DStv Installation FAQ

Here are answers to the questions our Centurion clients ask most often. If your question isn’t covered here, call us on 060 018 0602 or WhatsApp us — we’re happy to help.

General Questions

How much does DStv installation cost in Centurion?

A standard HD decoder installation ranges from R450 to R850 depending on your property. Explora installations are R650 to R1,100. See our full pricing guide for all services.

Do you offer same-day installation?

Yes. Contact us before 2pm and we’ll have a technician at your Centurion address the same day. Weekends and public holidays are available at standard rates.

Are your installers Multichoice accredited?

Yes, all our technicians are fully trained and accredited by Multichoice. This means your equipment warranty stays valid and every installation meets Multichoice’s official standards.

Which areas do you cover?

We cover all Centurion suburbs including Irene, Highveld, Lyttelton, Wierda Park, The Reeds, Eldoraigne, Rooihuiskraal, Zwartkop, Pierre van Ryneveld, Hennopspark, Clubview, and Centurion Central.

Equipment Questions

What’s the difference between the Explora and a standard HD decoder?

The Explora Ultra has recording capability (pause, rewind, record live TV), built-in WiFi, access to streaming apps (Netflix, Showmax, Disney+), 4K support, and Dolby Atmos audio. The standard HD decoder provides basic live DStv viewing without these features. Read our detailed comparison: DStv Explora vs HD Decoder.

What is a Smart LNB and do I need one?

A Smart LNB is the newer type of LNB (the receiver component on your satellite dish) required by Explora decoders and Extra View configurations. If you have or plan to get an Explora, or want Extra View, you need a Smart LNB. We recommend installing one even with a basic HD decoder, as it future-proofs your installation for when you upgrade.

Do I need to buy my own decoder?

You can buy your decoder from a retail store (Takealot, Game, HiFi Corp, etc.) and we’ll install it, or we can supply one as part of the installation. Either way works. Just make sure the decoder comes with its smartcard.

Installation Questions

How long does a typical installation take?

A standard single-decoder installation takes 1-2 hours. Extra View setups take 2-3 hours. TV wall mounting adds about 45 minutes. Communal installations are quoted on a per-project basis.

Where will the satellite dish go?

We mount the dish in the position that gives the best line of sight to the IS-20 satellite (which is roughly north for Centurion). Typically this is a north-facing wall or roof section. We always discuss placement with you before drilling and will try to position it discreetly where possible.

Will the installation damage my walls?

We drill the minimum number of holes needed for secure mounting and cable entry. On external walls, we use waterproof cable glands. On internal walls, we route cables through ceiling spaces or wall cavities wherever possible. For TV wall mounting, we conceal cables in wall chases or cavities for a clean finish.

Can you install in a complex with body corporate rules?

Yes. Many complexes in Centurion have communal DStv systems that we can connect your decoder to. If there’s no communal system but body corporate rules prohibit individual dishes, we can discuss communal installation options with your body corporate.

Troubleshooting Questions

My DStv shows E48-32 “No Signal” — what should I do?

First, check if it’s raining or very overcast — heavy rain can temporarily disrupt signal on the Highveld. If the weather is clear and you’re still getting E48-32, your dish has likely shifted or your LNB may have failed. Call us for a same-day signal repair callout.

Why does my DStv lose signal every time it rains?

Some signal loss during very heavy rain (rain fade) is normal with satellite TV. However, if you lose signal in light rain or drizzle, your installation isn’t optimised. Your dish may be slightly misaligned, your LNB may be ageing, or you may have signal loss in your cabling that reduces your signal margin. We can optimise your system to minimise rain fade.

My Extra View keeps showing E143-4 error.

The E143-4 error means the heartbeat communication between your primary and secondary decoders is failing. This is usually a cabling issue. See our Extra View page for details, or call us to fix it.