With the festive season fast approaching and 2024 hot on its heels, it is a top priority to get the entertainment ready, and what better way to do that than with a DStv Subscription? In South Africa, DStv offers a range of decoder options and packages tailored to various viewing preferences and budgets. Here’s an overview of the available decoders and DStv packages, including their specifications, and prices. For the full channel list for each package, follow this link: Compare DSTV Packages.
DSTV Decoders
- HD Single View Decoder: Launched in 2014, this decoder provides high-definition images with a 720x1080i resolution and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It also includes features like an 8-day TV program planner, HD menus, interactive apps, and support for XtraView.
- HD PVR (4-Tuner): Launched in 2008, this decoder has an inbuilt digital video recorder, allowing up to 150 hours of HD television recording and live TV pause.
- HD PVR (2-Tuner): Introduced in May 2012, this model offers similar features to the 4-tuner variant but with a maximum HD recording capacity of 50 hours.
- Explora 1: Launched in August 2013, Explora offers full HD TV, the ability to record live channels while watching another, a 220-hour recording capacity, and support for downloading entire series. It supports XtraView for 2 or 3 decoders.
- Explora Ultra: The latest flagship decoder, it features built-in WiFi, streaming app support, and 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos compatibility. It offers up to 775 Catch Up programs, BoxOffice rentals, and a remote with quick access to streaming apps. The price for the Explora Ultra in South Africa is R2,299 without installation and R3,499 with full installation.
DStv Packages
DStv South Africa offers six main subscription packages:
- DStv EasyView: Priced at R29 per month, it includes 33 TV channels.
- DStv Access: Offers 64 channels for R99 monthly.
- DStv Family: Includes 90 channels at R299 per month.
- DStv Compact: Provides 121 channels for R409 monthly.
- DStv Compact Plus: Comes with 136 channels at R519 per month.
- DStv Premium: The highest tier package offering 150 channels at R799 monthly. It includes a wide range of channels spanning free channels, documentaries, lifestyle, movies, entertainment, sports, kids and teen entertainment, interactive, and news channels.
Premium Package
The Premium DStv package is the top-tier offering, boasting over a hundred television channels and in excess of forty audio channels. From sports and documentaries to movies and music, the DSTV Premium package offers a comprehensive range of viewing choices. However, as you might expect, it also comes with the heftier price tag.
Compact Plus package
A step down from the Premium package is the Compact Plus package. Offering over forty less television channels than the Premium option, the Compact Plus still has a significant number of channels, making it a popular choice among many South Africans.
Compact Package
The Compact package offers more than 100 TV channels. This package is suitable for persons who want to enjoy a good deal of entertainment and variety but at a more affordable cost.
Family Package
Then there’s the DSTV Family package, which offers 75+ TV channels and more than 95 audio channels. This package is an ideal option for families as it offers a diverse range of channels at a more budget-friendly price. The Family package channels have been carefully selected with South African families in mind. With the family bouquet, each family member is assured of top-notch and endless entertainment.
Access Package
Finally, the DSTV Access package offers over 65 TV channels. It’s a great budget option, giving you a fair dose of entertainment without breaking the bank. The cheapest packages offered by DSTV offers in South Africa with over 131 channels including 36 TV Channels and 96 Audio channels. For only R29 per month, you get to enjoy movies, documentaries, sports, kids/teens entertainment, and news/commerce channels for R29 a month.
Perks and Features
While the number of channels is a significant factor in choosing a package, other aspects can impact your choice. Features such as PVR (Personal Video Recorder) capabilities, TV guide, DStv Catch Up, and DStv Now services can be essential benefits to consider. These are DSTV’s online streaming platforms that allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies on-the-go, compatible with your chosen package.
FAQs
Which is the most economical DStv package?
The EasyView DStv package is technically the most affordable, at R29 per month, however it offers the least amount of channels. The Access package is offers the most content for such a low cost, with the package still providing over 65 TV channels.
Do all the DStv packages come with HD channels?
All the DSTV packages provide a certain number of HD channels. The number, however, varies according to the specific package.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my DStv package?
Yes, you have the flexibility to either upgrade or downgrade your DStv package as per your preference and budget.
DStv EasyView Channel List
Movies and Entertainment
- 137 – TNT Africa
- 155 – Real Time
- 195 – e.TV Extra
Documentaries and Lifestyle
- 180 – People’s Weather
Free Channels
- 191 – SABC1
- 192 – SABC2
- 193 – SABC3
- 194 – e.TV
- 251 – Soweto TV
- 260 – Bay TV
- 261 – 1 KZN
- 262 – Tshwane TV
- 263 – Cape Town TV
- 265 – GauTV
- 292 – Lesotho TV
Sports
- 200 – SuperSport BLITZ
Kids & Teen
- 301 – JimJam
- 311 – eToonz
- 319 – Mindset
Music
- 321 – Mzansi Music
Religion
- 341 – FAITH
- 342 – Day Star
- 343 – TBN Africa
- 347 – iTV Networks
- 390 – Emmanuel TV
News and Commerce
- 404 – SABC News
- 405 – Newsroom Afrika
- 406 – Al Jazeera
- 408 – Parliamentary Service
- 409 – CGTN News
- 410 – CNBC Africa
- 412 – Business Day TV
Specialist & Foreign
- 447 – CCTV4
Audio channels
- Subscribers can enjoy over 95 audio channels.
