There is a possibility of 3 DStv decoders to One Xtraview subscription. In this post, i will teach you how you can accomplish this. About four years ago, Dstv issued a press release informing his subscribers of the possibility of getting three independent DStv viewing environments under one subscription.
There is a minor constraint, however. In the press release, they reiterated that:
the primary decoder has to be a DStv Explora, which can be combined with another Explora or a DStv HD decoder. Older decoder models are not capable of the technical changes required to run three decoders in XtraView.
Also relevant to this: How to connect the new DStv Zappa decoder for Xtraview
Warning, Warning Warning!!
If you are not a DStv-accredited installer or professional, please do not apply this setting. I will not accept the responsibility for any damage to your decoder due to your carelessness, Negligence, or Ignorance. Be guided accordingly.
Read Also: How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra View on Various DStv Decoders
3 DStv decoders to One Xtraview Subscription:
Extract from the press releases below
MultiChoice allows customers to watch different live TV shows simultaneously in three separate rooms. DStv customers can now connect three decoders using MultiChoice’s XtraView service.
The good news is you only pay one subscription fee plus the specific amount you usually pay for Xtraview. In Nigeria, it is #2,160 Access Fee for each XtraView connection (so 2 x #2,160 for Nigerians). In other words, only the primary decoder has a subscription. The other two have an Xtraview access fee each.
“We want to equip our customers to have a great entertainment experience in their homes. The ability to connect three decoders under one subscription gives our customers more flexibility to create a setup that suits their family,” commented Mark Rayner, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.
DStv customers must use a DStv Explora decoder as their primary decoder and then link any combination of Exploras or DStv HD decoders in this three-decoder arrangement mix.
How to Combine Two Explora 3As with One Eplora 2A Under One Xtraview
According to the image above, the heartbeat communications for that 3-decoder setup will be through the SLNB. So the absence of RF ports on the 3A decoders is not a problem.
All you have to do is ensure that each decoder is set to use different user bands on the SLNB to avoid user band conflicts. You can do this by using the Quick Setup Wizard on the home network settings and selecting Decoder 2 and Decoder 3 for the 2A and second 3A, respectively.
Leave the primary 3a on its default settings for the decoder. Do each decoder separately while the others are switched off.
How to setup Explora 2A and 2 Explora 1 for Xtraview Subscription
This 3-in-one connection is pretty simple. Please follow the instructions below:
Note: The Explora 2A dislikes sharing user bands and frequencies with any other decoder in the mix.
Change your user band and frequency settings, one decoder at a time, starting with the Primary decoder.
Ensure you use a DStv smart LNB(SLNB) or a 24-1Z MS.
NB: Remember to use the associated frequencies with each user band. The values are available on the documents that came with the SLNB. You can also get them here
- Set the Primary decoder to use user band 0,1,2. This is the safest especially considering that if anything goes wrong, at least the Primary decoder stands the best chance of recovering as it is set to use the defaults.
- Then set the first secondary decoder to use 3,4,5 and the last 6,7,8
- For Xtraview to work with three decoders, there must be a Heartbeat cable connecting the decoders. The old, more reliable way is from the RF OUT on the Primary to the RF INs on the secondary decoders via a T-piece connector.
- Alternatively, you can send the heartbeat signal via the SLNB cabling. For this method to work, there has to be a Diplexer behind each Explora 1 decoder.
Important Prerequisites For 3 DStv decoders On One Xtraview Access
• The decoders, which can be used when linking three in XtraView, combine the DStv Explora and the DStv HD Decoder. The primary decoder in this XtraView set-up MUST be a DStv Explora.
• The decoders, which can be used when linking two in XtraView, combine 11 series single view decoders, DStv HD Decoder, SD PVR, HD PVRs (all models), and the DStv Explora.
• We recommend using a DStv Accredited Installer for all XtraView installations.
• The recommended installation for XtraView set-ups is a DStv Smart LNB with an 80cm or 90cm satellite dish.
• When linking decoders in XtraView, all decoders get all the channels a customer is subscribed to. For example: if a customer is subscribed to DStv Premium and DStv Indian, they’ll get all those channels on all decoders.
