What is a DStv Explora Decoder? – Explained
A DStv Explora Decoder is a device that allows you to watch DStv content.

It is a decoder box that receives the satellite signal and converts it into a form that your television can understand.
You will need this device in order to watch DStv content, regardless of whether you are subscribed to the premium or standard package.
- The Explora Decoder is an upgrade from the older HD PVR and HD Box decoders
- It can record content directly onto its internal hard drive (up to 6TB) without requiring an external storage device.
DStv Explora Features
The DStv Explorer is a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) that is designed to give you the ultimate TV viewing experience.
Some of the key features include:
- DStv Catch Up
- Hearing Impaired Subtitles capable
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Content discovery
- View 1, Record 1
- Widescreen capable
- HD capable (720p and 1080i)
- HD User Interface
- BoxOffice
- Pause Live TV for up to 2 hours
- Parental Control
- Series Recording
- XtraView capable
- Dolby Digital 5.1 capable
- Up to 220 hours of personal recorded content
- Buffer retained on channel change
DStv Explora Decoders – All Models

Below is all the DStv Explora for Sale from 2013 to 2022
DStv Explora
- Launched 2013
- USB Port
- Connect DStv Wi-Fi Connector
- 2TB HDD – 220 Hours of Recording
- A7 Remote
DStv Explora (Model 2A)
- Launched 2016
- Better broadcast compression
- 1TB HDD – 110 Hours of Recording
- A7 Remote
DStv Explora (Model 3A & 3B)
- Launched 2019
- Smaller Unit
- No RF in or RF out
- 1x USB
- 1TB HDD – 110 Hours of Recording
- A7 Remote
DStv Explora Ultra
- Launched 2020 – Latest Model
- Built-in Wi-fi
- Supports Streaming Apps – 3rd party
- 1TB HDD – 110 Hours of Recording
- 4K Capabilities
- A9 Remote
How much is DStv Explora? – Explora Price

Below are all the DStv Explora Decoder Prices
DStv Explora 1 Price (2013)
DStv Explora 2 Price (2016)
DStv Explora 3 Price (2019)
DStv Explora Ultra Price (2020 – Latest Model)
DStv Explora Specials on Explora Ultra
- Excellent Decoder Prices
- Prices start from R1799
- Message us for the Most AMAZING DStv Specials
DStv Installation Requirements
- 80cm Satellite Dish
- DStv Smart LNB
- Signal Finder
- RG6 Coaxial Cable
- Hire the Best DStv Accredited Installer – Message Us
Why Hire our DStv Accredited Installers?
- Highly Trained and Experienced Installers
- Excellent Prices on all Repairs & Installations
- DStv Repairs, Troubleshooting & Installations anywhere in South Africa
- Monthly Specials on all DStv Decoder Prices and more
How to Install Explora Decoder with a Smart LNB ? – DStv Explora Ultra Installation Guide

- Make sure your Satellite dish is mounted and correctly aligned
- Smart LNB needs the RG6 Cable connected to its unicable port
- Unpack your Explora Ultra Decoder from the box.
- Start by placing your Explora Ultra in a central location in your home, within easy reach of an electrical outlet.
- Next, connect your Explora Ultra to your TV using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the RG6 Cable to your Explora Decoder
- Power on your decoder
- On the Remote, Press “DStv button”
- Select “Settings”
- Select “Satellite Settings”
- Press “Home Network”
- Press “Launch Installation Wizard” then
- Select “OK
- Press “Quick Setup”
- Select “Decoder 1”
- All Bars must turn Blue
- Press “Scan” then
- Select “OK”
Just wait for the channel scanning to be completed.
Now your DStv Explora is installed, Enjoy!
DStv Explora Decoder Quick Guide
Select the Link & Download your guide.
DStv Explora Remotes – Learn more
There are various remotes you get
Dstv A6 Remote
- Price from R149
- Works on Explora Decoders
- Simple text entry by SMS keys
- Programmable to control other visual/audio equipment
- (3) Multiple Modes Supported
- Get Visual feedback when you press the button
- Buttons are backlit
- Click Here to Learn More
Dstv A7 Remote
- Price from R199
- Works on HD and Explora Decoders
- Simple text entry by SMS keys
- Programmable to control other visual/audio equipment
- (3) Multiple Modes Supported
- Get Visual feedback when you press the button
- Buttons are backlit
- Click Here to Learn More
Dstv A9 Remote
- Price from R199
- Works on HD and Explora Decoders
- Simple text entry by SMS keys
- Programmable to control other visual/audio equipment
- (3) Multiple Modes Supported
- Get Visual feedback when you press the button
- Buttons are backlit
- Click Here to Learn More
Dstv A10 Remote
- Price from R299
- Works on HD and Explora Decoders
- Simple text entry by SMS keys
- Programmable to control other visual/audio equipment
- (3) Multiple Modes Supported
- Get Visual feedback when you press the button
- Buttons are backlit
- Click Here to Learn More
DStv Explora Installations – Fast & Affordable