DStv Access price
The 2023 DStv Access monthly subscription is R129 per month. DSTV Access bouquet offers over 161 channels, including audio and radio stations.
DStv Access Package List
Movies and Entertainment
- 100 – DStv
- 108 – M-net movies
- 118 – Telemundo
- 132 – CBS Reality
- 135– TLC
- 137 – TNT Africa
- 138 – eMovies
- 140 – eMovies Extra
- 148 – kykNet Lekker
- 152 – Africa Magic Epic
- 163 – Mzansi Wethu
- 164 – Mzansi Bioskop
- 198 – Big Brother Mzansi HD
Documentaries and lifestyle
- 173 – Honey
- 176 – The Home Channel
- 180 – People’s Weather
- 182 – Nat Geo Wild
190 – Spice TV
- 191 – SABC 1
- 192 – SABC 2
- 193 – SABC 3
- 194 – e.TV
- 251 – Soweto TV
- 260 – Bay TV
- 261 – 1 KZN
- 262 – Tshwane TV
- 263 – Cape Town TV
- 265 – GauTV
- 292 – Lesotho TV
- 299 – NTA
Sports
- 200 – BLITZ
- 209 – SS Variety 4
- 249 – TellyTrack
Teen & Kids
- 301 – Cartoon Network
- 309 – Disney Junior
- 310 – JimJam
- 311 – eToonz
- 313 – PBS Kids
- 318 – Da Vinci
- 319 – Mindset
Music
- 320 – Channel O
- 321 – Mzansi Music
- 322 – MTV Base
- 327 – Sound City
- 331 – One Gospel
Gospel
- 340 – Dumisa
- 341 – FAITH
- 342 – Day Star
- 343 – TBN Africa
- 347 – ITV Networks
News & Commerce
- 400 – BBC World News
- 404 – SABC News
- 405 – Newzroom Afrika
- 406 – Al Jazeera
- 407 – Russia Today
- 408 – Parliamentary Service
- 409 – CGTN News
- 410 – CNBC Africa
- 411 – Bloomberg
- 412 – Business Day TV
- 413 – NDTV 24×7
- 417 – Africanews
Specialists and Foreign
- 447 – CCTV 4
- 390 – Emmanuel TV
Audio channels
- Subscribers can enjoy over 95 audio channels.
Showmax on DStv
In South Africa, Showmax Standard costs R99 per month. DStv Premium subscribers get Showmax for free and DStv Compact, Compact Plus, Family, and Access subscribers get Showmax at a 50% discount.
How to watch DStv Without a Decoder
If you are not at home or lack a decoder, then there is no reason why you should miss out on your favorite program. You can access it online using the DStv Now app. You can keep watching sports, live TV, series, and movies online at no extra charge through the app.
How to Check your DStv Balance?
- First, log in to your DStv account. Then, click on the View My Balance tab under the My Account section.
- Simply dial *120*68584# and follow the prompts to check your balance. Your ID number will be required to verify the account ownership.
- Call 083 900 3788 or 011 289 2222.
How to Pay your DStv Monthly Subscription
To pay, you can use the various payment methods convenient for you to avoid missing out on your favorite shows.
Here are 6 Convenient Ways to Pay for DStv
- Pay via Debit Order
- Online Via Self Service
- USSD
- DStv Branches
- ATM
- Supermarkets
Always use your DStv customer number as a payment reference.
Conclusion
The choice of a decoder and package depends on the user’s viewing preferences and budget. From standard to high-definition options, the decoders offer a variety of features including recording capabilities, program planners, parental controls, and more.
The packages range from basic to premium, catering to diverse audiences with a wide selection of channels. The Explora Ultra, as the latest offering, brings advanced features like 4K resolution and streaming app integration, positioning it as a top choice for tech-savvy viewers and those seeking a comprehensive viewing experience.
Whether you’re a movie buff, sports fanatic, news hawk, or just enjoy flipping through a variety of channels, there’s a DSTV package perfectly curated to meet your viewing desires.
As a smart spender, assessing your viewing habits against your budget will help identify the most suitable package and get the most bang for your buck. With all of these considered, it will be pretty easy to imagine how much you could pay for your DSTV.