Why DStv stops supporting decoders

So it has nothing to do with the fact that DSTV charges R 1 499 for the Explora and R 399 for the single view decoder.

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Getting gatvol of this, people are moving away. Moving to PC/tablet/casting device. Decoders are becoming old fashioned. Even the Explora is not designed well. It should have had apps and a browser, etc.
 
As usual, the article has inaccuracies, which may be because the information supplied by MC is not entirely correct.

PVR decoders which are currently in end of support are:
•SD PVR
•Dual View
•UEC 4-tuner HD PVR
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The Dual view decoder is NOT a PVR , it should be in a category of its own.

These decoders no longer receive software updates, and customers cannot take out decoder insurance on these models.
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Only partially accurate. When MC is "forced" because something has to be changed, they DO update the software , but only when they have no choice ...

Customers are usually given a refurbished model while their decoder is repaired.
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Yes customers are given a refurbished decoder if one is available that matches the functionality of the decoder being repaired.
But you never "see" your original decoder again .... If it is repaired it goes into the pool for re-issue to another customer ....

The process has been described a few times as playing Russian Roulette, while a "good" replacement is found that lasts out the 6 months .....

So in the case of PVRs, any recorded material on the "faulty" decoder is lost and generally cannot be transferred on to the refurbished decoder ....
 
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Nephew_ said:
Getting gatvol of this, people are moving away. Moving to PC/tablet/casting device. Decoders are becoming old fashioned. Even the Explora is not designed well. It should have had apps and a browser, etc.
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I do a lot of streaming (with Roku, Apple TV etc) and I own an Explora so I can talk out of experience. There is nothing wrong with the Explora. I think it is very well designed with a good looking and snappy interface. Who wants to browse the internet on a TV anyway and why would you need apps on an Explora?
 
cozinsky said:
I do a lot of streaming (with Roku, Apple TV etc) and I own an Explora so I can talk out of experience. There is nothing wrong with the Explora. I think it is very well designed with a good looking and snappy interface. Who wants to browse the internet on a TV anyway and why would you need apps on an Explora?
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Unfortunately, there are many out there that believe this sort of functionality is essential these days. BUT those of us that have dealt with MC over a very long period, know that their decoders generally do not have spare processor capacity to do all sorts of non-MC required extras, and as they add more features and services, every one of their previous decoders starts struggling more and more.

In any case, those that want to browse the Internet on their TVs should get themselves a Smart TV.

I think we will differ slightly on whether it is well designed with good software. Generally speaking though it seems to do the job MC intended it to do, even though there are enough bugs and issues to keep them busy for a while yet.

What we all miss on the Explora is the dual view capability of the SD PVR, and the record 2 capability that the 4 tuner HD PVRs have.
One technical design issue is that the last decoder to have a truly decent RF modulator in it was/is the SD PVR. However, the one currently used in the Explora meets "International Standards" (whatever that is supposed to mean).
 
daniellgr said:
Unfortunately, there are many out there that believe this sort of functionality is essential these days. BUT those of us that have dealt with MC over a very long period, know that their decoders generally do not have spare processor capacity to do all sorts of non-MC required extras, and as they add more features and services, every one of their previous decoders starts struggling more and more.

In any case, those that want to browse the Internet on their TVs should get themselves a Smart TV.

I think we will differ slightly on whether it is well designed with good software. Generally speaking though it seems to do the job MC intended it to do, even though there are enough bugs and issues to keep them busy for a while yet.

What we all miss on the Explora is the dual view capability of the SD PVR, and the record 2 capability that the 4 tuner HD PVRs have.
One technical design issue is that the last decoder to have a truly decent RF modulator in it was/is the SD PVR. However, the one currently used in the Explora meets "International Standards" (whatever that is supposed to mean).
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The thing that peeves me off the most is that when your sd pvr finally gives up the ghost, there is no other alternative to it. Yes, you can get an explora, however where at the moment you can have up to 3 people watching at the same time with a combo of an sd pvr and an explora, this drops down to 2 as the explora does not allow more than one viewing option. Also MC does not allow you to connect more than 2 decoders. Why they cannot allow more, purely comes down to the fact that they want to make more money as you would have to take out another contract to get the 3rd viewing option. Makes me physically sick!
 
Money making scam.
Imagine if you were told sorry we cannot fix your 2008 Toyota anymore and you need to buy a new one.
FY MC
 
cozinsky said:
There is nothing wrong with the Explora. I think it is very well designed with a good looking and snappy interface.
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I don't think there is anything wrong with the explora, but the remote and the almost consistent delay is atrocious!
 
Burny1 said:
The thing that peeves me off the most is that when your sd pvr finally gives up the ghost, there is no other alternative to it. Yes, you can get an explora, however where at the moment you can have up to 3 people watching at the same time with a combo of an sd pvr and an explora, this drops down to 2 as the explora does not allow more than one viewing option. Also MC does not allow you to connect more than 2 decoders. Why they cannot allow more, purely comes down to the fact that they want to make more money as you would have to take out another contract to get the 3rd viewing option. Makes me physically sick!
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Yes One has to accept a "downgrade" in capability from the SD PVR to the Explora --- Loss of the second viewing environment;
and for the HDPVR 4Tuner to the Explora --- loss of the second record capability ...

Leaves a bitter taste in your mouth ....

MC responds by saying they are giving you more BO and CU as well as a larger HDD and the ability to remotely set recordings ---

Hence why I am clinging to my SD PVR and HD PVR 4 tuner like glue and looking after them on all fronts (stable power supply, extra surge protection, extra cooling, and regular cleaning out of dust) ....
 
Darko said:
I don't think there is anything wrong with the explora, but the remote and the almost consistent delay is atrocious!
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Well maybe I can help with that ... send me a PM and I will respond as to what you can check ... Very seldom is the remote ... either the decoder or an installation problem or a setting problem.
 
daniellgr said:
Yes so have I ---- only EasyView and if Open View HD had a PVR decoder, I would seriously consider dropping that as well.
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:cool:

the sods killed off my SD dual view PVR - so forkum!! I'll sort out my own entertainment from now on - NO more ads / transmission breaks because there's a storm in outer Mongolia / dull out dated pgm's / reboots at critical peak viewing times and of course.....everyone's hot favourite - REPEATS!!
 
Then give us the ability to transfer our content. It's the no.1 reason we keep using old decoders.
 
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