• Each decoder operates independently. For example: if a customer rents a movie on a PVR in their XtraView set-up, it will only be available for viewing on that one decoder. Similarly, recordings made on one decoder will only be accessible on that decoder.
About the Access Fee
The Access Fee gives our customers access to multiple viewing environments without paying additional subscriptions. It’s also flexible enough to cater to the unique needs of our customers’ households.
Two independent viewing environments:
If a customer wants to watch different live TV shows in two separate rooms simultaneously, they can connect two decoders through XtraView and pay an Access Fee.
Three independent viewing environments:
Suppose a customer wants to watch different live TV shows in three separate rooms simultaneously. In that case, they can now connect three decoders through XtraView and pay an additional Access Fee for the second XtraView connection. This means they pay two Access Fees.
How to connect 3 DStv decoders To One Xtraview Settings
Diagram showing how to connect 3 Exploras for Xtraview services: Installers only
3 x Explora configuration with a single 501 SLNB – just fantastic -HB still traditional way via RF OUT – doesn’t work through new SLNB as some suggested – UB 012/342/567/Remotes programmed 1/2/3, UHF changed for three channels.
Image for User Band Indexes’ Frequencies for the newer Smart LNB
A table showing all the various User band settings that installers can use
You can combine three Exploras, 2 Exploras, and one HD or 1 Explora and two HD decoders. Whatever your mixes are, make sure an Explora is your primary.
Where are Dstv User Band Settings Located?
User band settings need to be changed at times on the Explora decoders and also, I presume, on the HD single-view decoder models 4U and 4S.
The settings are under the menu option, Settings, Satellite Settings, and Home Network. [OK] accesses these settings.
Change the User Band and Index Settings as the specific installation method requires.
- Note that at the moment, these settings cannot be changed on the legacy SatCR capable HD PVRs ( 4 tuner, 2 tuner decoders). The SD PVR is NOT SatCR capable, so it can only be connected to the legacy ports on the SLNB and the NES.
- The sw on the PACE 4 tuner and two tuner decoders have been updated, introducing a parameter called the “switching frequency”. However, NO explanation of what this does or what the settings have to be has been made public by MC. Hence, at the moment, DIY’ers are still constrained by having to change the user band and frequency settings on an Explora when more than one decoder is connected to the Unicable ports on the SLNB.
The Legacy SatCR HD PVRs must be set as follows:
- LNB Power: Controlled LNB Mode: SatCR (Universal is best, but the standard also works.) LNB Lo-band Lo Frequency: Will default to 9750 MHz. LNB Hi-band Lo Frequency: Will default to 10700 MHz. Change this to 10600 MHz If you choose the SATCR Universal option.
- Leave the “switching frequency” alone if that parameter is available.
General Comments:
- The 2 tuners use User Bands 0 and 1; Frequencies 1210 and 1420 respectively. The four tuners use User bands 0,1,2,3, frequencies 1210, 1420, 1680, and 2040 respectively. This means that more than one legacy HD PVR cannot be connected to the Unicable ports on an SLNB or NES, because there will be a clash. (It should not be like this IF the ports are truly independent, but those that have tried have found either one or the other decoder will work, not both.) If you want to use the SLNB and the NES with two legacy decoders, one must be connected to the Legacy ports on the SLNB or NES. If a 4-tuner is connected to the legacy ports, a 2 x 4 MS will also be required. Any combination of an Explora and a legacy decoder connected to the Unicable ports requires the Explora User Bands and Frequencies to be changed from the defaults to get both to work. The 4 U and 4S decoders can be connected to Unicable or legacy ports. The other legacy decoders (SD PVR, 1110, 1131, 1132, etc.) can only be connected to the legacy ports on the SLNB and NES.
- The Explora and, presumably, the 4U and 4S only allow for 0-7 user band settings, so there are limitations when combining these decoders. Some decoders must be set to “share” a user band, and it seems the best option is to Share tuner 3 user band as the settings are “never changed”. Sharing tuners 1 and 2 between Exploras or with the 4 U and 4S leads to conflicts.
