R499 DStv HD decoder unveiled

[Kevin Lancaster]

New DStv HD decoder for R499

MultiChoice has unveiled a new low-cost, high definition decoder

 

[ToxicBunny]

That is a step in the right direction.. and not a bad price really...

 

[elvis_presley]

DSTV getting its ducks in a row for when the DTT competition launches. I like it when even the threat of competition makes the big boys do consumer friendly things.

 

[Rickster]

They would rather waste money making this junk when they could be making a Dual view HD PVR (something that we actually want).

 

[tsume]

Explains why they made all HD version of channels available to all bouquets.

 

[tsume]

They would rather waste money making this junk when they could be making a Dual view HD PVR (something that we actually want).

The software for dual view decoders is difficult to create and maintain, thats why DStv abandoned dual view decoders and went for the Xtra-view model.

 

[elvis_presley]

They would rather waste money making this junk when they could be making a Dual view HD PVR (something that we actually want).

I disagree - I think an entry level HD decoder is absolutely necessary for their device lineup. I'm surprised they didn't do it sooner.

 

[Fox1]

Cheap decoder, stiffer price increase next year.

 

[cueball]

Does this mean that someone with a plain old decoder, single-LNB installation need only replace their decoder if they already have an HDTV? Add an HDMI cable I assume? Is it a plug-and-play change?

 

[akescpt]

Explains why they made all HD version of channels available to all bouquets.

has people got access already?

 

[Rickster]

The software for dual view decoders is difficult to create and maintain

Non-sense, we still have our Dual View SD PVR which has never been updated in the recent years (because its on the latest version) and there has been 0 problems with it.

 

[Baba Vakai]

Was due for upgrade on my standard decoder (7 years old), so I might as well go for HD @ R499

 

[akescpt]

will these new decoders need 1 or two inputs like the HD PVR?

 

[Fox1]

has people got access already?

Yes.

 

[Kano]

At the moment there's no need to upgrade for those on packages lower than Compact.

 

[cozinsky]

I have the DSTV Explora (with HD) in the living room and the normal DSTV decoder with Xtraview in the bedroom. Can I just swap out my normal DSTV decoder with this one and enjoy HD quality in the bedroom?

 

[qwertydudeza]

I have the DSTV Explora (with HD) in the living room and the normal DSTV decoder with Xtraview in the bedroom. Can I just swap out my normal DSTV decoder with this one and enjoy HD quality in the bedroom?

Yes, just break the Xtraview first before disconnecting the old one

 

[qwertydudeza]

Does this mean that someone with a plain old decoder, single-LNB installation need only replace their decoder if they already have an HDTV? Add an HDMI cable I assume? Is it a plug-and-play change?

Yes, plug and play.

 

[siraman]

Besides the costs implication(hardware side) is there a reason from a technological point of view they couldn't implement PVR functionality on this single-view HD decoder,or perhaps launch two versions(pvr and non-pvr)?Just curious.

 

[cueball]

Yes, plug and play.

Oh, and would the existing smartcard be placed into the new decoder? Or does it come with a card and one would have to speak to the call centre for them to do some stuff?