stream and download Catchup shows via the internet. This allows you to download shows to other devices such as your computer or external hard drive if the decoder hard drive is full.
Note that the number of channels and type of shows available on your Catchup disk depends on your subscription package and decoder. Some channels and shows will not be available as they will be limited by your package and disk space.
What is BoxOffice?
BoxOffice is an online movie rental service available to DSTv subscribers with PVR decoders. Renting a movie is easy. First, you need to sign up for an account on the BoxOffice website. After signing up, you can start renting movies via the website or dstv platform on your remote control. To rent movies using DSTv Explora, get your remote control and press the green button. On the TV screen, select your movie and method of payment. New members must pay with their BoxOffice Account funds to get a 100% discount on their first rental. You will get a rental code after payment. Send this code via the BoxOffice online form, SMS or WhatsApp automated chat service number provided by your local MultiChoice branch. As of 2021, the cost of renting a movie was R40. The rental period is 48 hours.
What is Showmax?
Showmax is an online movie streaming service owned by MultiChoice. It allows you to watch movies online as well as download them to your device.You don’t need DSTv in order to use Showmax.Devices that can be connected to the internet such as smart TV, desktop computer, laptop, tablets, smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles (Xbox One, PS4) can be used to access the service, including an internet-enabled dstv decoder such as the Explora.
Subscribers have access to 25,000 shows and movies. There are two subscription plans to choose from – the Standard and Pro plans which start at R39 and R225 p/m respectively. The Standard Plan is available with a 14 day free-trial for new subscribers, which allows you to access movies and test the service without commitments. DSTv runs discounted offers and promotions for Showmax and other selected products on a regular basis. You can save costs on the Standard Plan by purchasing a prepaid bundle at a discount of up to 50% depending on your contract. A quarterly prepaid plan is R79, so that’s R26.30 p/m, which is a saving of 32% every month.
Showmax is charged separately from your DSTv account, but it can also be consolidated with your DSTv bill. Consolidating your Showmax bills with DSTv subscriptions has huge benefits. Showmax Standard is available free of charge to subscribers on the Premium DSTv package who choose to combine their bills. Subscribers on lower packages (Compact-Plus, Compact, Family and Access) will enjoy a 50% discount on Showmax subscriptions upon combining their bills.
DSTv Explora (Model 2A)
Production of this decoder stopped in early 2021 but it’s still functional and available in the market. It was launched in September 2016. Viewers will enjoy the Ultra-HD tv, simultaneous recording of live channels while switched on another channel in viewing mode, pausing live TV for 2 hours at most, maximum recording capacity of 110 hours, option to download and save the whole series, XtraView support for 2 or 3 decoders and video playback of downloaded programs – rewind, fast forward, slow motion and replay. Subscribers are required to pay R105 per month for 3 decoders on XtraView in addition to the normal R105 access fee for DSTv Explora which includes XtraView support for a single decoder. Internet-enabled support for Showmax and DSTv Catchup-Plus.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R999, Installed decoder R1,699.
Access Fees: Dstv Explora + XtraView link to one extra decoder R105 per month.
Additional Fees: XtraView link to two extra decoders R105 per month.
DSTv Explora (Model 3A)
Released in November 2018, viewers will enjoy the Ultra-HD tv, simultaneous recording of live channels while switched on another channel in viewing mode, pausing live TV for 2 hours at most, maximum recording capacity of 110 hours, option to download and save the whole series, XtraView support for 2 or 3 decoders and video playback of downloaded programs – rewind, fast forward, slow motion and replay. Subscribers are required to pay R105 per month for 3 decoders on XtraView in addition to the normal R105 access fee for DSTv Explora which includes XtraView support for a single decoder. Internet-enabled support for Showmax and DSTv Catchup-Plus.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R999, Installed decoder R1,699.
Access Fees: Dstv Explora + XtraView link to one extra decoder R105 per month.
Additional Fees: XtraView link to two extra decoders R105 per month.
DSTv Explora (Model 3B)
Model 3B was released in early 2021 to replace Model 3A. Model 3B looks exactly like its predecessor, but was altered to exclude the mini Smartcard slot. The TV remote control was upgraded from A7 to A8, the 32 user bands as well as the dual USB ports were replaced with TBC (Twin beam connector/antenna).
Viewers will enjoy the Ultra-HD tv, simultaneous recording of live channels while switched on another channel in viewing mode, pausing live TV for 2 hours at most, maximum recording capacity of 110 hours, option to download and save the whole series, XtraView support for 2 or 3 decoders and video playback of downloaded programs – rewind, fast forward, slow motion and replay. Subscribers are required to pay R105 per month for 3 decoders on XtraView in addition to the normal R105 access fee for DSTv Explora which includes XtraView support for a single decoder. Internet-enabled support for Showmax and DSTv Catchup-Plus.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R999, Installed decoder R1,699.
Access Fees: Dstv Explora + XtraView link to one extra decoder R105 per month.
Additional Fees: XtraView link to two extra decoders R105 per month.
DSTv Explora Ultra
Launched in November 2020, this latest decoder has been optimized for app streaming. It comes with built-in wifi, ethernet port, 175+ hours of CatchUp storage, support for HD, HDR, 4K screen displays as well as RCA and Dolby Atmos surround sound. An HDMI cable is required. Like other Exploras, it’s integrated with inhouse DSTv BoxOffice,Showmax, Catchup and XtraView for multi-decoder linking.But what you would love is the latest DStv A9 remote control with an APPS button for linking you to third-party streaming apps which include Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video. The 8-day TV guide and Recommendations on the HOME button allows you to find and explore content on various subscriptions.
Viewers will enjoy the Ultra-HD tv, simultaneous recording of live channels while switched on another channel in viewing mode, pausing live TV for 2 hours at most, maximum recording capacity of 110 hours, option to download and save the whole series, XtraView support for 2 or 3 decoders and video playback of downloaded programs – rewind, fast forward, slow motion and replay. Subscribers are required to pay R105 per month for 3 decoders on XtraView in addition to the normal R105 access fee for DSTv Explora which includes XtraView support for a single decoder. Internet-enabled support for Showmax and DSTv Catchup-Plus.
MultiChoice retail price: Standalone decoder R1,999
Access Fees: Dstv Explora + XtraView link to one extra decoder R105 per month.
Additional Fees: XtraView link to two extra decoders R105 per month.
DSTv Decoder Price Survey 2022 – South Africa Retailers
DSTV Decoder Price List – South Africa Shops 2022
Download Microsoft Word File – DSTV Decoder Price List – South Africa Survey 2022
Download PDF File – DSTV Decoder Price List – South Africa Survey 2022
1 pings
[…] Types of DStv Decoders and Price List – MultiChoice Hardware […]