What is a DSTV Decoder?
Enjoy world-class entertainment with your HD Single View Decoder.
The DStv HD Single View Decoder (DStv HD Decoder) is HD capable, Dolby Digital 5.1 Capable and comes with a brand new user interface (all the screens and menus you use when watching TV).
Best DSTV Decoders In South Africa
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 that 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 from 1995 to 2005, these include 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, an 8-day program planner, channel search, movie reminders, TV parental control, custom channels setup, a next-2 program viewer, and the 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, an 8-day TV program planner, movie reminders, TV parental control, advanced channel search, widescreen setting, 24-hour program schedule viewer, HD menus, interactive apps, SDH subtitles and XtraView connection for up to 3 decoders.
SD PVR
This decoder was launched in 2005. It is being phased out and will no longer be available, manufactured, or 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 center or agent.
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.
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 with an 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.
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, the 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.
What is the latest DStv decoder in South Africa?
The DStv Explora Ultra – Now with built-in WiFi, Streaming Apps, plus support for 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos.
Introducing the new flagship PVR – The DStv Explora Ultra brings the best of two worlds together by introducing streaming apps to the popular DStv Explora, adding depth to the entertainment offering available.
Do DStv decoders expire?
Your decoder will go through various life cycles, starting with when it’s new and fully capable, to when it’s nearing time for replacement.
Some of our older model decoders have been classified as “end of support” since November 2014. See below the various categories to learn more about the decoder lifecycle.