If you’re looking to install DStv in Pretoria, chances are you’ve heard the terms Explora and Extra View floating around quite a bit. But what exactly do they mean, and how do you figure out which one’s the right fit for your home? Whether you’re setting up a new TV system, upgrading your existing setup, or simply trying to get a grip on how to watch your favourite shows on multiple screens, this guide will clear up the confusion. We’ll break down what Explora and Extra View are, how they differ, and what kind of viewer or household each serves best across South Africa.
What Exactly Is the DStv Explora?
The DStv Explora is MultiChoice’s flagship decoder, the powerhouse of their lineup. It’s not just a decoder; it’s your full entertainment hub. The Explora doubles as a personal video recorder (PVR), a streaming centre, and a gateway to on-demand content all wrapped into one. For South Africans who like to watch TV on their own terms, it’s a game-changer — letting you pause live TV, record multiple shows simultaneously, and catch up on missed episodes whenever you want.
One of the biggest perks of the Explora is that it supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Showmax alongside traditional satellite channels. If you have one of the newer models, you can even enjoy 4K Ultra HD content, which really makes a difference on bigger screens. Essentially, the Explora is the main decoder for your household — delivering the full DStv experience in one box.
So, What Is Extra View Then?
Extra View is quite different from the Explora. It’s not a decoder by itself but a service that lets you watch DStv on multiple TVs without paying for multiple full subscriptions. This feature is especially popular in South African households where families want to enjoy DStv in different rooms without the added monthly costs.
How does it work? You need a primary decoder, usually an Explora, to handle all the recording, streaming, and subscription management. Then you can add one or more secondary decoders in other rooms — often simpler HD decoders or Zappers. The key catch is that with Extra View, only one TV can watch or record at a time because the secondary decoders share the subscription signal from the main Explora.
Key Functional Differences Between Explora and Extra View
Now, what are the main functional differences between DStv Explora and Extra View when it comes to viewing and recording? The Explora is a full-featured PVR that can record multiple channels, stream content, and offer advanced features like Catch Up and BoxOffice. In contrast, Extra View secondary decoders do not support recording or streaming apps — they’re designed to provide basic live TV access on additional screens.
Recording and streaming capabilities are thus the biggest division here: the Explora lets you watch, pause, rewind, record, and stream, while Extra View is purely about sharing your subscription to watch live TV on multiple sets, usually with a simpler decoder.
How Does Extra View Work With Explora? Setup Requirements Explained
Extra View depends on the Explora as the main decoder, meaning they’re almost always used together in South African homes that want multiple TVs. Setting up Extra View requires a Smart LNB on your satellite dish — this special device helps split and deliver the satellite signals correctly to multiple decoders.
Sometimes, depending on your home’s wiring, you might also need additional cables, like heartbeat cables, which help the decoders communicate with each other and manage the subscription sharing. Because the setup can be a bit technical, professional installation is highly recommended to avoid signal or compatibility issues.
Can You Use Multiple Explora Decoders in an Extra View Setup?
Many people wonder if they can use multiple Explora decoders with Extra View to get recording capabilities on every TV. The answer is: technically, yes, but it’s not straightforward or common. Extra View is designed primarily for one Explora with simpler secondary decoders. Using multiple Exploras may cause compatibility issues and increase costs, so for most South African households, the typical setup is one Explora plus Extra View secondary decoders.
Cost Considerations: Explora vs Extra View in South Africa
Cost plays a big role in deciding between Explora and Extra View. The Explora decoder itself is pricier upfront but offers extensive features. Extra View requires an extra connection fee but allows multiple TVs to share your main subscription, which saves money on monthly subscription costs.
Installation costs can also vary, especially in South Africa, where adding a Smart LNB or extra wiring for Extra View might increase expenses. Many people opt to hire certified installers to ensure the dish alignment and connections are perfect, especially since Extra View setups require precise communication between devices.
Who Should Choose the Explora?
If you live in South Africa and mainly watch DStv on one primary TV, the Explora is your best bet. It’s ideal for viewers who want to record shows, pause live TV, and enjoy streaming services all in one place. If you prefer a tech-forward experience with the latest features and premium picture quality, the Explora is a solid investment.
For households where most viewing happens together or where users don’t mind sharing one screen, the Explora’s capabilities will cover all needs, including Catch Up and BoxOffice apps.
Who Benefits Most From Extra View?
Extra View shines in South African homes where multiple TVs need access to DStv, but paying for full subscriptions on each set isn’t feasible. It’s a cost-effective way to get DStv in several rooms, as long as the household accepts that only one TV can be watched or record at a time.
Families who want basic live TV access in other rooms without the bells and whistles of recording or streaming on those TVs will find Extra View very practical.
