DSTV SD PVR blackmail

Glock26

Glock26

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Dear Valued Customer

MultiChoice is constantly evolving its DStv offerings by introducing new channels and services to enhance your viewing experience. We've just introduced our Connected Services for the DStv Explora. Now you can link this PVR to the internet by using an Ethernet cable or our WiFi Connector. The DStv Explora will then give you access to Catch Up Plus, with up to 300 hours of additional viewing you can download straight to your decoder.

When your SD PVR decoder was first launched, we had a handful of channels on DStv - there are now over 100. Your older decoder has reached a stage where it won't be able to cope much longer with the growing number of services and \ may experience missing channels, an incomplete TV guide or even freeze-ups.

We can't repair your SD PVR decoder, as the parts are no longer available. This decoder can't cope with the growing number of DStv services on offer, even though it was able to many years ago when you bought it. We will also not be able to continue to support the software on this decoder.

Additionally, we're launching a new satellite at the beginning of 2017. This will position our channels on low and high band frequencies and unfortunately, the SD PVR decoder can only get low band frequencies. This means you'll lose out on any channels or services made available on high band.

We don't want you to worry - while your decoder is still working, you can keep using it to access the DStv service. It's only when your decoder stops working that you'll need to take action. We want to let you know in advance, so you can do the necessary planning.

Even if your decoder's still working, it's a very good idea to plan its replacement in the near future (Christmas is around the corner!). Of course you can choose not to take action and only replace your decoder when it stops working.

You can bring in your decoder (with the smartcard) in working or non-working condition to one of our MultiChoice Walk-in Centres. (Find one near you: MultiChoice Walk-in Centres). We'll offer you a brand new decoder at a reduced price, provided the old decoder is linked to an active DStv subscription. We're offering the DStv Explora (our flagship PVR decoder) at R1 699 - a saving of R300 - or the DStv HD Decoder (our flagship single view decoder) at R449 - a saving of R50.

To get two independent viewing environments, you'll need to link two decoders together through XtraView. You can either link two DStv Exploras, two DStv HD Decoders or a DStv Explora with a DStv HD decoder. You could also use a splitter to get a third, non-independent viewing environment.

As you have decoder insurance, if you suffer specific damage to the device, we'll replace it with a new DStv Explora (at no extra cost, as per the conditions of the insurance). If you suffer total loss of the device, we'll replace it with a new DStv Explora (at no extra cost, as per the conditions of the insurance).

Please note that when you replace your decoder, you might need to update your installation so you can receive HD channels. Please check our minimum Installation Requirements on DStv.com. (you can do that here: Installation Requirements). We'll cover the cost of your first call-out (labour only).

If you have any questions about your decoder, you can visit DStv.com for more information (DStv Decoder Lifecycle). You can also connect with us on one of our customer touch points such as the DStv Forum, our DStv Twitter or Facebook accounts, or visit one of our MultiChoice Walk-in Centres.

Thank you for your loyal support of DStv. We look forward to bringing the best entertainment right to your living room.

The MultiChoice team
Click to expand...
Yeah. Umm...err...
Get stuffed.
Wow...I can give you the best PVR decoder, and you will give me a whole R300 off an Explorer that gives me one less channel I can watch at the same time?
Gee...you think?
And if I want to get what I had...2 channels at the same time, you are telling me I need to buy 2 new decoders, as I cannot even count on linking my SD PVR with the Explorer because you are going to make it unworkable asap?

I have a care contract. that means that if my SD PVR stops working, you replace it with one that works. Don't give me vague threats about me needing to start thinking of spending R1700. Not going to happen.
You take these decoders that were the best we would get way back when, and you do a straight trade for an Explorer. Then we can talk.
Until then, get bent.

G26
 
Got the same email. Had the same reaction.
They can take their explora and stick it where the sun don't shine.
 
:erm: Yes, we will use this 10 year old electronic product for the rest of our time on this planet. F you progress!!

The move to high band is necessary. They need the capacity. It means almost every installation out there needs an upgrade. At least they are giving you a 2 year heads-up...
 
When they let me have 3 independent viewing environments, that's when I'll make the change, until then they can GTFO, its the only reason I still have my "beloved" SD PVR
 
Just saying Netflix doesn't require any decoder upgrades ..
 
E-mail fairly pathetic attempt to inform it's valued customers. To keep keep three independant viewing environments in future, your monthly subscription will double. Thanks for the improvements.
 
Quantum Theory said:
:erm: Yes, we will use this 10 year old electronic product for the rest of our time on this planet. F you progress!!

The move to high band is necessary. They need the capacity. It means almost every installation out there needs an upgrade. At least they are giving you a 2 year heads-up...
Click to expand...
No, they are not giving 2 years heads-up, because they are already making the current SD PVR unstable with software "updates" that force repeated reboots that take forever, and the decoder crashes regularly. They are deliberately making it unstable to force people to downgrade (They call it an upgrade)
And it is not simply because the SD PVR cannot handle some of the features. Experts have already proven a lot of the features can be enabled, but MC just won't. See the DSTV forums for proof.
They know they should have released a HD PVR with 2 simultaneous channels, but just wouldn't do it. That way, when they do...those with an Explorer will be facing what we are now and will have to upgrade.
Of course 2 decoders in tandem also means 2 care contracts = $$$.
And of course, all of this coupled with more and more repeats of old series to the point that I am sure there is less than 10% new and decent content.
But you can always move an old show to a different channel, and call it a series channel premier :mad:

G26
 
Glock26 said:
No, they are not giving 2 years heads-up, because they are already making the current SD PVR unstable with software "updates" that force repeated reboots that take forever, and the decoder crashes regularly. They are deliberately making it unstable to force people to downgrade (They call it an upgrade)
And it is not simply because the SD PVR cannot handle some of the features. Experts have already proven a lot of the features can be enabled, but MC just won't. See the DSTV forums for proof.
They know they should have released a HD PVR with 2 simultaneous channels, but just wouldn't do it. That way, when they do...those with an Explorer will be facing what we are now and will have to upgrade.
Of course 2 decoders in tandem also means 2 care contracts = $$$.
And of course, all of this coupled with more and more repeats of old series to the point that I am sure there is less than 10% new and decent content.
But you can always move an old show to a different channel, and call it a series channel premier :mad:

G26
Click to expand...

No other market in the world has a dual view decoder. It was pretty unique to SA. It was a great idea, when SD and RF was still acceptable. XtraView has many advantages and when they start running MoCA, it will really be awesome. I believe a 3rd viewing environment is still on the cards.

Forget about dual view. Not gonna happen and nobody is listening...
 
Segg said:
When they let me have 3 independent viewing environments, that's when I'll make the change, until then they can GTFO, its the only reason I still have my "beloved" SD PVR
Click to expand...
Or until your sdpvr goes faulty.
 
We need to all stand together. All SD pvr owners have to demand that the decoder is not worth a R300 trade in or discount. Like what OUTA did for etoll haters, someone has to oppose dstv.

Or we all cancel on the same day quoting the same reason for cancelling...

Btw, how many SD pvr's were made in total?
Insurance companies gonna be hearing some strange stories...
 
Screw DSTV. Only got the SD PVR for its dual tuner functionality.
Im sure they will stuff up the decoder deliberately with those updates!
 
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