At a glance
| DStv | OpenView | |
|---|---|---|
| About | MultiChoice's satellite platform and by far the most-installed decoder range in South Africa — from the entry HD decoder up to Explora Ultra. | The subscription-free satellite alternative — you buy the decoder and dish once and pay nothing monthly. |
| Origin | South Africa | South Africa |
| Popular lines | Explora Ultra, Explora 3, HD Decoder (DSD 1131), DStv Streama, Smart LNB | OpenView HD decoder, OpenView-ready 60cm dish kits |
Where DStv wins
- The widest channel line-up available locally
- Explora Ultra adds streaming apps alongside satellite
- Smart LNB support means Extra View on one cable
- Hardware and smart cards are available countrywide
Where OpenView wins
- No monthly subscription at all
- Uses the same dish sizes and installation skills as DStv
- A genuinely low-cost option for a second property
- Free-to-air channel line-up keeps growing
Which should you choose?
Honestly: it depends on your property, how many rooms you need and your budget — the right answer for a single-lounge household is different from a four-room home or a guesthouse. We install both DStv and OpenView, so the recommendation you get from us is based on what fits, not what's on the shelf.