Hardware FAQs

All DStv satellite installations make use of a LNB (low-noise block down converter). The LNB is the receiving “arm” that you see mounted on your satellite dish. It collects radio waves from the dish and converts these into a signal which your decoder can understand. There are many types of LNBs, ranging from a single LNB (used with our single view decoders) to quad LNBs and UniCable LNBs. 

The DStv Smart LNB has been specially designed and manufactured for DStv to meet the growing needs of our non-commercial installations. It is not suitable for Multiple Unit Dwellings (like complexes and apartments). 

MultiChoice recommends the DStv Smart LNB for all DStv Explora and most XtraView installations (when installed in a Single Unit Dwelling, i.e., where customers make use of their own satellite dish). 

From a technical viewpoint, the DStv Smart LNB combines the features of a DStv Switch into a single UniCable LNB and offers a single cable solution for distribution of multiple satellite signals. 

We launched the DStv Smart LNB with the LMX500 model, and in May 2016, will be replacing this with the LMX501. 

Model LMX500 - has 24 user bands, 4 UniCable outputs and 2 Universal outputs. 

Model LMX501 – has 30 user bands, 3 UniCable outputs and 1 Universal output.