Installation and Compatibility: What You Need to Know
Explora requires a standard setup with the usual LNB and cabling, but Extra View demands a Smart LNB for managing multiple decoders. You’ll also want to check if your existing cables can support the setup, as poor connections can cause signal issues, especially in South African homes with older wiring.
Also, while Extra View supports most basic HD decoders as secondary devices, some feature limitations exist. For example, non-Explora decoders on Extra View won’t have access to Catch Up, BoxOffice, or streaming apps — that’s reserved for the main Explora.
Troubleshooting and User Experience Differences
User experience between the Explora and Extra View setups can differ. The Explora offers a unified interface with advanced menus, remote control options, and parental controls, while Extra View secondary decoders provide a simpler user interface focused on live TV.
Remote control features and parental locks may be more limited on Extra View devices. Troubleshooting signal or recording issues is often easier on the Explora, given its smart diagnostics. Households in South Africa using Extra View might face occasional syncing or signal problems that require a professional installer’s intervention.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Setup for Your South African Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between DStv Explora and Extra View in South Africa. If you want a feature-rich, powerful decoder for your main TV, Explora is the clear winner. But if your family wants DStv on multiple TVs without paying multiple subscriptions, Extra View is a smart and budget-friendly solution.
Many South African households actually use both: the Explora powering the main viewing experience, and Extra View extending that to other rooms. Just remember, proper installation and the right equipment — especially a Smart LNB — are key to getting the best signal and experience. By understanding how these two options work, their differences in functionality, setup needs, costs, and who benefits most, you can make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle perfectly — wherever you are in South Africa. Meanwhile, check out our blog about which type of Explora decoder is suitable for you.
FAQ
What is the DStv Explora decoder?
The DStv Explora is MultiChoice’s flagship decoder that combines satellite TV, personal video recording, and streaming services into one device. It allows you to pause live TV, record multiple shows simultaneously, and access apps like Netflix and Showmax.
What is DStv Extra View and how does it work?
Extra View is a service that lets you watch DStv on multiple TVs using one subscription by linking secondary decoders to a primary Explora. It allows only one TV to watch or record at a time, sharing the subscription signal across rooms.
What are the main differences between DStv Explora and Extra View?
Explora is a full-featured PVR and streaming hub, while Extra View is a subscription-sharing service for multiple TVs with simpler decoders that don’t record or stream. Explora supports advanced features and apps, whereas Extra View focuses on cost-effective live TV access in additional rooms.
Can I use a DStv Explora and Extra View together in South Africa?
Yes, the Explora acts as the primary decoder in an Extra View setup, with secondary decoders connected to it for additional TVs. Proper equipment like a Smart LNB and sometimes heartbeat cables are needed for smooth operation.
Which DStv setup is better for recording shows: Explora or Extra View?
The Explora is better suited for recording since it can record multiple channels and offers on-demand features, while Extra View secondary decoders do not support recording. If recording on multiple TVs is important, a single Explora or multiple Exploras are necessary.
What equipment is needed for a DStv Extra View setup (e.g., Smart LNB, heartbeat cable)?
A Smart LNB is essential to split satellite signals for multiple decoders in an Extra View setup, and depending on your home wiring, heartbeat cables may be needed to connect decoders. Professional installation is recommended to ensure everything communicates properly.
Is Extra View suitable for watching different DStv channels on multiple TVs simultaneously?
No, Extra View only allows one TV to watch or record at a time since all secondary decoders share the same subscription signal. If you want to watch different channels on multiple TVs simultaneously, multiple full subscriptions or multiple Explora decoders are required.
Who should choose a DStv Explora?
The Explora is ideal for users in South Africa who want a powerful all-in-one decoder with recording and streaming capabilities on one main TV. It suits tech-savvy viewers who enjoy flexibility, on-demand content, and high-quality viewing.
Who benefits most from a DStv Extra View setup?
Extra View is perfect for families or households in South Africa that want DStv on several TVs without paying for multiple subscriptions. It works well where only one screen needs to be used at a time and recording is done on the primary Explora.
What are the costs involved with DStv Explora vs. Extra View in South Africa (decoder price, access fees)?
The Explora has a higher upfront cost but offers advanced features, while Extra View adds an extra connection fee but lowers monthly subscription fees by sharing a main package. Installation costs may vary depending on equipment and home setup.
Do DStv Explora decoders support streaming apps like Netflix and Showmax?
Yes, Explora decoders support popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Showmax alongside traditional DStv channels. This makes them versatile for viewers who want both satellite and streaming content in one device.
Is professional installation required for DStv Extra View in South Africa?
Professional installation is highly recommended for Extra View setups in South Africa to ensure the Smart LNB and any necessary heartbeat cables are correctly installed and the system works seamlessly. Proper installation helps avoid signal and compatibility issues common with DIY setups.