How to connect Explora 2A and two 5S/5U for Xtraview
Scenarios
1. Explora 2 as primary
2. Model 5u as secondary(no smartcard)
3. Model 5u as secondary(no smartcard)
4. From the Smart LNB(Slnb) outside Port A wire to Explora, Port B wire to secondary, and Port C wire to the third decoder.
The Explora and third decoder is playing, but the second is not working got an E16. There are no heartbeat cables cause there are no ports for it. I expected that heartbeat with model 5u decoders is working thru Slnb.
The Solution
The Explora 2A has a built-in Diplexer to transmit the HB signal to the SLNB. The %U decoders do not have RF in or RF out ports, so you cannot connect a Diplexer on their side.
Please check with DStv to ensure the third extra view has been activated and set up. Also, check the connections to the LNB to ensure no cable fault is causing the problem.
Finally, Herewith are the frequencies for the various indexes for a cross-check:
- Explora 2A User Index: O Frq: 1210 User Index: 1 Frq: 1420 User Index: 2 Frq: 1680
- HD Decoder 5U User Index: 3 Frq: 2040 User Index: 4 Frq: 1006
- HD Decoder 5U User Index: 5Frq: 1057 User Index: 6 Frq: 1108
Hi Lemmy, I have an Explora Model 2A, HD PVR 2 and a HD 8s mini decoder that I want to connect via a DSTV Switch (5-2) so I can split the signal to 3 TVs. I tried connecting both cables from the SMART LNB to the H/L and V/L inputs (both ways round), and the Explora to the A output, but the blue light doesn’t come on to indicate the switch is receiving signal. The switch is new so it should be fine. The 2nd LNB cable is connected to the B unicable output. Should this be on the Universal output?
When I connect only the A unicable from the LNB the Explora works fine.
Hi Lenny.
Please can you assist me with my setup. I have a 3 decoder setup on my premises.
2 decoders in my main house and 1 decoder in a separate granny flat. The main house has its own Dish and the Granny flat has a separate dish. The main house Dish has a twin LNB with two cables running to a DSTV Switch (Model No 24-1Z) and the Granny flat dish has an SLNB with a unicable running to the decoder in the Granny flat. The decoders in the main house is an Explora 3A and a DSTV Explora 1 and the decoder in the Granny flat is a DSTV Explora 2.
I also have a Space TV SLX-3X2 available as I used it with my previous setup.
Any assistance you can provide will greatly be appriciated.
@pierre du: this post is simply for extraview subscription. please read this other post on how you can combine decoders for extraview setup
Hi Lemmy can u plz help me with this triple view CONNECTION-EXPLORA1, MODEL5S AND MODEL4U Decoders-both the explora and the 4U decoder are connected via the diplexer since they have RF OUTPUTS but the MODEL4U decoder is showing E143-0 error message I don’t know what to do.
@Asanda: 4u always gives connection problems when paired with other decoders. it is a kinda compatibility issues that everyone is experience.
Hi Lemmy, please just a quick one, can two paired DSTV decoders be unpaired again? Thank you and waiting for your prompt response.
@Ibrahim: why will you want to unpair? Anyways, dstv should be able to help you migrate your subscriptions across decoders/accounts
I’m told at all multichoice offices here in port harcourt that the triple view is not available in Nigeria. Kindly confirm this Lemmy
@Justice: Well, everything is possible in Nigeria. Maybe they have discontinued it for nigerians.
I am having issues connecting my explora 2a and Hd 4s on extraview using a smart lnb.
