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MultiChoice reveals two very different set-top boxes

There has been a lot of commotion from MultiChoice this afternoon as it unveiled a slew of new programming, a new Showmax subscription tier and a few new products.

There are two new decoders coming to local stores, but the two could not be any more different.

The first is the Explora Ultra pictured above.

The decoder has similar features to that of the regular Explora although now you can stream from third party apps among other things. You are also able to view content in 4K with Dolby Atmos where supported.

You can see a break down between the older Explora and this new model below.

Name & Model DStv Explora (Model 3A) DStv Explora Ultra
Recommended Retail Price R999 (without installation)
R1 999 (with installation)
Price to be announced at launch
Decoder Insurance R35 per month.
NMS Insurance Services (SA) Ltd is a licenced microinsurer and authorised financial services provider. FSP License Number 48754. A subsidiary of MultiChoice Group Ltd.
R49 per month. NMS Insurance Services (SA) Ltd is a licenced microinsurer and authorised financial services provider. FSP License Number 48754. A subsidiary of MultiChoice Group Ltd.
Physical appearance · Black
· Smartcard slot on the side
· DStv Explora (Model 2A/3A) appears on front panel
· No front panel display
· Black
· No smartcard
· DStv Explora Ultra appears on the front panel
· No front panel display
Packaged with · Mini smartcard inserted into the decoder
· HDMI cable
· Power supply
· A7 remote with batteries
· HDMI cable
· Power supply
· A9 remote with batteries
Recording capacity Up to 110 hours Up to 110 hours
Features (with no internet connection) Pause Live TV for 2 hours

Catch Up

BoxOffice

8 day TV Guide

Parental Control

Interactive apps (SuperSport, News24, Weather)

Pause Live TV for 2 hours

Catch Up

BoxOffice

8 day TV Guide

Parental Control

Interactive apps (SuperSport, News24, Weather)

Features (when connected to the internet) Catch Up Plus* (only available to DStv Premium)

Showmax (separate subscription required)

DStv Now (including DStv Catch Up)

Showmax (separate subscription required)

3rd party apps (some may require separate subscription)

XtraView Requires no heartbeat cable if linked to selected (newer) decoders via a DStv Smart LNB.
Requires heartbeat cable to the original DStv Explora or older decoders even if installed with a DStv Smart LNB.
Requires no heartbeat cable if linked to selected (newer) decoders via a DStv Smart LNB.
Requires heartbeat cable to the original DStv Explora or older decoders even if installed with
Installation 80cm dish, DStv Smart LNB 80cm dish, DStv Smart LNB
Internet Connection Via external USB DStv WiFi Connector or Ethernet cable Built in WiFi (802.11b/g/n/ac)
Can also be connected via Ethernet cable
Video quality Supports 720p, 1080i Supports 720p, 1080i, 4K
Audio quality Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
User Bands 32 32
Plug 2 pin plug 2 pin plug
USB Ports 2 1

 

Unfortunately there is no pricing for the DStv Explora Ultra as of time of writing.

The second piece of kit bearing the DStv insignia is the Streama.

What is the Streama? Simply put it’s a set-top box from Skyworth.

However, it’s a bit more complex than that as well.

In order to use the DStv Streama you will need a DStv login. Not an active DStv subscription mind you, just the login.

The box uses the RDK platform because “it enables us to deliver the best entertainment experience for our customers whilst enabling flexibility and security,” according to MultiChoice.

Because of this the apps on the Streama appear limited to DStv, Showmax, YouTube, Joox, SuperSport app and the People’s Weather App.

You are able to stream content from DStv through the Streama so this protection makes sense.

You can see the specs of the Streama below. There is no word on pricing or availability as of yet.

Manufacturer Skyworth
Chip AMLogic S905X2 Quad Core
Memory 2GB DDR4
Storage 8GB
WiFi Dual band WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
LAN 100Mbps
Bluetooth Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 (for remote only)
Output HDMI 2.1, SPDIF
Audio Dolby Atmos 5.1.2, Dolby Digital plus, HE-AAC
Input USB, power
Support 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), Supports BT.2020 Wide Color Gamut
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