Are you looking for a professional Installer to help with your DStv Explora connection?
We can assist you with all your DStv Explora Installations countrywide.
- Gauteng
- Johannesburg
- Sandton
- Pretoria
- Durban
- Cape Town
- Bloemfontein
- Polokwane
- And more
The installers are fully accredited by DStv and will ensure that your installation is done correctly and to their highest standards.
Services include
- FREE Quotes
- Installations
- Repairs
- Upgrades
- Troubleshooting
- Dish Alignment
- Satellite dish installation
DStv Explora Frequency Settings
To find out more click on the link below
DStv Explora Channels – Channel List 2022 /2023

What channels are on offer for the DStv Explora?
Get the Most Recent DStv Channels List 2022/2023 HERE
- DStv channels list 2020 /2021 /2022 /2023
Channels on DStv Explora Decoder are sorted as follows:

- Documentaries & Lifestyle
- Music
- Sports
- News and Commerce
- Kids & Teens
- Movies & Entertainment
- Free Channels
- Religion
- Specialist & Foreign
Is DStv Explorer Decoder Worth It? – Review
Yes, the DStv Explorer Decoder is worth it.
- Great selection of channels
- Record feature allows you to record your favourite shows and the
- The pause feature lets you pause live TV
- Supports 4K resolution for a crystal-clear viewing experience.
So if you’re looking for an HDTV box with plenty of features and excellent picture quality, the DStv Explora Decoder is definitely worth considering.
People also ASK – DStv Explora Ultra
What is special about DStv Explora?
It is a unique high-definition PVR (personal video recorder) that allows you to pause, rewind and record live TV.
- Gives you access to a library of movies, documentaries, children’s shows and music videos
- With the built-in WiFi, you can also enjoy streamed content from YouTube and Netflix
Do you pay more for DStv Explora?
Yes, the PVR function costs R95 per month.
Does the Explora Decoder need a dish?
Yes, it does.
- 80cm satellite dish with Smart LNB
Does the Explora decoder have WiFi?
No, the older Explora need a DStv WiFi Connector.
- Explora Ultra has built-in Wi-Fi
Can I swap my DStv decoder for Explora?
Yes @ a fee of R600.
Can I watch Netflix on Explora Decoder?
You can watch Netflix on an Explora Ultra.
How many channels are in Explora Decoder?
Over 150+ Channels
Is Showmax free on Explora Decoder?
Showmax is FREE with a premium package subscription.
How much is DStv Explora compact monthly?
The monthly cost of R429.
How much is the Explora decoder?
The Explora Ultra ranges from R1799.
What are the benefits of connecting the Explora Decoder to the internet?
- You will be able to watch series from Showmax
- Binge watch complete series
- Catch up
Can I exchange my old DStv decoder for a new one?
Yes, you can! There is a swop out fee.
Is Netflix better than DStv?
Netflix is a better option than DStv for a few reasons.
- More expansive selection of movies and TV shows
- Price is more affordable
- User interface is simpler and easier to use
What is the highest DStv package?
The highest or Biggest package is the Premium Package.
DStv Explora Packages 2022

