Which decoder and package is required to allow app access?

[ToniO]

Hi

I hope someone can help me...

Is it necessary to have a PVR decoder plus premium subscription to use the mobile app for Supersport, DSTC now etc?
I have an ancient SD decoder as well as an old dualview, on a premium subscription.

If I upgrade to a PVR Explora, I have heard that the dish, LNR and cable installation will have to be upgraded. It is for my (ancient) parents who live in a block of flats, and they are concerned that it will be very costly.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[chrisc]

You need the premium subscription to view content on a mobile app, but no need to change any hardware from what is there

 

[ToniO]

You need the premium subscription to view content on a mobile app, but no need to change any hardware from what is there

Are you absolutely sure? I remember getting an error message saying I needed a PVR decoder when trying to log in to Supersport with my premium subscription, but with the old SD decoder linked to that account.

 

[Foxhound5366]

You don't need premium or a PVR according to this story:https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broa...w-expansion-compact-extra-and-chromecast.html

 

[Geoff.D]

At the moment, yes you do need a PVR and to be on the Premium package to be able access services via a mobile app on a device capable of running the DSTVNOW App.

The recent announcement says this is about to change after April this year and more packages will be able to access these services not only Premium. BUT that still means in most cases that it will only be available to DSTV customers with a PVR and therefore PVR access.

Next, Upgrading to an Explora 2A DOES require a change to the LNB and in some cases the cabling. An antenna conversion to a larger 80cm diameter antenna is not really necessary.

Older installations do not require a change immediately, but the writing is on the wall. Soon it will be virtually impossible to get full functionality on decoders not actively supported by MC. The original SD PVR is probably the first that will become less and less functional followed by the 4 tuner PVRs and the 2 tuner PVRs except for the Pace HD PVR 2P.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that virtually all single view decoders will soon become obsolete as well, although MC have plenty to do before that will happen as it will affect the accommodation industry.

Persons living in complexes with communal antenna systems are going to have to get their Body Corporates to undertake major upgrades of the communal antenna systems as well.

Anyone wanting more detail is advised to contact MC directly, or look at MCs websites or you can contact me by PM and I will be able to advise specific actions based on what you have installed currently. Not all installations are equally affected and there are some things possible in the short term.

 

[ToniO]

Thanks for that. Does this mean that if one were to buy a new Single view HD decoder now, it will be obsolete shortly?

The weird thing is that there's been some fault with the old SD decoder and there is no service via the decoder. My profile tells me that I have no package and no device, even though I am subscribed to Premium. I have just logged into supersport.com and I can watch online via PC, and I can watch via the iOS app, so this implies that
a. I have an active Premium package
b. I can watch without having any linked decoder, much less a PVR capable one.

I am seriously confused. Multichoice has wasted hours of our time over the last week, giving conflicting reports of payments received, payment methods registered and active subscriptions and devices. I'm trying to sort this out remotely for the ancient parents in another city. They've been without service for a week and Multichoice has been unbelievably frustrating.

Sorry to offload...

 

[Geoff.D]

Thanks for that. Does this mean that if one were to buy a new Single view HD decoder now, it will be obsolete shortly?

The weird thing is that there's been some fault with the old SD decoder and there is no service via the decoder. My profile tells me that I have no package and no device, even though I am subscribed to Premium. I have just logged into supersport.com and I can watch online via PC, and I can watch via the iOS app, so this implies that
a. I have an active Premium package
b. I can watch without having any linked decoder, much less a PVR capable one.

I am seriously confused. Multichoice has wasted hours of our time over the last week, giving conflicting reports of payments received, payment methods registered and active subscriptions and devices. I'm trying to sort this out remotely for the ancient parents in another city. They've been without service for a week and Multichoice has been unbelievably frustrating.

Sorry to offload...

The short answer to any issues you may have with your services is to subscribe to the dsTV forum and send a PM message to MC Solomon. He is the best person to really get to sorting out any issues you may have with your subscriptions and to get your online profile sorted out.

Next The new single view HD decoder not going to be affected. It is the older single view decoders that are going to become a problem.

And yes there are quite a few inexplicable anomalies around regarding what a Premium subscriber should be able to get on line. Once your account is properly setup, you may find yourself losing access to some things you have had because of the anomalies.

Send me a PM if yu like and we can try and untangle any installation issues, but the best advioce is still to get hold of MC Solomon.

 

[ToniO]

Thanks so much for the advice.
I fear I will lose my online access again, since there are clearly a number of anomalies with the account. I found myself barred from access years ago (due to no PVR), so it's odd that I can suddenly access everything while there is no device and no package registered.
Bizarre after 20 years of being a subscriber - not like the first time I'm setting up my profile!

I will try MC Solomon - thanks!