I will be grateful for ur assistance. Thanks
@Demola: please read this(How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra View on Various DStv Decoders) article and this: Fix “No communication from Primary Decoder E143-0” During Xtraview Installation
How do I connect two Explora 3A and one 5s HD decoder. I want extra-view. And I have smart LNB but it gives me a serious challenge. The primary and the third decoder which is HD they are playing very well but the secondary Explora 3A which is my extra view also does not play it keeps on saying E143 and no communication from primary what could be a serious problem here. I need your help now
@Joseph: this post will help you How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
Hi sir i needs some info
3A explora primary
Extraview 3A HD
Extraview 4U HD decoder
The Smart LNB’s port A are faulty
The only heart beat r currently running through a diplexer to the 4U HD decoder. What else can i do to get a heart beat to the one 3A explora decoder as a xtraview
The port B,C are connect to the Explora decoders an the Universal port are connect on the 4U decoder
Its 4 port Smart LNB
@Andre: How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
I have explora 2 ,4s decoder and 6s decoder how can I install them for 2 extra view
@Sbuisiso: definitely Explora 2 would be the primary, 6s can also connect to smart Lnb DIRECTLY WITHOUT HEARTBEAT. i THINK YOU WILL NEED A DIPLEXER OR HB for 4s. please read this post for more clarification How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
Hi! I am having a problem with my extra view installation and would appreciate any help.
Currently the setup has 3 decoders all connected to the unicable ports on a LMX 500 Smart LNB.
The decoders are an explora model 3a as the primary decoder, an explora model 1 as the secondary and a single view hd decoder model 4u as a third decoder.
The secondary decoder (explora model 1) uses a coax two way T split which goes into the unicable and rf-in.
The third decorder (single view hd decoder model 4u) also uses a coax two way T split which goes into the unicable and rf-in ports.
The primary and secondary decoders works perfectly but the third decoder keeps on saying it’s waiting for a heartbeat from primary decoder. When I unplug my secondary decoder, my third decoder receives the heartbeat and works. When I plug the secondary decoder back in, all 3 decoders work for a while until the third decoder again requests a heartbeat from primary decoder.
@juan: explora 1 requires a diplexer. https://www.lemmymorgan.com/most-dstv-decoders-xtraview-configuration/
I am having difficulty with extraview. I get massage no signal.
I have a Explora 2A and DSTV HD 4U and it is connect to a smart (unicable) LMB.
Please could you give me direction on how to do it.
Thank you
Comment *yes morgan can advise haw to fix dfrextere
@stephen: please read this How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
I have an explora of whereby 2 decoders to sleeping room are connected.
Is it possible that a 3rd tv with a decoder to be connected to the primary explora?
Bom dia Morgan, antes de mais quero dizer que vivo em Angola conheci o seu site porque tenho interesse em trabalhar na área e tenho pouca experiência gostaria de aprender consigo agradeço a sua disponibilidade tenho muitas duvidas e muito que aprender, poderia por favor mandar o seu whatssapp?
Obrigado.
Hi Lemmy,
I have an explore and two Zappa HD decoders that I wanted connected on extra view. problem is that all dStv offices in port Harcourt claim this is not available in Nigeria. The dstv article says otherwise, so how is this possible.?
@Nosyke: You mean the 3 in one sub is not available in Nigeria?
I have a 3 decoder installation, the primary is a Explorer 2, 1st xtraview is a Explorer 2 and the 2rd is a Explorer 1.
Primary and 1st Xtraview are working fine. The second Xtraview was working until my wife tried to rent a box office movie, now it gives the message that it is waiting for the primary decoder communication and E143-4. The Explorer 1 Tuner 1/ 2/ and 3 are all solid and above 80 signal and quality. i cannot fathom out what has gone wrong.
@darren: is the explora 1 the one giving the issue?
Hi Lemmy.I have seen those articles.Notuch of help as me setup.is correct.I did however manage to fix the issue.If you get a E30-4 error than not even DSTV can clear, the problem lies with your smart card.Do a swap and your sorted.Thx anyway.
Hi Lemmy.
Been struggling with the DSTV support team.Maybe you can assist with my problem.
Setting up Exstra view.
Explora1 Unicable from Port A on LNB to LNB port on decoder
Smart Lnb (with 4unicable ports and 2 universal)
4U HD decoder Unicable From point B on LNB to LNB port on decoder
Heart beat from Rf out to both decoders.
Also checked the decoder s to be set to rf out.
Get E30-4 error.Phone multichoice to fix but they are unable to reset error.
Can see channel 100 on 4u decoder.
Reset both decoders to factory defaults.
Changes band on 4u to channel3 freq 2040.
Both decoders seem to have signal.
