LNB required for Explora

[aktor]

So Springbok rugby season is looming closer, and my current HD PVR (2P) decoder is fubar. At the moment I'm using a single LNB with a splitter and it works fine. I understand that I need to have a different LNB to use the Explora, however.

Now comes the question. I've been doing some reading - both on here and on the DStv site. Lots of conflicting information - DStv seems to insist that we use either a DStv LNB or a Quad-LNB for the Explora.. is this true? Or will a Twin LNB work just as well?

What would the difference be between a Twin LNB and a Quad LNB? In terms of the Explora, I mean.

NOTE: I don't have xtra-view - just the one TV in the lounge.

 

[MickeyD]

You will need at least a dual LNB for the Explora.

However, seeing that you need to buy it anyway, rather be futureproof and install a quad LNB.

 

[Hectic]

I moved from a SD PVR to the Explore.
I'm using a Twin LNB and the decoder works fine.

However, I also use a splitter and the channel on the other TV's are very snowy.
Not sure if I did the setup wrong, but a camera also runs through the splitter and that signal is perfect on all the other TV's, so I think the setup is fine.

The twin LNB definitely works fine for a single TV setup.

 

[aktor]

You will need at least a dual LNB for the Explora.

However, seeing that you need to buy it anyway, rather be futureproof and install a quad LNB.

Big price difference for a just-in-case though, isnt it?

 

[MickeyD]

Big price difference for a just-in-case though, isnt it?

Our resident experts can correct me, but it will be necessary in the near future if you want to use a second HD-PVR or HD decoder for Extraview.

 

[aktor]

Ahh you mean for Xtraview future-proofing? Probably yes - luckily my bachelor pad is so small that you can almost see the TV from anywhere, so no Xtraview plans for me - not at this premises, anyway

Btw I just stumbled upon the Explora installation videos that DStv loaded on YouTube.. they just mentioned that if you have a quad-LNB, you only connect 2 of the 4 cables to the DStv switch. So twin-LNB it is for a single TV, it seems.

 

[MickeyD]

So twin-LNB it is for a single TV, it seems.

Yep, that will suffice!

 

[aktor]

Great, thanks for the info Just curious how it works though - apparently the Explora has 3 tuners, but only 2 LNB inputs?

 

[Johnatan56]

Our resident experts can correct me, but it will be necessary in the near future if you want to use a second HD-PVR or HD decoder for Extraview.

It was something to do with the second satellite that is coming into effect soon. You will have to have Quad.
(Date was 2017+)

 

[MickeyD]

It was something to do with the second satellite that is coming into effect soon. You will have to have Quad.
(Date was 2017+)

Yep, and geeky talk about using the horizontal and vertical polarised signals, etc.

 

[aktor]

It was something to do with the second satellite that is coming into effect soon. You will have to have Quad.
(Date was 2017+)

Yeah, I read that it's going to use a higher frequency on the band.
Quad required for xtra or single view?

 

[D.B.Cooper]

Actually, if you really want to future-proof you'd want to get a Smart LNB. It uses a single unicable. Have a look here:

http://www.spacetv.co.za/pages/our-products/dstvlnb-4776.php

This is a better option than quad since you only have one cable and can plug it directly into the Explora instead of going through a switch first. Similar to a SATCR LNB.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Ahh you mean for Xtraview future-proofing?

Even for Explora only, quad LNB will be needed in 1.5 years...

 

[Spies69]

I recently upgraded from a 60cm dish with dual LNB (old hardware) to a 90cm dish and Quad LNB.
(Some of my HD channels stuttered and there was problems with recording in HD)

As far as I'm aware the minimum requirement for the explora is the 90cm dish (which I believe was my previous system's drawback) and a dual LNB. (on my quad LNB 2 of the lines aren't currently being used since DSTV isn't broadcasting on them)

I opted for the quad LNB because the difference in price was minimal and I didn't want to get the installers out again soon.

 

[aktor]

Ah I see. Thanks - will look into getting the quad.

 

[aktor]

Quick question - SatCR will work as well and will also be futureproof, right? Unicable going into the Explora input.

Phoned my local accredited installer and they mentioned the SatCR would be a better option, and would also require less cabling (cables have to go through wood paneling in the lounge so always a fan of less cabling).

EDIT: Again, not planning on xtraview, just the one TV.

 

[Nick333]

Here's my feeling on future proofing with a quad: a lot can happen in two years. Twins are relatively cheap and quads are still relatively expensive. LNBs have a pretty good lifespan but if you buy one now you can write off two years of actual use. Factor in rolling blackouts for the foreseeable future and your chances of replacing something expensive you don't have a need for are that much better/worse.

I'd get the twin now and wait till the quad is a necessity. They will almost certainly be a lot cheaper by then.

 

[Nick333]

Quick question - SatCR will work as well and will also be futureproof, right? Unicable going into the Explora input.

Phoned my local accredited installer and they mentioned the SatCR would be a better option, and would also require less cabling (cables have to go through wood paneling in the lounge so always a fan of less cabling).

EDIT: Again, not planning on xtraview, just the one TV.

From the Xtraview perspective SatCR with twin legacy ports is redundant because the two tuner PVRs are off the market. So unless you're planning on getting a secondhand PVR as an Xtraview or a standard HD decoder the SatCR is pretty limiting.

If you have a ceiling the Explora multiswitch can go in the roof and the two or four cables only need to go as far as that. Single cable from the ceiling to the decoder.

 

[aktor]

From the Xtraview perspective SatCR with twin legacy ports is redundant because the two tuner PVRs are off the market. So unless you're planning on getting a secondhand PVR as an Xtraview or a standard HD decoder the SatCR is pretty limiting.

If you have a ceiling the Explora multiswitch can go in the roof and the two or four cables only need to go as far as that. Single cable from the ceiling to the decoder.

But I don't want xtraview

 

[Nick333]

But I don't want xtraview

Well that's fine but, if you read the rest of my post/s you should be able to deduce that a SatCR is an unnecessary expense unless you don't have any ceiling space to put the Xplora multiswitch in.