FAQs - Single View HD Decoder

Can I just 'plug and play' the new DStv HD single view decoder into my existing set up where I have an SD single view decoder?

SINGLE VIEW HD (DSTV HD) : INSTALLATION & ACTIVATION

The DStv HD Decoder can be connected to a single, twin, quad or UniCableTM LNB.

Please note: MultiChoice recommends the use of an 80cm dish for all installations.
If making changes to an existing XtraView installation, please DO NOT disconnect the cable that links the two existing decoders until you have phoned MultiChoice and requested that the XtraView link between those two existing decoders is broken.
For all new XtraView installations, we recommend that an 80cm dish is used, as well as a quad LNB to future proof your installation.
Can I just 'plug and play' the new DStv HD single view decoder into my existing set up where I have an SD single view decoder?

It is important to note that the standard definition channels are not very sensitive to the skew of the LNB from your dish. The HD channels are much more sensitive to the skew of the LNB from your dish – should this be slightly out, you will experience problems with your HD reception. Should this happen when you ' plug and play' your new DStv HD Decoder into your existing set up, we suggest that you get an accredited installer out to check the skew of your LNB. 

Alternatively, you can go for the R799 fully installed option where you will then get a new 80cm dish, a new single LNB and an accredited installer to ensure it all works as it should.

Why is the signal strength and quality on my new DStv HD decoder lower than my previous decoder or than what the installer is seeing on his meter?

The signal quality and signal strength on your DStv HD Decoder will read about 15-20% lower than on other single view decoders. This is no cause for concern. 

To ensure the best experience when using your DStv HD Decoder, the signal quality and signal strength levels should be greater than 50%. If lower than 50% you’ll experience quality issues that could spoil your viewing. These range from increased downtime during bad weather, poor quality picture on some channels, or even lack of signal entirely for other channels. 

In this case, we recommend that you get a MultiChoice accredited installer to check your installation and make the necessary adjustments to improve your signal quality.

Connection to the Satellite Dish

This decoder can be connected to a single, twin, quad or UniCable? LNB.

Connect either cable from the satellite dish directly to the LNB input on the back of the decoder.

Connect any one of the four cables from the satellite dish directly to the LNB input on the back of the decoder.

• If you have a HD TV, use the supplied HDMI cable and connect it to the HDMI port (marked 1) on the back of the decoder, then connect the other end to the HDMI port on the TV.
   
  If you have a non-HD TV, use the supplied RCA cables and connect the red, white and yellow inputs to the RCA ports (marked 2) on the back of the decoder, then connect the red, white and yellow inputs to the RCA ports on the TV.

• (Optional) Connect the decoder to your home theatre system using the SPDIF port (marked 3) on the decoder.

• Connect the power supply to the input marked 4 and then plug the other side into the mains.
  Activation
  
  If your installation is done by a DStv Accredited Installer, they will activate your decoder for you with your selected package.
  
  If your installation is not done by a DStv Accredited Installer, please contact your nearest call centre to add this decoder onto your account and to activate it with your selected package. 
  
  You also have the option to take out a Decoder Care Contract for this decoder.