--- title: "FAQ" url: https://dstvinstallations-sa.co.za/faq/ date: 2025-06-12 modified: 2025-06-12 author: "admin" --- # FAQ Answers to the questions we are asked most about DStv installation, repairs and pricing in Gauteng. ## Installation ### How much does a new DStv installation cost in Gauteng? A standard single-view DStv installation starts from R650 and typically ranges up to R1 400 depending on dish size, cable length and access. We provide a fixed written quote before starting any work. ### How long does a DStv installation take? Most single-view installations take 60–90 minutes. Extra View and multi-room setups take 90–150 minutes. ### Do I need to be home for the installation? Yes — we need access to the roof, the room with the decoder and someone to sign off. If you can't be there, a house-sitter over 18 with your permission is fine. ### Do you supply the dish and cable? Yes. All our installation quotes include a brand-new 80cm dish, Smart LNB, bracket, up to 20m of RG6 cable and all fittings. ### Can you install DStv on a thatch roof? Yes. We use pole-mount or side-of-wall brackets so the thatch is never penetrated. ### Do you install on face-brick and double-storey homes? Yes — we carry ladders and safety equipment for double-storey work at no extra charge. ## Repairs ### My DStv shows E48-32 — what does that mean? E48-32 usually means no signal from the dish. It is most often a dish alignment issue, damaged cable, faulty LNB or a loose connector. We diagnose and fix it on the first visit. ### My DStv shows E16 — what does that mean? E16 means your subscription has expired or the smartcard is not authorised. We can help re-authorise or contact MultiChoice on your behalf. ### How much is a DStv call-out? Our call-out fee starts at R450 and is included in the repair price if you go ahead with the work. ### Do you repair on weekends? Yes — we operate 24/7 including weekends and public holidays. ### How quickly can you fix a no-signal issue? Same-day in almost every case if you book before midday. Emergency slots are available 24/7. ## Extra View ### What is DStv Extra View? Extra View lets you watch different channels on a second (or third) decoder using one active subscription. A small monthly Extra View fee applies to MultiChoice. ### Can I install Extra View myself? You can add the decoder yourself, but MultiChoice requires the decoders to be linked and the cabling to be correct. A misconfigured Extra View usually causes E48-32 errors. ### How many decoders can I connect on Extra View? With a Smart LNB you can link up to 3 decoders (1 primary + 2 Extra View). ### Does Extra View need a Smart LNB? Yes — a Smart LNB (or a DStv Smart Switch) is required for Extra View to work reliably. ## Pricing ### Do you charge a call-out fee? There is a R450 call-out fee which is deducted from the invoice if you accept the repair or installation quote. ### Do you offer written quotes? Yes — every job is quoted in writing before we start, and we do not add any surprise costs afterwards. ### Do you offer discounts for pensioners? Yes — a 10% discount is available for pensioners on production of an ID. ### Do you take card payments? Yes — we accept card, EFT, SnapScan and cash on completion. ## Signal ### Why does my DStv lose signal when it rains? Heavy rain absorbs satellite signal — this is called rain fade. A properly aligned dish with a signal quality above 80% will only lose signal in the heaviest storms. ### Can trees affect my DStv signal? Yes — the dish needs a clear line of sight to the satellite (north-east in South Africa). Growing trees are a very common cause of gradually worsening signal. ### What signal strength should I have? Signal strength should be above 70% and signal quality above 80% on all transponders. Below that you will get intermittent E48-32 errors. ### Do I need a bigger dish for better signal? In Gauteng an 80cm dish is sufficient. Upgrading to a 90cm dish is only needed in problem areas or for extreme rain-fade sensitivity. ## Appointments ### How do I book an appointment? Call 082 646 8234, WhatsApp us or fill in the online booking form. You'll get a confirmation with a two-hour arrival window. ### Can I book after hours? Yes — we operate 24/7 and take bookings any time of day or night. ### Do you send SMS confirmations? Yes — you receive an SMS with the technician's name, vehicle and ETA. ## Coverage ### Which areas do you cover? We cover all of Gauteng including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, the East Rand and the West Rand. ### Do you cover Vaal Triangle? Yes — Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Meyerton and surrounding areas are covered. ### Do you charge extra for far areas? We include travel within Gauteng in our quotes. A small distance surcharge may apply beyond a 40km radius from Johannesburg. ## Commercial ### Do you install DStv in offices and boardrooms? Yes — we install DStv, TV wall mounts and sound systems in boardrooms, reception areas and staff canteens. ### Do you handle communal DStv for complexes? Yes — we design, install and maintain SMATV / communal systems for complexes and apartment blocks. ### Can you install DStv in a guest house or lodge? Yes — we specialise in multi-room hospitality installs with per-room decoders and centralised distribution. ### Do you invoice with VAT? Yes — full VAT invoices with company details are issued for every commercial job. ## Decoder ### Which decoders do you install? We install and support HD PVR, Explora 1, 2 and 3, Streama and Ultra decoders. ### My decoder keeps rebooting — can you fix it? Yes — this is usually a software issue, power supply fault or hard-drive failure. We diagnose on site and quote before repairing. ### Can you recover recordings from a faulty Explora? In many cases yes — we can attempt hard-drive recovery on request. ### Do you sell decoders? Yes — we supply new and refurbished decoders with warranty. ## Weather ### Will heavy wind damage my dish? Correctly bracketed dishes handle Gauteng thunderstorms fine. Dishes tilted by wind can be re-aligned quickly. ### Should I cover my dish in storms? No — the dish is designed to be exposed. Covering it can trap moisture and damage the LNB. ### What is rain fade? Rain fade is temporary signal loss caused by heavy rain absorbing satellite signal on its way to your dish. ## Alignment ### How is dish alignment done? We use a professional satellite meter to peak azimuth, elevation and LNB skew for the strongest and cleanest signal. ### How often should my dish be re-aligned? Only when something changes — a storm, roof work, new building next door, or after a repair. A well-installed dish rarely needs re-alignment. ### Can wind knock the dish out of alignment? Yes — strong gusts and hail can shift dishes. We re-peak alignment as part of any repair visit. ## TV Mounting ### Can you mount any size TV? Yes — from 32" up to 85" on brick, drywall or concrete walls. ### Do you hide the cables? Yes — cables can be routed inside the wall or hidden in colour-matched trunking. ### Do you supply the bracket? Yes — fixed, tilting and full-motion brackets are all available and included in the quote. ### Can you mount a TV above a fireplace? Yes — with a tilting or full-motion bracket for comfortable viewing. ## General ### Are you accredited DStv installers? Yes — our technicians are accredited and carry full public-liability insurance. ### Do you offer a workmanship guarantee? Yes — every installation is backed by a written workmanship guarantee. ### Do you help activate DStv subscriptions? Yes — we can activate, resubscribe or upgrade packages on your behalf with MultiChoice. **Call 082 646 8234** or [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/27826468234) — open 24 Hours • 7 Days a Week.