Setting up DSTV HD - from start to finish

[Ghost29]

My girlfriend's parents have asked me to help them set-up and acquire their HD DSTV set-up. They are currently on a DSTV premium package with 9XX series single-view decoder and a CRT TV. They have a total budget of around R8000.

While I am familiar with computer related purchases, I am not very experienced in the audiovisual arena thus I have a number of questions relating to the matter:

1) They want to view multiple channels and record. I can't seem to find pricing for the 4-tuner HD PVR anywhere online. Is this no longer available? Would they thus have to purchase a 2-tuner HD PVR and an Xtraview-capable single-view decoder? Where are the best places to purchase these or is the pricing pretty standardised across stores?

2) Where are the best places to pick up a decent model of HD TV? Are there any good deals available at the moment? I guess in this price range, 32" is probably the only viable option. Is this large enough for regular family viewing? Should they be aiming to get an LCD/LED/plasma in this size?

3) Is it viable to self-install all these components? Installers seem quite pricey and I am quite tech-savvy, so I was wondering how complex it is to install a system like this without prior experience? Will they need a new dish?

4) Lastly, the subscription they will end up paying. Is this R529 for DSTV premium + R65 for PVR and R65 for Xtraview? One doesn't pay extra for HD channels right?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

[Thestealth]

Hey Ghost

You'll need to troll some of the topics around here to get more answers but here's what I can say:

1. Prices are pretty much the same. Have seen the 4 tuner at Pick n Pay Hyper for R2699.
2. Check out specials at Game and Makro. Alot of the guys here will see a special and ask for an opinion. It helps!
3. Installation can get tricky, considering you'll need to install a big fat LNB. I think a 90cm dish is minimum for the 4 tuner. I speak under correction.
4. They'll pay premium + R65 and that's it.

 

[The_Pumpkin_King]

Makro (I think) has an HDTV + HD PVR special, I saw the ad like a week ago

 

[Carbon_Fibre]

My girlfriend's parents have asked me to help them set-up and acquire their HD DSTV set-up. They are currently on a DSTV premium package with 9XX series single-view decoder and a CRT TV. They have a total budget of around R8000

Kissing A$$. Not good dude c'mon :wtf:

1) They want to view multiple channels and record. I can't seem to find pricing for the 4-tuner HD PVR anywhere online. Is this no longer available? Would they thus have to purchase a 2-tuner HD PVR and an Xtraview-capable single-view decoder? Where are the best places to purchase these or is the pricing pretty standardised across stores?

The SD PVR (Watch 2, Record 1) has been discontinued. So either buy a used SD PVR for R3k or buy an 2P HD PVR for R1899 and an xtraview compatible decoder. Can be purchased at all major stores. Check the DSTV Care Website (http://care.dstv.com) for lot's of useful info

2) Where are the best places to pick up a decent model of HD TV? Are there any good deals available at the moment? I guess in this price range, 32" is probably the only viable option. Is this large enough for regular family viewing? Should they be aiming to get an LCD/LED/plasma in this size?

IMO, Game, Hifi Corp, Makro, etc. Check for specials. I plan to spend extra and go for a Sony, but I'm sure the mid range is good too like Samsung or LG. For Family viewing, they will need a 42". If you're buying HD it makes more sense to spend the R500 extra and buy Full HD (1080) as opposed to HD Ready. Do some research on the best models. Pricing, 42" LCD go for around R7k so their budget is too little. So LED is a non starter.

3) Is it viable to self-install all these components? Installers seem quite pricey and I am quite tech-savvy, so I was wondering how complex it is to install a system like this without prior experience? Will they need a new dish?

Yes it is. Check the DSTV Forums and DSTV Care website, there's lot of really useful information. It's not that hard IMO.

4) Lastly, the subscription they will end up paying. Is this R529 for DSTV premium + R65 for PVR and R65 for Xtraview? One doesn't pay extra for HD channels right?

Yes, that's correct.

Be sure to b|tch like crazy about how hard it is so your gf does a lot extra for you in the bedroom and make sure the ol' man adds you to his will

Good luck, don't 'Roy Hodgson' this, or they'll hate you forever. Imagine if they hate what you choose or the picture quality is cr@p, everytime the ol man watches tv he'll curse you. Risky business, risky business.

 

[isie]

My girlfriend's parents have asked me to help them set-up and acquire their HD DSTV set-up. They are currently on a DSTV premium package with 9XX series single-view decoder and a CRT TV. They have a total budget of around R8000.

While I am familiar with computer related purchases, I am not very experienced in the audiovisual arena thus I have a number of questions relating to the matter:

1) They want to view multiple channels and record. I can't seem to find pricing for the 4-tuner HD PVR anywhere online. Is this no longer available? Would they thus have to purchase a 2-tuner HD PVR and an Xtraview-capable single-view decoder? Where are the best places to purchase these or is the pricing pretty standardised across stores?

2) Where are the best places to pick up a decent model of HD TV? Are there any good deals available at the moment? I guess in this price range, 32" is probably the only viable option. Is this large enough for regular family viewing? Should they be aiming to get an LCD/LED/plasma in this size?

3) Is it viable to self-install all these components? Installers seem quite pricey and I am quite tech-savvy, so I was wondering how complex it is to install a system like this without prior experience? Will they need a new dish?

4) Lastly, the subscription they will end up paying. Is this R529 for DSTV premium + R65 for PVR and R65 for Xtraview? One doesn't pay extra for HD channels right?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

1 - if they want to view multiple chanels they can just get get an hdpvr 2p (or the 4tuner buts its still very expensive about 4000 i saw it an pnp hyper) and a dst1132 cost is about 2000 for the HD and about R300 for the dsd1132
2-for an OK 32 inch LCD look at game and makro for Sinotec or logiteck (they under 4K) I have both and they are pretty good, but if you want great you need to look at sony, samsung or LG but that will blow your bugget
3-if they curently have dstv its easy to do , you need to buy a twin lnb and a multi switch if you getting the 4 tuner or extraview (you looking at about 800-1000 for the parts and cables, you just need to alight the new lnb exactly the way the origanl ws, you can buy a st finder but i did it without one and used the decoder to to check the signal.
4-subscription os R529 +R65 for xtraview and pvr, no moreso 594

 

[Ghost29]

Thanks

Thanks so much for the input guys. This will help a lot and I'll trolololol the fourm looking for more specific information. Special thanks @ Cardon_fibre for the comic relief. You;ve made me consider this far more carefully, but having dated for 6 years, they're practically family.