DStv Explora: old vs new compared

Does it have built-in WiFi?

4 disabled USB ports, now 2 disabled USB ports - how can that be an upgrade?
 
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Why is the new model worse than the old model? DSTV really think their consumers must be stupid. The only real upgrade I see is that the new one is smaller in size...
 
system32 said:
Does it have built-in WiFi?

4 disabled USB ports, now 2 disabled USB ports - how can that be an upgrade?
Click to expand...

No built-in Wi-Fi, a point that has been raised in other threads.
Cut back in USB ports -- space. If you make a box physically smaller, then something has to give.

The upgrade is in other things which for some reason MC have chosen not to provide much info on. But then this is the way they have done things for a few years now. The last time proper technical info was provided was when one could go to the UEC site and get the full technical spec on a new decoder. But now ?? we have to wait until someone technical gets one, and then see what the manual sez and maybe resort to opening the decoder up to get to the real detail.


klipdrifter said:
Why is the new model worse than the old model? DSTV really think their consumers must be stupid. The only real upgrade I see is that the new one is smaller in size...
Click to expand...

The undocumented (yet) "improvements" are:

(1) More access to userbands and frequencies required for installing 3 such devices in one installation.
(2) Easier installation of decoders using MCs XV facilities, basically simplifying the cabling required
(3) Use of HEVC (DVB-S2X, H.265) coding which will allow for UHD reception ( if that ever happens over SA).
(4) Changes to the way in which data is stored on the HDD -- allowing MC to cut the size of the HDD installed in the decoders -- yes a good question whether this is an improvement or not.
(5) A new universal remote

So if the above grabs you, go and get the new decoder, if not, stick with the existing Explora.
 
Jan said:
DStv Explora decoder: old vs new

This is how the new DStv Explora decoder compares against the old one.
Click to expand...

It would be great to know whether an upgrade of existing LNB to Smart LNB is required with this new decoder, or whether people such as myself who have a dual LNB will be able to hot swap an older dual view PVR with this new Explora?

That is the only reason I refuse to buy an Explora - to get a TV guy out to change LNB and install an Explora is more than the R1499 Explora RRP
 
FlashSA said:
It would be great to know whether an upgrade of existing LNB to Smart LNB is required with this new decoder, or whether people such as myself who have a dual LNB will be able to hot swap an older dual view PVR with this new Explora?

That is the only reason I refuse to buy an Explora - to get a TV guy out to change LNB and install an Explora is more than the R1499 Explora RRP
Click to expand...


No this new decoder still requires either:

(1) A SLNB - the solution being pushed by MC
(2) A Unicable LNB
(3) A Quad or quattro LNB together with a 24-1Z MS


For a limited time, you could use a dual LNB with an Explora switch version 5-2, or, get a 24-1Z MS and use that.

BUT look at the pricing of the SLNB and that for a 24-1Z MS and the answer is clear -- get the SLNB.

Any committed DIY'r with lots of patience and a camping satfinder can install an SLNB himself.




Longer term there is no way out for those with dual LNB installations.
 
im not even sure why i keep looking at the Sky Q box

xxl_Sky Q Silver - with remote - on white-1200-80.jpg

phpnsor7c.jpg

sports-uhd-menu_3743258.jpg

But i mean, why cant DSTV not get somebody to design a better looking product? Are they all living in back in the 90's?
 
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No built in wifi is a massive fail. I would have liked to use this decorder as my secondary decorder in the bedroom but without wifi it is no-no. I wil just stick to my HD decorder.
 
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