ALL DSTV DECODERS – COMPLETE REVIEW

This article chronicles all DStv decoders since multiChoice began digital satellite TV operations in Nigeria and Africa. It also contains in pictures and words all DStv decoders – features, specifications, functions, applications  and prices. You are sure to find your own model of DStv decoder in this post and as a result know everything about it. Technically, I had defined what a decoder is in my previous post. Therefore, the essence of this post is to provide a one-stop solution for identifying all DStv decoders you may come in contact with. It will help you to know their features, functions and properties, so as to make you enjoy your DStv decoder better.

This post also highlights the different stages of advancement in satellite TV technology as far as DStv is concerned. Moving from its nearly analog decoder models, DStv has advanced to super-digital High Definition HD and highly interactive satellite TV decoders. Consequently, we now have more satisfying and super quality TV entertainment. Although many DStv decoders have gone into extinction “Legacy decoders“, those receivers are still functional to date.

In summary, you will see in this post all you need to know about all DStv decoder models from MultiChoice – past, present and possible future. They involve features, functions, connection applications, properties etc.

The DStv DSD 910 model is one of the earliest decoder models, which was in use the moment DStv began operations in Nigeria. It is black in color as seen in the picture above and used the external smartcard technology. The smartcard was then transferable from one decoder box to another. However, this unfortunately happened to be one of the flaws in the decoder security technology. A case where stolen smartcards could be inserted into other decoders and it would work was very common. The DStv decoder DSD 910 model was a standard Audio/Visual AV Output signal display technology. Furthermore, it could not be used for DStv Extra-View connection (Xtraview). The DStv decoder model DSD 910 is now a Legacy decoder – no longer in use.

This DStv decoder model as seen in fig 2 above followed the DSD 910 model of the DStv. It is very similar to the DSD 910 in features, functions and applications. This means it can not also be used in the DStv Extraview (Xtraview) setup and also uses the AV Output and RF-Output signal extension. However, the only marked difference between this model and the DSD 910 is in color. The DSD 990 is silvery with a slanted black front panel display. It is important to note that both the DStv DSD 990 and 910 are all Standard Definition SD displays and single view outputs. Similarly, the DStv decoder model DSD 990 has also gone into extinction – out of use or “Legacy”.

 

This is where MultiChoice DStv upgraded the security of their smartcard technology. In this DStv decoder model 1110, a new smartcard security feature came to light. It is the “Silicon protection technology”. By this innovation, it was no longer possible to exchange or change smartcards from one decoder to another. Furthermore, every decoder model henceforth marries a particular smartcard thus, making smartcard stealing useless. The DStv decoder model DSD 1110 appeared sleeker in size, with more robust features such as

• AV Output
• RF/Coaxial Output display technologies
• More importantly, the DStv Extra-View (Xtraview) became possible with the coming of the DSD 1110.

Surprisingly, the DStv decoder model DSD 1110 is still in use till date. DStv decoder model DSD 1110 enjoys automatic DStv software upgrade technology, which is why it is still in use till date.

A new dimension in the satellite TV entertainment technology became reality as DStv introduced the first ever Personal Video Recorder PVR. The new SD PVR decoder launched in Standard Definition SD display format. More so, this DStv decoder model had the ability to display two channels on its TV 1 and TV 2 output ports. This feat was possible based on RF/Coaxial TV signal Output technology. it henceforth became possible that with the DStv decoder SD PVR, one could connect two or more televisions. SD PVR users could  watch two TV programs at the same time. The dual TV connection of the SD PVR DStv decoder model is aided by a device known as the TV-Link or Remote Blaster, which enables one to change channels with the remote control from any location of choice.

The DStv decoder model SD PVR Dual View can record and play back recorded Satellite TV channel programs, at the convenience of the DStv subscriber. Simultaneously, one can b viewing one channel, while recording another channel on the TV 2 platform of the DStv SD PVR decoder model.

ALL DSTV DECODER MODEL – DSD 1131

 

The need for compact size decoders started with the DSD 1131 decoder model. It is ExtraView (Xtraview) compatible and features the AV Output and the RF/Coaxial Output signal display technologies. The smartcard enjoys silicon protection security which ensures a particular smartcard to a particular decoder. Any wrong placement or replacement of smartcard in this decoder model or any other more recent DStv decoder model would result to DStv Smartcard Error Codes. DStv decoder model DSD 1131 is equipped with automatic DStv software upgrade technology, making it fully in use till today. However, aside its ExtraView compatibility, the DStv DSD 1131 is also perfect for all complex TV extension services, which means connecting multiple TVs to one decoder.

DSTV DECODER MODEL – DSD 1132

All features as present in DStv decoder model DSD 1132 are present in the DSD 1132. The only marked difference lies in the color which is black, and sharp edges that appear cubed-like. The remote controls for DSD 1110, 1131, 1132 and even DSD 990 are one and the same. Their remote controllers control one another, even the GOtv decoder is controlled by these remote controls.

DSTV DECODER MODEL – HD PVR

 

High Definition display technology in satellite TV systems changed the whole perception about the future of TV entertainment. The High Definition Personal Video Recorder HD PVR decoder came in three different models – 1-Tuner HD PVR, 2-Tuner HD PVR and the latest more compact full HD PVR (3-Tuner). With the DStv HD PVR, one can record, rewind, fast-forward, store, download movies to watch. Newer features like the Video-On-Demand, personalization of functions, ExtraView and TV extension, HDMI output display, Ethernet for Internet connectivity etc are some of the features you find on the DStv HD PVR.

 

DSTV DECODERS – EXPLORA MODEL

 

All the features of the DStv HD PVR are advanced in the DStv Explora. With additional features like the Box Office, Video-On-Demand, Explora internet connectivity, bigger storage capability, digital surround sound, etc, the new DStv Explora stands out as the best HD PVR decoder ever produced by MultiChoice DStv. The Explora software user interface is robustly built such that it is programmed for subscriber personification.

 

ALL DSTV DECODERS – HD SINGLE VIEW ZAPPA MODEL

The first ever High Definition HD single view non-PVR decoder. Its software interface is every inch similar to the Explora decoder’s user interface. One striking feature of the HD ZAPPA is the absence of the RF-OUT / RF-IN ports. Here, the HDMI port is markedly pronounced as well as its AV Output features. This HD Zappa decoder is the latest decoder from the stable of MultiChoice DStv and it can be used in an ExtraView as well as TV extension services, by using an AV – RF/Coaxial Converter.

The Zappa HD is amazingly enjoying an internal smartcard non-removable technological features which ensures permanent positioning of the married smartcard.