You are here because you have questions about the DStv extra view. So, I took some time to describe the idea of DStv Xtraview in detail.
This article explains the DStv Xtraview concept, the costs involved, and the type of decoders you can use for this setup. In addition, we also show you how to install an Extra View and the problems you can expect in an Extraview setup. So, without wasting time, let’s get on with it.
Table of Contents
What is Extra View?
Extra View is an economical and convenient way of watching different channels on different decoders under one DStv subscription. So, instead of having multiple DStv subscriptions for each decoder, you can link the decoders under one DStv subscription.
To put it in simple terms, let’s assume that we have family members who may want to watch different TV channels simultaneously. This can cause family members to squabble over the remote control. So, extra view solves this problem by allowing each family member to watch a different channel.
Moreover, you and your family can record different shows on separate decoders. While using Extra View, you can watch up to 3 live TV channels simultaneously.
What is the 2024 DStv extra view price?
To use the DStv extra view, you pay your regular DStv subscription fee plus a monthly access fee of R105 every month for each extra decoder in the setup.
How much does it cost to install Extra View?
The cost of installing a DStv extra view varies with the complexity of the DStv setup. On average, the cost ranges between R350 and R400 if you have all the required accessories. However, the type and number of decoders determine the price. Usually, you may need to use splitters if you have a mixture of old and new decoder models in your extra view setup. As a result, this may increase the cost of your extra view installation.
The latest decoder models require less cabling than old decoders since they do not use the communication cable. In this situation, the communication between the extra view decoders goes through the smart LNB. So, if you are using the latest decoders, the prices tend to be cheaper.
How does the Extra View work?
Extra view links one or two secondary decoders to a primary decoder. This enables the decoders to share a single subscription. But, you can only link a maximum of two secondary decoders to a primary decoder.
The primary decoder sends a heartbeat signal to the secondary decoder every 90 seconds through a communication cable or a smart LNB.
If you live in a building with a single satellite dish or communal system, you may not have access to the smart LNB. In such a case, you can use a DStv smart switch to link your decoders.
If the secondary decoder does not receive the heartbeat signal it displays an E143 error message. But what exactly is a primary and secondary decoder?
Primary and Secondary Decoders
The primary decoder is the main decoder that has the subscription. Likewise, the secondary decoder is the decoder that shares a subscription with a primary decoder.
So, secondary decoders in an extra-view setup can watch the same TV programming available to the primary decoder. For example, if a primary decoder has a premium DStv subscription, secondary decoders will also have access to the DStv premium subscription.
How to install DStv Extra view?
You must know the basic DStv setup connections to install your extra view successfully. If you are tech-survey you may find it easy to do the job without any hassles.
Otherwise, leave us a message on our contact form and we will send you a reliable DStv installer to help you with the setup.
What type of decoders can you use for Xtraview?
You can use all the new and old decoder models from Multichoice for extra view connections. That is all Explora, HD, and SD decoders. However, you cannot use HD PVR and SD decoders in a Triple View setup.
As a general rule of thumb, if you want to connect three decoders in an extra view set up then one of the decoders needs to be an Explora. However, there are instances where I have seen three HD decoders connected in an extra view installation.
What type of LNB can you use for Extra view?
If you have the latest decoders (Explora 1, 2, or 3 and HD decoders 5s or 6s) you can use a smart LNB or a smart switch for your extra view setup. But, for old decoder models, use a universal twin LNB or a DStv smart switch. Always use an 80cm satellite dish for the best signal reception.
How do you connect DStv extra view cables?
The picture above shows the DStv extra view connection diagram for a smart LNB. Each decoder needs to receive good DStv signal strength and quality for extra view set up to work.
First, connect the coaxial cable of each decoder to the smart LNB. If you have recent or newer decoder models use the uni-cable ports on the smart LNB. Otherwise, if you have old decoder models then use the universal port. Remember Explora decoders use the uni-cable ports. HD decoders can use both uni-cable and universal ports.
The Heartbeat Connection
Once you connect all the decoders to the LNB, proceed to link the decoders using a heartbeat or communication cable. The primary decoder uses a heartbeat cable to send a heartbeat signal every 2 – 3 minutes to a secondary decoder to confirm the connection. The secondary decoder will display the E143 error if there is no heartbeat signal.
You don’t need to connect a heartbeat cable between the decoders if you use a smart LNB. Here is why: all new decoders can send and receive the heartbeat through the DStv smart LNB or smart switch. We call this setup Uniview installation. So, don’t freak out when you see decoders that do not have an RF-out port at the back.
You need to connect a communication cable from the primary decoder’s RF port to the secondary decoders’ RF ports if you use a universal twin LNB. The communication cable will allow the heartbeat signal to move from the primary decoder to the secondary decoder. Use a Triple View splitter to link 3 decoders and additional TV points.
Remember the primary decoder must always be switched on for the Extra View setup to work. Otherwise, the secondary decoders will display an error message that says “waiting for communication from the primary decoder“.
How do I activate the DStv extra view?
Check if everything works correctly before activating your DStv extra view. First, check if all the decoders are playing channel 100. Then check if the primary decoder can send a heartbeat signal to the secondary decoders every 2 – 3 minutes.
Likewise, the secondary decoders must receive the heartbeat signal from the primary decoder. Otherwise, the secondary decoders will display the E143 error which means there is no communication between the decoders.
How to check the extra view status on the decoder
You can easily check the extra view status of a decoder by doing the following steps:
- Press the “Help” button on the remote control
- Scroll to “General Information“
- Then go to “Extra View“
If everything works correctly call Multichoice on 011 289 2222 (South Africa only) to activate your DStv extra view. Otherwise, call the nearest DStv agent in your country to activate your extra view.
If you need technical help with setting up your extra view contact our accredited installers.
Frequently Asked Questions
This type of error message means your secondary decoder is not receiving a heartbeat signal from the primary decoder. A faulty communication cable or incorrect decoder settings can cause this issue. In order to fix the problem make sure that the primary decoder is switched on. Also, make sure that the heartbeat cable is attached correctly on both decoders on the RF ports.
DStv Xtraview is a way of linking 2 to three decoders under a single subscription. You pay an additional R105 for each decoder in the extra view. All decoders can watch different channels at the same time.
All new decoder models are capable of Xtraview. That is all versions of the Explora decoder and HD decoders. Older decoder models may present problems.
Yes, you can connect up to 3 decoders in Xtraview. It can be any combination of Explora or HD decoders. We call this connection “Triple View”.
If you are using Explora decoders for your extra view and the signal comes and goes then there must be a problem in the setup of the decoders. Each decoder is supposed to use a different Userband on the LNB. So, if your setup is done incorrectly your decoders will clash and lose the signal. This can easily be fixed by correcting the Userband numbers in the settings menu. However, when using the latest decoder models, use the installation wizard to specify the decoder number.