Which replacement LNB model do we need ?

[Wild Cape]

Our Smart LNB got perished by the sun and then the recent Cape rains finished it off... signal kaput ! We no longer need a second outlet running to the guest wing of the house so I needed to know what LNB we need ? Will the cheap Ellies Twin LNB suffice or should we get another Smart LNB for 460 bucks?

Decoder wise we were using the Explorer 2A, but when that went on the blink we reverted back to our older HD PVR2P. We are considering upgrading to the Explora Ultra.

 

[RudderVator]

Our Smart LNB got perished by the sun and then the recent Cape rains finished it off... signal kaput ! We no longer need a second outlet running to the guest wing of the house so I needed to know what LNB we need ? Will the cheap Ellies Twin LNB suffice or should we get another Smart LNB for 460 bucks?

Decoder wise we were using the Explorer 2A, but when that went on the blink we reverted back to our older HD PVR2P. We are considering upgrading to the Explora Ultra.

No, it won't because I assume you are using a Unicable setup to the existing decoder. Meaning a single cable runs to the old explora or HD PVR you using now.

If you want an explora you need the smart LNB in future and if you use a regular cheap twin LNB you need 2 wires running to your HD PVR.

The Ellies Twin LNB does not look like it supports unicable standard.

 

[Wild Cape]

No, it won't because I assume you are using a Unicable setup to the existing decoder. Meaning a single cable runs to the old explora or HD PVR you using now.

If you want an explora you need the smart LNB in future and if you use a regular cheap twin LNB you need 2 wires running to your HD PVR.

The Ellies Twin LNB does not look like it supports unicable standard.

OK so if we used the Ellies Twin LNB, as in the second pic, we could not use it with the HD PVR2P decoder that we are using currently, but it would work fine if we upgraded to the Explora Ultra ? Just trying to get my head around what they mean by a "smart' decoder.

 

[RudderVator]

OK so if we used the Ellies Twin LNB, as in the second pic, we could not use it with the HD PVR2P decoder that we are using currently, but it would work fine if we upgraded to the Explora Ultra ? Just trying to get my head around what they mean by a "smart' decoder.

No, the Ellies twin LNB would work fine with the HD PVR however you will need to run a second cable to the HD PVR. The 1 existing cable won't work with a Twin LNB only the smart LNB.

The Explora only supports the Smart LNB. So if you plan on getting an Explora again you will need a Smart LNB anyways.

Word of advice go on FB marketplace and see how many people are selling new model Explora's with an LNB for R500 or even less. This stuff doesn't really have any second-hand value without a subscription.
Just make sure you transfer the new decoder to your name.

 

[Wild Cape]

Ok thanks for the headsup, just taken the Explora Ultra out the Makro trolley, lol, but kept the Smart LNB. As you say I see there are many Explorer decoders on FB Market place, but only a couple of Ultras and over priced at R1500 so basically the new price if you subtract the VAT which we would be doing. I presume the Explora 3A is what you are suggesting on Market Place and if we don't need 4k quality just yet ... ?

 

[RudderVator]

Ok thanks for the headsup, just taken the Explora Ultra out the Makro trolley, lol, but kept the Smart LNB. As you say I see there are many Explorer decoders on FB Market place, but only a couple of Ultras and over priced at R1500 so basically the new price if you subtract the VAT which we would be doing. I presume the Explora 3A is what you are suggesting on Market Place and if we don't need 4k quality just yet ... ?

Indeed see plenty of 2A and 3 models there. Not really sure what the difference is between them.

The last Dstv decoder I had was the first Explora and used a 2A model on occasion. No real difference between them. The 3A or Ultra I have no experience with.

The Ultra I believe can run Netflix etc

 

[Wild Cape]

Yes gather they call the Ultra a semi Smart decoder.. Smart in that it can stream Netflix, Amazon etc, but semi Smart in that you not able to go on line and google. According to the Makro salesman the biggest step up with the Ultra is its Super HD/4K capability and providing you have a 4K television of course. Thanks for all your assistance here @RudderVator

 

[RudderVator]

Yes gather they call the Ultra a semi Smart decoder.. Smart in that it can stream Netflix, Amazon etc, but semi Smart in that you not able to go on line and google. According to the Makro salesman the biggest step up with the Ultra is its Super HD/4K capability and providing you have a 4K television of course. Thanks for all your assistance here @RudderVator

4K in the distant future. Dstv doesn't even broadcast in 4K. But It should support Netflix in 4K I would imagine? Not sure how good or stable the UI is. Dstv had some pretty unstable software in the past.