This post highlights all DStv decoder models and helps you to check your DStv decoder status. This implies whether your DStv decoder is still fully supported or unsupported on the MultiChoice DStv platform. Sometimes, DStv decoder malfunction is as a result of using old or unsupported DStv decoder models. In this article too, you will see the decoder models that are due for replacement or decoder swap. Furthermore, you will also see the many problems associated with the different models of DStv decoders and why they occur. DStv calls old and irreplaceable decoders as “Legacy Decoders” or “End-of-Support” decoder models. Therefore, you will see clearly how MultiChoice categorizes all its DStv decoders. This helps you to check your decoder status and know when to exchange your old DStv decoder for new ones as the case may be. Summarily, you can check your DStv decoder status – new, old, supported or phased out., swap models and new models to receive upon trade-in.
From the time you buy a new DStv decoder to when it packs up, MultiChoice calls it the DStv Decoder Life Cycle. At first, your new decoder model is fully supported and receives all channels and features from DStv. However, the decoder begins to act funny by way of not getting some channels or other channels begin to crack or freeze. Although channel cracking or freezing may be due to DStv signal problems, it may also be as a result of decoder malfunction or decoder expiry. Therefore, there is need to know the true DStv decoder status to enable you resolve some of these decoder malfunctions when they occur.
While some DStv decoders are still fully functional and fully supported, some other models are about to phase out while others are no longer supported on the DStv platform. Read down to find out where your decoder belongs. You may still be viewing some channels without knowing that your DStv decoder is no longer supported. Consequently, you are totally disconnected the next time DStv releases a new feature or new channel.
DStv Decoder Categories and Support Status
Here are the various DStv decoder status categories that indicate their current lifecycle;
Status Category 1: New Decoders
The first category is made up of the DStv new decoders: the DStv Explora Ultra and the DStv HD Decoder, which are Single View decoders. Although as time progresses, newer models of decoders will continue to emerge. Therefore, these ones will one day become old and gradually fade away too. However, they are the new decoders of MultiChoice DStv currently in use.
If you are using the decoder models listed below, you are the Boss. Your decoder is fully supported, functional and latest.
- The DStv Explora Ultra
- DStv Explora (Model 3B)
- Single View DStv HD Decoder
Status Category 2: Old but Repairable Decoders
There are older decoder models, still in use and which replacement parts are still available. By having their parts available, MultiChoice is still able to fix them when they get faulty. However, MultiChoice DStv no longer manufacturers such model of decoders. The challenge with these DStv decoder status or category of decoders is that they do not get new features but are still functional. Furthermore, you can still receive all DStv channels.
Decoders in this category include;
- DStv Explora (Model 2A)
- DStv Explora 1
- Model 4U & 4S – DStv HD Decoder
- DStv HD Decoder (Model 5U & 5S)
- Model 6S – DStv HD Decoder
This is the category or DStv decoder status which MultiChoice gives you during decoder swap. This means that when you bring in your faulty decoder, MultiChoice gives you either of the models above as replacement, while they take in yours for repairs. After repairs, you may be asked to come back to collect back your original decoder.
How DStv Decoder Swap or Replacement Works
When you bring your faulty decoder back to MultiChoice, they give you a refurbished model as a replacement. The cable and satellite TV Company sends your faulty DStv decoder to their Johannesburg centre for repairs. This ensures that you keep watching TV as your paid subscription may not be suspended.
MultiChoice grants a six-month repair guarantee on refurbished swap decoders. This is different from the new product guarantee of 12 months which they offer on new decoders like the DStv Explora and DStv HD Decoder.
Decoder Faults that Allow for Exchanges or Swap
It is important to note here that MultiChoice only accepts decoders, which went faulty as a result of no cause of the user. This implies that such problems must be factory originated faults. Such faults include but not limited to DStv Decoder software malfunction, non-functioning of a particular feature or hardware, etc. however, other forms of fault such as electrical or physical damage do not pass for replacement or swap, except if full charges apply. Furthermore, MultiChoice may entertain these forms of later damages only if there is an insurance cover on such decoder. Therefore, it is proper to insure your DStv decoder using the MultiChoice provided insurance policy. This is available in all countries where MultiChoice DStv operates, including DStv Nigeria.
Category 3: Old and Irrepairable Decoders – “End of Support”
MultiChoice calls these DStv decoder statuses “End of support”. Their deficiency lies in not having the processing power and memory to deal with later DStv new services. This means you won’t be able to get some of MultiChoice DStv channels or you will experience freeze-ups or channel cracking.
Furthermore, MultiChoice is not able to service these decoders when they become faulty due to non-availability of parts for repairs. They have also phased out the manufacturing of these decoder models a long time ago.
Although repairs are not possible for this decoder status or category, MultiChoice still provides a Trade-in or swap option. This allows you to submit the old decoder, pay a certain amount and get the current and fully supported DStv decoder model.
What Some DStv Decoder Status Can Offer You
HD PVR 4 Tuner (UEC)
You’ll continue to have access to DStv as long as your decoder is working. You can, however, trade-in your active HD PVR 4 Tuner (UEC) at any of MultiChoice offices or outlets for a DStv Explora.
SD PVR
You can still access DStv for as long as your decoder is working. However, DStv satellite communication with this decoder model is limited. As a result, you won’t be able to receive selected services. MultiChoice uses many satellites in space orbit to transmit DStv signals, including channels and informative interactive features. Some satellites are old while others are still new. The old ones can still transmit channels to the SD PVR and other old decoders. The new satellites simply cannot. The new satellites carry much richer and advanced features to the new decoder models. This is where the SD PVR and other older models lose out. These satellites give MultiChoice the ability and capacity to enhance DStv services by allowing for addition of more content and channels.
Trade-in options available for your active SD PVR
If you are still using the DStv SD PVR decoder and wish to change it to a newer model, here are the different newer decoder models MultiChoice will give you.
Submit your SD PVR and get…
- DStv Explora without installation.
- DStv Explora PLUS installation (with 80cm dish and DStv Smart LNB).
- Explora PLUS HD Single View Decoder PLUS installation (with 80cm dish and DStv Smart LNB)
- DStv Explora PLUS a HD Single View Decoder PLUS installation (with 80cm dish and DStv Smart LNB) PLUS free delivery. The free delivery service may not be available in all countries, but it is in DStv South Africa.
- Explora’s PLUS installation (with 80cm dish and DStv Smart LNB) PLUS free delivery for 24 months.
DStv Dual View
You will keep accessing DStv for as long as your Dual View decoder is still working.
Trade-in Options for the Dual View DStv Decoder Status
Remember that your old decoders must be active to be eligible for trade-in or swap. By being active, I mean that there must be an active paid subscription in your DStv decoder account.
- Replace Dual View with single view HD decoders
- Dual View with DStv Explora
The DStv Dual View decoder was replaced by the cheaper DStv XtraView. This is a setup involving two or three decoders with only a single decoder subscription and a token for the extra decoders viewing.
Single View decoder models: 660, 720, 720i, 910, 933, 990, 1131, 1132
You will keep accessing DStv for as long as your older Single View decoder is still working. You can, however, trade-in your active Single View decoder at any of our service Centres or agencies for a brand new DStv HD Decoder.
NOTE: In all these Trade-in options and swaps, charges for installation come separately. It is the responsibility of the subscriber to discuss with and invite an installer for the new decider installation. However, MultiChoice will expressly inform you so where there is any change in Trade-in policy or terms.
