Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all your questions about DStv decoders and packages.

Decoder and Packages FAQs

How many decoders can I connect on XtraView and is it chargeable?

You can connect 3 decoders on XtraView (Explora decoder being primary is mandatory). Yes, it is chargeable, XtraView access fee is K190 for two (2) decoders and K380 for these (3) decoders.

Where can I buy a decoder?

You can purchase a decoder from any of our MULTICHOICE BRANCHES, AGENCIES, DIRECT SALES AGENT, PEP STORES AND PICK & PAY.

Can I swap and upgrade my decoder?

Yes, you can swap same model decoder and upgrade is allowed. NB: Upgrade swaps are currently on hold.

When I lose my smartcard, can I replace it and how much do I pay?

Yes, you can replace the smartcard and it costs K95 for a replacement. NB: Smart card replacement is done on arrangement basis.

If my Decoder is faulty what happens to my subscription?

Your subscription can be suspended upon confirmation that the device is faulty (Done from the front counter). Customers in remote areas can send us an email informing us about their faulty decoder.

Can I have 2 decoders running independently on one account?

Yes, you can have 2 different agreements running independently on one account. However, you may need to maintain the same IP day for the two decoder.

What is the difference between a ZAPPA Decoder and an EXPLORA Decoder?

The DStv Explora decoder offers a recording, pausing, rewinding functionality and can record up to 110 hours, Box office, catch up & catch up plus. It also Supports HD and Dolby Atmos While the HD Zappa decoder is HD supporting but has no recording functionality, box office, catch up & catch up plus.

Can I buy and use an ULTRA Decoder in Zambia?

No, you can’t buy an Explora Ultra and use it Zambia. Explora Ultra and its feature services are currently not available in Zambia.

Can I access Showmax on my decoder in Zambia?

No, you cannot access Showmax on your decoder because this service is not available in Zambia however you can access ShowMax on any smart device.

Can I access PVR functions and catch up for free on my Explora if I pay for any package?

No, you need to pay K160 to access PVR functions and to access your Catch up you need to have an active PVR service.

How do I fix a corrupt Hard-Drive on my Explora?

You can fix a corrupt hard drive by performing an emergency recovery with the following steps:

Disconnect power cable
Press and hold P+ then plug in power cable (while P+ is pressed is pressed down)
Decoder will display ‘CODE’ (on front panel display or on the top right Conner of the TV screen)
Release P+ the press P-P+P+P- (0110)
Decoder will display ‘fU’ then press P+ to complete process.

You can press Menu (DStv Home Button)
Scroll to settings, then system settings & press Ok
Scroll down to reset decoder settings & press OK
Scroll down to reset decoder setting and format hard drive & press OK.

How many channels are on each of the following DStv Packages

Get the best in sport, latest international movies, series, reality shows, and news by subscribing to one of the following packages. Please see the link below to compare the packages.

https://www.dstv.com/en-zm/buy/compare-packages?

DSTV BOUQUETS	CHANNELS
PREMIUM	150+
COMPACT PLUS	135+
COMPACT	120+
FAMILY	95+
ACCESS	75+
DSTV LITE	27+

Can I upgrade in the middle of my subscription and will my due date change?

Yes, you can upgrade at any time and your due date will not change and you will only be charged a fee for the remaining number of days to your running subscription.

Can I downgrade if I have a running subscription?

No, you can only downgrade once your current subscription has ended but you can schedule the downgrade to your preferred package using our self-service platforms below.

DStv Website: https://selfservice.dstvafrica.com/en-zm/mydstv-sign-in

GOtv Website: https://selfservice.gotvafrica.com/en-zm/mygotv-sign-in

MyDStv App, MyGOtv App, *668#

How many Sports and Movie channels are on each package specifically?

DStv customers who enjoy watching live sports and latest block buster movies can sign up for its Premium package for the complete catalogue of SuperSport channels, including rugby and cricket, local and international movies and series, or the Compact Plus package for a subset of channels that include champions league, Premier League football as well as local football.

DSTV BOUQUETS	SPORTS	MOVIES
PREMIUM	23+	12+
COMPACT PLUS	13+	9+
COMPACT	9+	7+
FAMILY	5+	4+
ACCESS	3	3+
DSTV LITE	2	3

What M-net movie channels comprise the movie bundle?

DStv customers who enjoy watching latest block buster movies can sign up for its Premium and movie Add on other packages for the complete catalogue of movie channels.

M-NET Movies 1 HD Channel 104
M-Net Movies 2 HD, Channel 106
M-Net Movies 3 HD Channel 107

How long will I view my desired package if I make payment today?

Your viewing cycle is 30days (about 4 and a half weeks) if you pay for your subscription, we only offer monthly subscription. E.g., if you pay on the 1st of September your last day of viewing will be on the 30th of September.

Can I suspend/hold my package at my preferred time?

Monthly subscription - No, you can only suspend your Package if your decoder is faulty, and it has been declared by our technicians.

Annual subscription - Yes, you can suspend your Package 3 times in a year for up to a period of 30 Days.

Will my due date be affected if I pay in advance?

No, your due date will not change. It will be maintained and automatically renewed upon the due date.

Will my package automatically change when I pay for a different package?

No, Upgrades and downgrades are not automated. You will have to change package through the self-service (*668#, My DStv app, Facebook page DStv).

Can I pay for the channels I only want?

No, we do not have that provision now, however you can select a package that best suits your needs.