Why DStv stops supporting decoders
A number of DStv decoders have reached end of support, which means that MultiChoice’s agents can no longer repair them.
Although the majority of older decoders may be refurbished or repaired, MultiChoice said three PVR decoders and six single-view decoder models are currently in end of support.
Group general manager for broadcast technology Nyiko Shiburi told MyBroadband that the main reason they decide to stop supporting decoders is the availability of components.
“Old components become more and more expensive as time goes by,” said Shiburi, which means that the cost to repair a decoder will eventually exceed the cost to replace it.
Another factor MultiChoice considers is how well a decoder supports new features.
Older decoders can’t handle some of the additional functionality DStv is rolling out, said Shiburi.
PVR decoders which are currently in end of support are:
- SD PVR
- Dual View
- UEC 4-tuner HD PVR
Single-view decoders which are currently in end of support are:
- 660
- 720
- 720i
- 910
- 933
- 990
These decoders no longer receive software updates, and customers cannot take out decoder insurance on these models.
For decoders still within their support period, MultiChoice charges repair fees of:
- R698 for a PVR model
- R350 for a single-view decoder
For customers with decoder insurance, there is no repair fee. Insurance is:
- R35 per month for a DStv Explora
- R29.50 per month for a 2-tuner PVR
- R20 per month for a single-view decoder
Customers are usually given a refurbished model while their decoder is repaired.
MultiChoice offers a 6-month guarantee on a refurbished decoder, which is a repair guarantee.
This is different from the new product guarantee of 12 months that is offered on new decoders.
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