
MultiChoice is constantly trying to give customers the best viewing experience possible. This means that they are launching new channels and services regularly, but these can be demanding your hardware. AlphaTV provides us with the ins and outs of all the current decoders.
DStv decoders go through different life cycles that start with when they are new and fully capable to when it is close to replacement.
The new decoders from DStv are the DStv Explora, which is a HD PVR decoder and the DStv HD decoder is the single view decoder.
Both of these decoders have been made in South Africa and are continuously getting new features.
The new decoders from DStv all come with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. It is always a good idea to get insurance for your decoder as this will cover the mechanical or electrical fault as well as any loss suffered due to fire, theft, explosion or lighting. The insurance will also cover your decoder if it is no longer supported.
There are older decoders that can still be repaired by DStv, but these decoders are no longer being made. These decoders will not get any new features, but they are still able to get all of the channels.
A PVR and single view decoder can be repaired, but you will need to pay a fee. If you do have decoder insurance then you will not need to pay the fee for repair, as this should be included in your insurance cover.
When you bring your decoder in for repair, you will be given a refurbished model as a replacement. The decoder that you bought in will then be sent off for repairs.
DStv also offer a six-month repair guarantee on all refurbished decoders.
You may want to consider upgrading to a new decoder because of the support, guarantee and features in place. However, if this is not an option for you, DStv will still repair HD PVR 2U, HD PVR 2P, HD PVR 4 Tuner, 1131, 1110 and 1132/3U/Zappa decoders.
It is recommended that you take the decoder insurance so that you are able to waiver repair fees and also have your decoder replaced if needs be.