MultiChoice is advising its DStv subscribers to upgrade to newer decoders to avoid possible problems with repairs and missing out on future services.<\/p>\n
While MultiChoice is not phasing out DStv decoders, certain older models cannot be repaired anymore due to unavailability of parts.<\/p>\n
Good news is that anyone with decoder insurance will receive a new DStv decoder free of charge.<\/p>\n
For those without decoder insurance, MultiChoice has a trade-in discount on the new DStv HD single-view decoder and the DStv Explora decoder.<\/p>\n
\u201cCustomers can take their older model decoder and their smart card to a MultiChoice Walk-in Centre or a DStv agency to do the swop or trade-in,\u201d MultiChoice said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe trade-in discount can be done whether the box is broken or not,\u201d the company stated, adding that\u00a0subscribers can continue to use any decoder to access DStv.<\/p>\n
MultiChoice said that some of the older decoders couldn’t cope with the growing number of DStv services on offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen these decoders were first launched, we had a handful of channels on DStv \u2013 now there are over 100.”<\/p>\n
The older decoders may experience missing channels, an incomplete TV guide, or freeze-ups.<\/p>\n
The SD PVR decoders have an additional challenge. \u201cWe\u2019re launching a new satellite at the beginning of 2017, which will position our channels on low and high band frequencies,\u201d MultiChoice said.<\/p>\n
The SD PVR decoder can only receive\u00a0low-band frequencies. This means that SD PVR users will lose out on any channels or services made available on high band.<\/p>\n
The DStv decoders that are affected are as follows:<\/p>\n
MultiChoice highlighted that it stopped manufacturing the SD PVR and Dual View decoders more than 7 years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 6- and 9- series single view decoders and the UEC 4-tuner HD PVR have not been available on the market for more than 2 years,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is that technology does age and, like a cellphone, needs to be replaced from time-to-time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Free DStv Explora with high-speed Telkom DSL deal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n DStv Now mobile application with live streaming unveiled<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n