Prior changing this frequency it seemed to me as if tuner 1 on the Xplore signal coma and go.Not sure if this has to do with the band I changed but all signal seems to be working now on 3 tuners on explora and tuner 1 on 4u.
Still get e30-4 error on xstra view?
Any tips / advise? Hope you can assist
Thank you in advance.
@Andries: these two links will help you. [DIY Guide] How to Install your DStv Explora(1&2) yourself Using DStv Smart LNB + How to Migrate your existing DStv account to your new DStv Decoder and How to connect the new DStv HD Single View 5 Series(Zappa) Decoder to Extra-View/XtraView
Please am having two model 5s can i used the extraview.
@Juniour: You can use it with the help of a diplexer
It’s better you get the newer HD decoder or dstv explora as your primary decoder for extraview
I just bought 2 new HD decoder for dstv extraview using diplexer it worked the first day the installer installed it but now giving me error message on the secondary decoder please advice what should I do.
I called DSTv customer care and I was told the 3 views is not applicable here in Nigeria. How then can I go about getting this set up, especially with respect o the subscription bit?
@Mike: you must pay two separate extraview subscriptions in order to activate three decoders. The primary decoder will have the subscription. the secondary will have its own xtraview
Hi Lemmy. I have an explora 2 and recently connected the new 5s decoder as an extra view. I have connected as explained in your examples and both decoders picks up signal and plays, but during play on both decoders the signal often dissapears and gives us an error message stating that the signal is weak/ or due to weather or a faulty connection. Why would this be? If the explora plays on its own this error does not occur.
@Andrae: please realign your dish sir
Hi. I did do the realignment already. Signal and quality is above 85% but still loosing picture often.
@andrea: check your lnb cable for breakage and reduce the distance. Also check your lnbf
Hi. I have used explorer 1 and a 4u and a 9s for TRIPPLE view connections. I have installed with a 4 port smart lnb. Port A goes to the explorer Port B goes to the 9s port C to the 4u.The primary and the secondary are having a picture. The third one is having a e143.what can be the problem?
Hi ,how do u connect extraview using 4u and 5s decoder?thanx in advance
@Brighton, that is pretty easy. Please read this article https://www.lemmymorgan.com/new-dstv-decoder-extra-view-configuration/
Hi sir, how can I connect 3 5 S models as extra view since they have no Rf out.
Thank you in advanced.
@cmpplob : you can’t connect three 5s. However, you can connect 1 explora and two 5s
Lemmy, I have 1 x Eploraq and 2 x 5U/5S. Which channels options should use on the above you showed?
@willie: explora must be your primary decoder
please is there a minimum subscription plan applicable to the dstv explora?
Thanks
@Leke: to stand a chance of enjoying any HD channel on DStv Explora, you need to subscribe to a minimum of their compact bouquet.
Hi Lemmy
Are you familiar with the explora installations in South Africa?
@Juanita: is there any difference btw how it is done here in nigeria compared to that of SA?
I use it on my two decoder’s but I want to separate it, sir what will I do to separate it
@Oluseye: read this https://www.lemmymorgan.com/3-dstv-decoders-xtraview-settings/
pls sir i am using the type u dscribe as piracy approach but the secondary decoder is off for some time now؛ pls give me guidlines
@Alfred: YOu mean you are tricking the service? The settings I dropped here only works for official subscription sir.
Hello sir, do you have any idea on Tstv signal that stop working for some days now..
@Saintgr: read my latest article for the say forward
Still expecting a reply from you about the availability of the hello box. Pls reply
@Samorewaju: If you are talking about the v5 read thishttps://www.lemmymorgan.com/buying-satellite-products-online/
Wow sir am glad it worked but I did two connections o.. Me And my brother grooving Lolx. Thanks again for for this info!!!
Dear sir i already have 3 receivers link togehter, can i pay for any package of my choice ?
@Mark Taiwo: uyou must use the Explora as your primary decoder. Hence, it will be the one to carry the subscription
Hello Oga Lemmy pls do u know about the one which two people enjoy one subscription at two different community
@sammy: yes I know about it. But it’s more of a piracy approach. Not official
Pls can u email it to me on [email protected] ?