The short answer
A standard DStv setup needs a dish and bracket, an LNB, coaxial cable with connectors, a decoder with its remote, and an HDMI cable to your TV. Your installer brings the tools and the signal meter. Before they arrive, make sure you have a TV with an HDMI port and a working power point close to it.
Here’s everything that goes into a normal single-TV installation, and who usually supplies each item.
| Item | What it does | Usually supplied by |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite dish and bracket | Catches the signal from the satellite. Most homes use a dish of around 80 cm, and your installer will confirm the right size. | Installer |
| LNB | Sits on the dish arm and receives the signal. Multi-room setups use a Smart LNB. | Installer |
| Coaxial cable (RG6) and F-connectors | Carries the signal from the dish to your decoder. | Installer |
| Decoder and remote | Turns the signal into channels. For example an HD PVR or an Explora. | You, or the seller |
| HDMI cable | Connects the decoder to your TV. | Often in the decoder box |
| Power point and surge protection | Powers the decoder and protects it from surges. | You |
You don’t need to own any of this, but it helps to know why a professional visit takes the time it does.
The dish needs a clear line of sight to the satellite. Trees, walls and neighbouring buildings can all block it, and the right spot isn’t always the one that looks neatest. Your installer will check the options on the day and explain the trade-offs between a roof mount and a wall mount.
Think about these before the installer arrives, because it’s far easier to add them during the visit.
Not sure what you already have? Send us a photo of your setup and we’ll tell you what’s missing. For something more advanced, see our guide to premium satellite equipment.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pixelation or no signal in rain | Dish slightly out of line, or water in a connector | Ask an installer to check the alignment and seal the connectors |
| Signal fades gradually over months | A tree has grown into the line of sight | Trim the tree, or have the dish moved |
| One TV works, another doesn’t | A cable, splitter or connector fault on that run | Check the connections, then call an installer |
| No signal after a storm | Dish knocked out of position, or a damaged LNB | Don’t climb onto the roof. Book a professional check |
| Decoder won’t start | Power or surge damage | Try another power point, then contact support or your installer |
Not always. If you already have a dish in good condition we can often reuse it. We check it on the day.
If your decoder is old, or it doesn’t support what you want (like recording or 4K), upgrading helps. The installer can advise.
Installers normally include a standard length. Ask how many metres are in the quote so there are no surprises.
Almost any TV with an HDMI port does. Older TVs may need a different cable, so tell us what you have.
It depends on the weather, the quality of the parts and how well it was installed. A well-fitted dish and good cable can last for years, but connectors and LNBs can wear out.
Ask your installer before you buy. They can tell you what suits your setup and help you avoid the wrong LNB or cable.
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Remtech Installers · REM TECHNICIAN (PTY) LTD
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