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The short answer
A Smart LNB is the signal-receiving part on your dish arm, built so several decoders can share one dish through a single cable. DStv recommends it for the Explora and for most Extra View installations in single dwellings. It isn’t suitable for complexes and apartments, so check your building first.
The dish collects the satellite signal and focuses it onto a small device on the end of the arm. That device is the LNB (low-noise block converter). It amplifies the signal and converts it to a lower frequency that can travel down the cable to your decoder.
A basic LNB feeds one cable per decoder. That works fine for one TV. It gets awkward when you want to record on an Explora, or watch in several rooms.
A Smart LNB combines the job of a multiswitch into the LNB itself. DStv describes it as a single-cable solution, so more than one decoder can use the same cable. Each decoder is given its own slice of the signal, called a user band, so they can all tune to different channels at once.
| Basic LNB | Smart LNB | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabling | One cable per decoder, often with a multiswitch | UniCable outputs that carry several decoders’ channels on one cable |
| Multi-room | Needs extra equipment | Built for it in a single dwelling |
| Best for | One decoder and a simple setup | Explora and Extra View in a house |
| Where it won’t suit | n/a | Complexes and apartments, according to DStv |
DStv has released more than one Smart LNB model over the years. Published specifications for the newer model list 30 user bands, three UniCable outputs and one universal output. Your installer can tell you which model you have, and how many decoders it can serve. Unused UniCable outputs should be terminated properly, because an open port can cause problems.
DStv recommends the Smart LNB for all Explora installations and for most Extra View installations in single dwellings. The Explora can record while you watch something else, so it needs more from the signal than a basic decoder. Some older setups work with a different LNB, so ask an installer to look at yours before assuming you need to replace it.
DStv says the Smart LNB isn’t suitable for multiple-unit dwellings such as complexes and apartments. If you live in one, read our guide to Smart LNBs in complexes and getting approval for a dish.
None of these is proof on its own. An installer should test before replacing anything.
We install these across Gauteng. See our Smart LNB and Explora installations, including Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort and Edenvale.
It combines the job of a multiswitch into the LNB itself for a single-dwelling setup, according to DStv.
It depends on the decoder model. Ask your installer to confirm before you buy.
Not always. A sound dish can often take a new LNB. Your installer will check the dish and mount.
It depends on the weather, the quality of the installation and surge exposure. Lightning and moisture are common causes of failure. See how to protect your equipment.
It depends on the model and the job. Read our cost guide for typical ranges.
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