- Premium Package
- Easy View Package
- Compact Plus Package
- Compact Package
- Family Package
- Access Package
Click HERE for Explora Packages 2022 Details
How to get an Explora Decoder?
Buy the Explora from us or a retailer and let us set it up for you.
What are the Explora monthly payments?
The access fee for the PVR function is R95 per month.
How to connect DStv Explora LNB cables?
- Make sure your Satellite dish is mounted and correctly aligned
- Smart LNB needs the RG6 Cable connected to its unicable port
- Unpack your Explora Ultra Decoder from the box.
- Start by placing your Explora Ultra in a central location in your home, within easy reach of an electrical outlet.
- Next, connect your Explora Ultra to your TV using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the RG6 Cable to your Explora Decoder
- Power on your decoder
- On the Remote, Press “DStv button”
- Select “Settings”
- Select “Satellite Settings”
- Press “Home Network”
- Press “Launch Installation Wizard” then
- Select “OK
- Press “Quick Setup”
- Select “Decoder 1”
- All Bars must turn Blue
- Press “Scan” then
- Select “OK”
Just wait for the channel scanning to be completed.
How to format the Explora hard drive?
- Get the Power Cable removed
- Press down the P+ button on the front panel of the decoder
- Push in Power Cable.
- Let go of the P+ button when the word “CODE” appears
- Do the sequence of buttons P- P+ P- P+
- TV screen now shows “CODE: 0101”
- Formatting of the HDD will begin
- After HDD Format, the decoder reboots.
Want to see the XtraView DStv Explora extra view setup diagram?
- Click HERE for the diagram
How to reboot the Explora Decoder?
- Select the blue “DStv button”
- Press “Settings“
- Now “System Settings“
- Press “Reset Decoder Settings“
- Choose “Reset To Factory Default” then
- Select “OK”
- Congrats! Reboot in process
How to activate Catch Up on the Explora Decoder?
- You need a PVR decoder
- DSTV subscription must be paid up to date
- PVR access fee must be paid
DStv Explora 3a vs 3b
All features are exactly the same. The only difference is the Model 3B does not have a smart card.
What is the difference between Explora 1 and Explora 2?
Explora 1
- Older Model
- Bigger
- 2TB HDD
- Recording 220 Hours
- Requires Heartbeat Cable
- 3 Pin Plug
- 4 USB Ports
- It comes with A6 Remote
Explora 2
- Latest Model
- Slimmer
- Only 1TB HDD
- Recording 110 Hours
- No Heartbeat Cable
- 2 Pin Plug
- 2 USB Ports
- It comes with A7 Remote
What is the latest Explora model?
The latest Model is the Ultra Explora.
Does the new DStv decoder work without a smart card?
Absolutely! No smart card is needed.
What is the difference between normal DStv and DStv Explora?
Explora offers the PVR function.
How do I connect my decoder to my Smart TV?
Use an HDMI cable.
Can a DStv card work in another decoder?
Unfortunately not. Each card is coded to a decoder.
How to cancel your DStv Subscription Package?
- Phone Customer care – Tel: (011) 289 2222
- Email customer care – help@dstv.com
- WhatsApp Dstv – 060 060 3788
- Complete the online cancellation process
- Visit a customer care centre
How to pay your monthly subscription – Payment Options
Discover how, click the link.
Compare the DStv Channels Lists for South Africa 2022
Click on the links and do your own comparisons between the channels
Family Channels List
Easy View Channels List
Compact Channels List
Compact Plus Channels List
Premium Channels List
Access Channels List
Here is the DStv TV Guide for Today!

Click the Link and view your TV Guide
DStv Error Codes – 2022 / 2023
Error codes & how to fix them. Click the Link.
- E109
- E48-32
- E06-4
- E30-4
- E18-4
- E50
- E19-4
- E17-13
- E48
- E04-4
- E17-0
- E107
- E05-4
- E42-32
- E106
- E33-4
- E16-0
- E37-32
- E600-0
- E33-0
- E45-32
- E120
- E32-4
- E100
- E32-0
- E101
- E118
- E16-4
- E30-0
Streaming TV Services Comparison Help Guide
To get all the information you need, click on their links.

BritBox
Netflix
Paramount Plus
Fubo
Apple TV
Showmax
HBO Max
Sling TV
ESPN+
Hulu
You Tube TV
Amazon Video Prime
Disney Plus
DStv Now
What Types of Dstv Decoders are available?
Click on the links & View the decoder specs
DStv Dual View
Single View Decoder
DStv PVR
Experience nonstop entertainment with internet-connected DSTV Explora Firstly, Explora is the latest decoder from DSTV. You can make it a powerhouse of entertainment by simply connecting the device with the internet. Imagine enjoying complete episodes of your favourite program through Catch Up Plus which is currently available only to subscribers of DStv Premium. It is … Read more