Types of DSTV Decoders and their Prices

DSTV decoders come in a wide range of types. Surprisingly, most people still have the old, 1131 or 1132 decoders. If you are one of these people, then it’s probably high time you considered upgrading to a newer version. But why upgrade your DSTV decoder? Well, the major reason for upgrading your DSTV decoder is the fact that Multichoice stops supporting decoders as newer models are released.

At the moment, the latest decoders from DSTV are the Explora 3 and the Single View HD Decoders. If you come across any decoders other than these ones, don’t buy even if they are being offered cheap. Older models, such as the HD PVR 4 Tuner (UEC) and the SD PVR, have become obsolete and are no longer supported. Meanwhile, other decoders, such as the HD PVR 4 Tuner (Pace) can still be repaired, but it’s probably just better to get the Explora.

Table Showing DSTV Decoders Types and Prices

Decoder Type	Price South Africa	Price Zimbabwe

Check out the DSTV decoders lifecycle page to understand what I am talking about here. Note that you can still buy the DSTV Explora or the DSTV Explora 2. However, if given the option, go for the latest model DSTV Explora 3. So, what types of DSTV decoders are available out there? The table below shows the different types of DSTVs decoders and their prices in South Africa and Zimbabwe;

The DSTV Explora

The DSTV Explora 3 is currently the signature decoder for DSTV. Turn on any channel on DSTV for any given amount of time, and chances are high that you will stumble upon an advert for the Explora. The DSTV Explora comes with the following features;

• Crystal clear HD.
• Record one channel while watching another.
• The ability to pause live television up to 2 hours.
• The ability to record up to 110hrs of television.
• You can record series.
• DSTV Explora decoders can be connected to the internet. This gives you the ability to remotely schedule recordings.
• You can rewind, fast forward and slow-mo live television.
• Connect up to 3 extra decoders under one subscription using XtraView.

How much does the DSTV Explora cost?

The recommended price for the DSTV explora decoder is R999 without installation and R1699 with installation. You also need to pay an extra R90 per month for full use. This gives you the ability to connect another decoder to the Explora to get XtraView. 

Single View HD

The Single View HD decoder from DSTV is destined to replace Single View SD decoders in most homes. It is the most affordable of the HD decoders that you will be able to get from Multichoice. The Single View HD decoder comes with the following features;

• The ability to watch HD channels
• Ease of use
• An 8 day TV guide
• Parental Control
• Great search options
• Reminders for your favorite shows
• You can setup your channels
• The Single View HD can be linked to another decoder (via XtraView), to enable you to watch two different channels in your home at once.

How much does the Single View HD decoder cost?

The HD PVR Decoder from DSTV costs R399 without installation and R599 with installation. Those that wish to use the decoder’s XtraVeiw capabilities will have to pay an extra R85 per month. HD channels on the decoder are also only available on select packages.

The HD PVR Decoder

The ability to pause, rewind and slow down live television appears to be the raging thing in Satellite Television at the moment, and DSTV provides for these demands through the HD PVR decoder. The HD PVR decoder comes with either 2 tuners or 4 tuners. DSTV, however, no longer provides support for the HD PVR 4 tuner decoder. What this means is that should it breakdown, it will no longer be repaired by Multichoice. HD PVR decoders come with the following features;

• You can record up to 50 hours of HD TV and up to 150hrs of Standard definition TV
• Simultaneous recording and viewing of TV channels.
• Rewind live TV
• Fast forward TV
• View TV in slow motion
• Xtra View capabilities

Single View SD Decoders

This is probably the most popular DSTV decoder that can be found out there. The popularity probably has to do with the fact that Single View SD Decoders are the least expensive DSTV decoders. Many homes out there still have 1131 and 1110 decoders. You are good, as long as these decoders remain in good working order. What’s more, Multichoice still repairs them should they break down.

However, considering the advances that are being made in television, you will be doing yourself a disservice should you opt for this decoder. The entire world is moving to HD, and there is really no reason for you to remain stuck in Standard definition. You are better off, when buying a Single View DSTV Decoder, opting for the Single View HD.

SD PVR

The SD PVR decoder allows you to record Standard definition television. However, Multichoice no longer offers support for this decoder, so you are better off not buying one. There is also the fact that the SD PVR, for all it’s recording functionalities, allows you to only view standard definition television, which, as mentioned above, is not something that you should opt for in this day and age.

DSTV Decoder Price at PEP

The following are the current DSTV Decoder Prices at PEP;

Decoder Type	Price
DSTV Explora 3 Decoder	R999.00
DSTV HD Decoder	R449.00

As you can see, PEP charges the recommended prices for DSTV decoders. DSTV recommends that the retail price for the Explora 3 decoder be put at R999.00. For the Single View HD, DSTV recommends a retail prices of R449.00. These are the price that are charged by PEP.

So, which DSTV Decoder should I go for?

In this post, we gave you the types of DSTV decoders and their prices. If you are looking to record, rewind, and slow-mo live television, then the DSTV Explora should be what you should go for. However, if you are on a budget, then you should go for the Single View HD decoder. All things considered, there is really no need for you to buy a Standard Definition DSTV decoder. Even the SD PVR has come to the end of its tether, and you should steer clear of it.

If you are in Zimbabwe, an easy way to continue watching DSTV is to have friends and family in South Africa make the payments on your behalf. Also feel free to check out our article on how you can reset your DSTV decoder. Feel free to leave a comment in the section below if you would like to contribute to this article.