What’s Included in a Standard DSTV Installation? Don’t Get Caught Out

🔧 You’ve been quoted R1,000 for DSTV installation – but what are you actually getting for your money?

You’ve agreed to a price for DSTV installation. The technician arrives, installs the dish, and leaves.
But later, you discover that “cable” wasn’t included – only 5 metres, and you needed 20.
Or the wall bracket was extra. Or the LNB wasn’t the right type for your decoder.

The problem isn’t that you paid too much – it’s that you didn’t know what is included in dstv installation
before you agreed. Different installers include different things in their “standard” installation.
Without a clear dstv installation checklist, you can’t compare quotes fairly.

In this guide, I’ll give you a complete breakdown of what a genuine standard dstv installation should include.
You’ll learn exactly what to expect, what’s usually extra, and how to spot installers who are trying to cut corners.
If you’re asking “what does a dstv installation include”, you’ve come to the right place.

For installation requirements, read our
requirements guide.
For costs, see installation cost guide.
And for a complete DIY guide, read how to install DSTV.

📋 Complete DSTV Installation Checklist (What You Should Get)

Before we dive into details, here’s your dstv installation checklist – print this or save it for when you get quotes.

📦 Equipment Included in a Standard DSTV Installation

Here’s the installation scope for equipment – what you should expect to receive as part of your installation.

Satellite Dish:

• Size: 60cm diameter (standard for most of South Africa)
• Material: Steel (galvanised recommended for coastal areas)
• What to check: Confirm the dish size in your quote – some installers use smaller 45cm dishes (inadequate)

LNB (Low Noise Block):

• Type: Single LNB for one decoder, Quad LNB for multiple, Smart LNB for Explora
• What to check: Ensure the LNB type matches your decoder and future needs
• Upgrade cost: Quad LNB adds R50-R150, Smart LNB adds R100-R200

Coaxial Cable:

• Type: RG6 quad-shield (minimum) or RG6 copper core (preferred)
• Length: Typically 15-20 metres included (confirm in your quote)
• What to check: Never accept RG59 – it causes signal loss
• Extra cable cost: R20-R45 per additional metre

Mounting Hardware:

• Wall or roof mounting bracket
• Heavy-duty bolts and wall anchors
• Rubber washers for roof mounting (prevents leaks)

F-Connectors:

• Type: Compression F-connectors (not screw-on)
• Quantity: One at each cable end
• What to check: Screw-on connectors are inferior – insist on compression

Weatherproofing:

• Self-amalgamating tape for all outdoor F-connectors
• Silicone sealant for wall penetrations

🔧 Labour & Services Included in Standard Installation

The labour component of what is included in dstv installation is just as important as the equipment.

Site Assessment:

• Technician checks optimal dish location (line of sight to northeast)
• Identifies any potential issues (obstructions, roof access, cable routes)
• Confirms equipment requirements for your specific property

Dish Mounting:

• Professional mounting on wall, roof, or pole
• Secure attachment with appropriate anchors for your wall/roof type
• Weatherproofing of all roof penetrations

Cable Installation:

• Routing of coaxial cable from dish to decoder location
• Cable secured every 50cm with UV-resistant clips
• Drip loops at entry points to prevent water tracking
• Wall penetration sealed with silicone

Dish Alignment:

• Precise alignment using professional satellite signal meter (not “by eye”)
• Optimisation of azimuth, elevation, and LNB skew
• Target: 75%+ signal strength AND quality (85%+ preferred)

Decoder Connection & Setup:

• Connection of decoder to TV via HDMI
• Channel scan to populate channel list
• Software update (if available)
• Wi-Fi configuration (for Explora models)
• Showmax/Netflix login setup (if applicable)

Signal Testing & Demonstration:

• Testing of signal strength and quality on all channels
• Demonstration of decoder features
• Explanation of warranty and after-sales support

Cleanup:

• Removal of all debris, packaging, and drilling dust
• Proper disposal of old equipment (if replacing)

⚠️ What’s NOT Included in a Standard Installation (Usually Extra)

Knowing what’s typically excluded is just as important as knowing what’s included when understanding standard dstv installation.

📺 What’s Included by Decoder Type

The installation scope varies depending on which decoder you have.

HD Decoder (9S):

• 60cm dish (standard)
• Single LNB
• Basic decoder connection (HDMI)
• Channel scan
• No Wi-Fi setup (HD decoder has no Wi-Fi)

Explora 2 / Explora 3:

• 60cm or 80cm dish (80cm recommended)
• Smart LNB (required for full functionality)
• Decoder connection (HDMI)
• Wi-Fi configuration
• Showmax/Netflix login setup
• Catch Up and BoxOffice demonstration
• Recording setup (if applicable)

Explora Ultra:

• 80cm dish (recommended)
• Smart LNB (required)
• Decoder connection (HDMI)
• Wi-Fi configuration
• Voice remote pairing
• Showmax/Netflix/Amazon Prime login setup
• 4K content demonstration
• Multi-room configuration (if applicable)

