DStv Extra View Installation: Everything You Need to Know
If you have more than one TV in your home and want to watch DStv on all of them, Extra View is the solution you have been looking for. DStv Extra View is a feature that allows you to connect up to three television sets to your DStv account, each with its own decoder, so that different people in your household can watch different channels at the same time. No more fighting over the remote -- everyone gets to watch what they want.
We install Extra View setups across Sandton and surrounding suburbs every week, and in this guide we will walk you through everything you need to know -- from how it works and what equipment you need, to pricing and the installation process itself.
How Does DStv Extra View Work?
Extra View links two or three decoders together under a single DStv subscription. Your primary decoder acts as the main unit, and the additional decoders (called secondary or extra decoders) are linked to it. Each decoder receives the full bouquet of channels that your DStv subscription allows, so someone in the lounge can watch SuperSport while someone in the bedroom watches a movie on M-Net.
The key thing to understand is that all linked decoders share the same subscription. You do not need to buy a separate DStv package for each TV -- you simply pay a monthly Extra View add-on fee for each additional decoder connected to your account.
Equipment and Requirements
Before we can set up Extra View in your home, there are a few hardware requirements that need to be in place. Here is what you will need:
Satellite Dish and LNB
Your satellite dish needs a multi-output LNB (Low Noise Block) to feed signal to multiple decoders. A standard single LNB only supports one decoder. For an Extra View setup with two decoders, you need at least a dual LNB. If you are connecting three decoders, a quad LNB is required. If your current dish only has a single LNB, we will need to upgrade it during the installation.
Additional Decoder
Each TV requires its own DStv decoder. You can use any combination of DStv Explora, Explora Ultra, HD decoder, or the newer DStv Streama. The secondary decoders do not need to be the same model as your primary decoder, though we generally recommend using at least an HD decoder for the best experience.
RG6 Coaxial Cabling
Each decoder needs its own dedicated cable run from the satellite dish to the TV point. We use RG6 coaxial cable with F-type connectors, which is the industry standard for satellite installations. RG6 cable has better shielding and lower signal loss compared to the older RG59 cable, which is important for maintaining picture quality across longer cable runs. If your home was cabled with RG59 or if the existing cables are damaged, we will replace them with new RG6 runs.
Smartcards
Each decoder has its own smartcard, and all smartcards in your Extra View setup must be registered and linked on your MultiChoice DStv account. This linking is what allows the decoders to share your subscription.
How Many TVs Can You Connect?
DStv Extra View supports up to three decoders linked together -- your primary decoder plus two additional units. This means you can have up to three TVs running DStv simultaneously in your home, each watching a different channel. If you need DStv on more than three TVs, you would need to look at a separate subscription for the additional sets.
The Linking Process
Once all the hardware is installed and cabled, the decoders need to be linked on the DStv system. This involves:
- Registering all decoder smartcard numbers on your MyDStv account
- Adding the Extra View feature to your subscription
- Running the linking wizard on each decoder to pair them together
- Confirming that all decoders are receiving the correct channels
We handle this entire process during the installation, including contacting DStv to activate the service if needed. The linking typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes once all hardware is in place.
Extra View vs XtraView Activation via the DStv App
There is sometimes confusion between traditional Extra View and the newer self-service XtraView activation available through the MyDStv app. With the app, you can link compatible decoders yourself by navigating to the Extra View section and following the on-screen prompts. This works well if your cabling and LNB are already set up correctly.
However, the app-based activation only handles the software side -- it links the decoders on the DStv system. It does not install cables, upgrade your LNB, or mount additional TV points. If your home is not already cabled for multiple decoders, you will still need a professional installation before the app activation will work. That is where we come in.
Pricing
Our Extra View installation pricing starts from R1,500, which covers the labour, cable routing, LNB upgrade if needed, and the linking of your decoders. The exact price depends on factors like cable run length, whether we need to drill through walls, and whether your existing dish and LNB need upgrading.
On top of the installation cost, DStv charges a monthly Extra View add-on fee of approximately R120 per month on your subscription for each additional decoder. This is billed directly by DStv and is separate from the installation fee.
For a detailed breakdown of all our installation options, visit our services page.
Our Service Area in Sandton
We provide Extra View installations throughout Sandton and the surrounding suburbs, including Bryanston, Rivonia, Morningside, Sandhurst, Benmore, Illovo, Hyde Park, Fourways, Lonehill, and Paulshof. Whether you live in a house, townhouse complex, or apartment block, we have the experience to get your Extra View setup running smoothly.
If you are not sure whether your home is ready for Extra View or what equipment you might need, we are happy to do a quick assessment. Just give us a call or send a WhatsApp and we can advise you before booking an installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DStv charge for Extra View?
DStv charges approximately R120 per month as an Extra View add-on fee for each additional decoder linked to your account. This is added to your regular monthly subscription. The physical installation to cable and set up additional decoders is a separate once-off cost starting from R1,500. Visit our Extra View page for more details on what is included.
Can I add Extra View myself?
You can activate the Extra View linking yourself through the MyDStv app if your home is already cabled with separate RG6 runs to each TV point and you have a multi-output LNB on your dish. However, if you need new cables run, an LNB upgrade, or additional TV wall points installed, you will need a professional installer. Incorrect cabling or a misaligned dish will cause signal issues that are difficult to troubleshoot without the right tools.
Do I need a separate subscription for each decoder with Extra View?
No, that is the whole point of Extra View. All linked decoders share a single DStv subscription. You only pay the monthly Extra View add-on fee (around R120) for each additional decoder. Each decoder can watch a different channel simultaneously, but they all have access to the same bouquet of channels included in your package.
Ready to Get Extra View Installed?
If you are in Sandton or the surrounding areas and want to get DStv Extra View set up in your home, we are ready to help. Our installations are clean, professional, and we make sure everything is working perfectly before we leave.
Call us on 077 454 4032 or send a WhatsApp to book your installation. You can also reach us through our contact page if you prefer to send a message. We typically respond within the hour and can often schedule same-week installations.
Need Help with Your DStv?
Our accredited installers provide same-day service across Sandton. Call us for a free, no-obligation quote.