DSTV Decoder: Exchange or replace

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iceblue

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Ours DSD1110 decoder called it quits. Was told we can exchange it for R375 (I think) and will get a 3 month warranty on the exchange unit. A new decoder is R499 (but nobody seems to have stock as they all have it with the dish and installation for R599).

So how reliable are the exchange units? And would the exchange unit be the new smaller (and uglier) decoder or the same as our current one?

Or should I just get a new decoder instead?
 
When ours gave I decided it was better to get a new decoder with the 1 year warranty. If you go to Multichoice directly, you should be able to get a new decoder.
 
If you can stay with a 1110, do so. The 1130 is a piece'o'shyte and doesn't have SPDIF out.
 
The problem with our one seems to be software related. It goes into an infinite loop when it starts up. No picture or sound comes up just the decoder display showing something like DL -> 8118 -> 01 -> DL -> 02 -> - DL -> 8118. I've tried all methods of clearing the flash but it doesn't solve the problem. I wish it was power related though because then I would've just fixed it myself.

I dont mind doing the swap if i'm getting a brand new unit but it sounds like they swap for refurbed units. Then I may as well pay the extra R125 and get the full 1 year guarantee.

@Icbxx: Why do you say the 1130 is rubbish? Apart from the SPDIF, what other problems or shortcomings does it have? ANyone else have issues with it?
 
iceblue said:
The problem with our one seems to be software related. It goes into an infinite loop when it starts up. No picture or sound comes up just the decoder display showing something like DL -> 8118 -> 01 -> DL -> 02 -> - DL -> 8118. I've tried all methods of clearing the flash but it doesn't solve the problem. I wish it was power related though because then I would've just fixed it myself.

I dont mind doing the swap if i'm getting a brand new unit but it sounds like they swap for refurbed units. Then I may as well pay the extra R125 and get the full 1 year guarantee.

@Icbxx: Why do you say the 1130 is rubbish? Apart from the SPDIF, what other problems or shortcomings does it have? ANyone else have issues with it?
Click to expand...

no spdif, it doesnt look nice and no on screen display (on the unit) other then that its fine
 
These decoders seem to be made to break. We've replaced 2 already and the 3rd is showing a fault with the one of the LED's on the front going dark. I've never seen that before - the components must be really cheap.
 
Swap out will be R342, they keep refurbished units for swap outs so you will get a 1110 unless they are out of stock
As others have mentioned the 1110 has features the 1131 doesn't, so stick to it if you can
 
Lounger said:
These decoders seem to be made to break. We've replaced 2 already and the 3rd is showing a fault with the one of the LED's on the front going dark. I've never seen that before - the components must be really cheap.
Click to expand...
India tata.
 
I would question the 3 moth guarantee as well as the lack of option to repair the device (the swap out is not a repair they are selling you a second-hand device). I'm pretty sure that in terms of the new consumer act there is mandatory 6 month (or is it 12 month) warranty period. I did read the act recently but now I can't remember; perhaps someone knows?

Here's the thing; this is not a repair. They are selling you a new device. Worse, you have to turn in the old device which means they will just sell that one again too - after effecting a R5 repair. You are paying R342 plus a good decoder with one slight problem.

Also, since so many people have the same problem after relatively short periods of time this device can be considered faulty. Surely Multichoice has the responsibility to fix this problem at no or minimal cost to the consumer?

Also, I think there needs to be a fair option for having the repair done at a reasonable cost which Multichoice is not offering. I may be wrong about this though as it may only apply during the first year warranty.
 
GPSJane said:
I would question the 3 moth guarantee as well as the lack of option to repair the device (the swap out is not a repair they are selling you a second-hand device). I'm pretty sure that in terms of the new consumer act there is mandatory 6 month (or is it 12 month) warranty period. I did read the act recently but now I can't remember; perhaps someone knows?

Here's the thing; this is not a repair. They are selling you a new device. Worse, you have to turn in the old device which means they will just sell that one again too - after effecting a R5 repair. You are paying R342 plus a good decoder with one slight problem.

Also, since so many people have the same problem after relatively short periods of time this device can be considered faulty. Surely Multichoice has the responsibility to fix this problem at no or minimal cost to the consumer?

Also, I think there needs to be a fair option for having the repair done at a reasonable cost which Multichoice is not offering. I may be wrong about this though as it may only apply during the first year warranty.
Click to expand...

I agree with you 100% but the problem is if you take anything anywhere to have it repaired you are looking at at least R300 just for them to open it up and have a look (I'm not just talking about decoders). But yes as you say, you are actually paying with your decoder as well. In my case it would have cost them less than R1 to repair, making them 34200% profit! But hey, everyone wants a piece of the pie.

ijacobs3 said:
hi iceblue,

this is a power supply issue
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes it was one of the smoothing capacitors on the power supply board which were blown. Replaced it for R1 and its working again. :)
 
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