🏠 What’s Included by Installation Type

Single-View Installation (1 decoder, 1 TV):

• Everything in the standard checklist above
• One cable run from dish to decoder
• Single LNB (unless upgraded)

Extra View Installation (2+ decoders, 2+ TVs):

• Quad LNB or Smart LNB (instead of Single)
• Multiple cable runs (one per decoder)
• Connection of all decoders
• Testing of independent channel selection
• Extra View activation assistance
• Excludes: Monthly Extra View fee (R105 per extra decoder)

Relocation Installation (moving existing system):

• Removal of dish from old property (if taking it)
• Sealing of old roof penetrations
• Installation at new property
• New cable run (if needed)
• Realignment and testing
• Excludes: Travel fee if moving long distance

Communal System Connection:

• Connection to existing wall outlet
• Signal testing
• Decoder setup
• Excludes: Dish, LNB, cabling (already installed by body corporate)

🚩 10 Red Flags of a Poor DSTV Installation Quote

1. No written quote: Verbal estimates only – you have no record of what was promised.
2. Unclear what’s included: Quote just says “R1,000 for installation” with no details.
3. No mention of cable length: “Cable included” but no length specified – they may use only 5m.
4. RG59 cable instead of RG6: RG59 is inferior and causes signal loss – insist on RG6.
5. Screw-on F-connectors: Professional installations use compression connectors only.
6. No warranty mentioned: Reputable installers offer 6-12 month workmanship warranty.
7. “Alignment by eye”: Professionals use signal meters – “by eye” means poor signal.
8. No mention of LNB type: You need the right LNB for your decoder (Single, Quad, or Smart).
9. No weatherproofing mentioned: Outdoor connections must be weatherproofed with self-amalgamating tape.
10. Pressure to pay full amount upfront: A deposit is fine (30-50%). Full payment before work is a scam.

❓ Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Installation

To ensure you understand what does a dstv installation include, ask these questions before agreeing.

1. “What size dish do you install?” – Should be 60cm minimum (80cm for coastal areas).
2. “What type of LNB do you use?” – Single for one decoder, Quad for multi-room, Smart for Explora.
3. “How much cable is included?” – Should be at least 15-20 metres. Ask the cost per extra metre.
4. “What type of cable do you use?” – Must be RG6 (not RG59). Quad-shield preferred.
5. “Do you use compression or screw-on F-connectors?” – Answer must be compression.
6. “Do you weatherproof outdoor connections?” – Answer must be yes (self-amalgamating tape).
7. “Do you use a signal meter for alignment?” – Answer must be yes – “by eye” is unacceptable.
8. “What warranty do you offer on workmanship?” – Minimum 6 months, ideally 12 months.
9. “What is not included in your quote?” – Ask explicitly to avoid surprises.
10. “Is the price inclusive of VAT?” – Some quote excluding VAT, adding 15% at the end.

For more questions, read our
questions to ask a DSTV installer guide.

📊 Quote Comparison: Good vs Bad Installation Quote

🛡️ Warranty & After-Sales Support

A proper standard dstv installation includes warranty protection. Here’s what to expect.

Workmanship warranty:

• Minimum 6 months (12 months preferred)
• Covers issues caused by installation (loose connections, poor alignment, etc.)
• Installer returns to fix problems at no charge
• Get warranty in writing before work begins

Parts warranty:

• 12 months on dish and LNB (manufacturer warranty)
• Installer should provide proof of purchase or warranty documentation

What’s not covered:

• Damage from storms, lightning, or power surges
• Damage from vandalism or accidents
• Signal problems caused by new obstructions (trees growing, new buildings)
• Issues caused by decoder or TV (not installation-related)

Read our guarantees page for ServiceLink SA’s warranty standards.

🌍 Regional Variations in Installation Scope

What’s included can vary by region. Here’s what to expect in different areas.

Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand):

• Standard 60cm dish usually sufficient
• Competitive market – most installers include full scope
• Gauteng services

Mpumalanga (Emalahleni, Secunda, Middelburg, Standerton):

• 60cm dish standard
• Some rural areas may need 80cm dish for fringe signal
• Travel fees may apply for remote properties
• Mpumalanga services

For location-specific services, see our pages for
Emalahleni,
Secunda,
Middelburg, and
Standerton.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About DSTV Installation Inclusions

✅ Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Paying For

Understanding what is included in dstv installation is the key to getting fair value and avoiding hidden costs.
A professional installation includes far more than just a dish on your roof – it includes quality equipment,
professional labour, weatherproofing, signal testing, and warranty protection.

Before you agree to any quote, use the checklist in this guide. Ask the questions we’ve provided.
Get everything in writing. And never assume that something is included – always ask.

Ready to get a transparent, itemised quote? Request free quotes from ServiceLink SA.
We’ll connect you with verified, accredited installers who provide clear, detailed quotes with no hidden surprises.

For more information about DSTV installation inclusions, explore our related resources:
installation requirements,
installation cost guide,
DIY installation guide,
DIY vs pro guide,
questions to ask an installer.
See our service areas page for coverage in your region.