Here are some frequently asked questions about decoders, installations, subscriptions, payments, troubleshooting, and our business policies.
Q: What happens after installation?
A: We provide ongoing support after installation to answer any questions to help you get the most out of our satellite TV service.
Q: Do you offer installations outside of Mutare?
A: We offer free installations within a 10km radius of Mutare. For customers outside this area, we can ship the decoder via courier (approximately $7) or by bus (approximately $5). You would then need to arrange for a local installer in your area. We can assist you in finding one if needed.
Q: How much does installation cost in my area outside Mutare (e.g., Harare)?
A: Installation costs outside of Mutare are handled by local installers in your area. Their fees typically range from $10 to $20. We can help connect you with installers if needed.
Q: Do I need a satellite dish? How much does it cost?
A: Yes, you'll need a satellite dish. A standard dish typically costs between $15 and $20. If you have an existing dish installation for another service, you can decide to keep the existing installation and buy a new dish, or use the existing dish to view the new satellite required for this service.
Q: What is included when I purchase a decoder?
A: Each decoder purchase includes the activated decoder, a remote control, and a free 1-month AF-VIP subscription. The decoder you will receive has undergone activation and has installed channels ready for viewing. We also offer free installation within a 10km radius of Mutare!
Q: What is the installation process like?
A: Our experienced technicians will schedule a convenient time to install your decoder. We'll ensure optimal signal quality and provide a hassle-free setup. We can even complete installations without electricity, using battery-powered tools.
Q: What happens after installation?
A: We provide ongoing support after installation to answer any questions and help you get the most out of your satellite TV service.
Q: What if I live outside of Mutare?
A: We can ship your activated decoder via courier for approximately $7 nationwide. Delivery typically takes around 3 working days. You'll then need to arrange for a local installer in your area.
Q: How do I pay for my decoder, installation, or subscription?
A: We accept payments through all major mobile money platforms in Zimbabwe.
Q: What kind of internet connection do I need?
A: Your decoder requires a small amount of data (around 200-300 MB per month) to function correctly. This data is not for streaming; it's for the decoder to receive channel updates and other necessary information.
Q: What are my internet options if I don't have Wi-Fi?
A: We recommend purchasing a 4G/5G MiFi dongle (approximately $10-$20) and a dedicated SIM card ($1). This is the most reliable option. You can also temporarily use your phone as a hotspot, but this is not recommended long-term due to potential data usage by background apps.
Q: What channels are available?
A: We offer a wide range of channels, including sports, movies, documentaries, news, African movies, Indian channels, kids' programming, music, and more. While sports are often popular, we ensure all categories are well represented.
Q: Which satellite does the service use?
A: Our service uses the Eutelsat 36B satellite; this is not the same satellite as DSTv.
Q: Can I use my existing DSTv dish?
A: You have two options:
1) You can keep your existing DSTv installation and purchase a new dish set for approximately $15 for our service, or
2) You can use your existing dish and discontinue your DSTv subscription. The choice is yours. Keep in mind there might be slight variations in channel lineups compared to DSTv.
Q: What are the prices of the decoders?
A: We offer a variety of decoders with different features and prices. Here are some of our current models:
StarSat SR-4080HD EXTREME: $45
StarSat SR-4070HD EXTREME: $50
Digisat DX 3000 Mini: $55
Senator Tik Tok 2 Pro: $55
MediaStar MS-MINI2727 Forever: $60
Prices are subject to change. (Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information.)
Q: What's the difference between StarSat and MediaStar decoders?
A: MediaStar decoders support the newer HEVC H.265 codec, allowing for more efficient use of bandwidth and potentially more channels. They may also support more transponders, increasing the number of available channels. Some MediaStar models also come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Please visit our "Products" page for a complete list of available decoders and their specifications.
Q: Which decoder do I need to watch EPL (English Premier League)?
A: Both StarSat and MediaStar decoders can receive EPL channels, depending on your subscription package. Contact us for details on available sports packages.
Q: What decoder models do you have available and how much do they cost?
A: We offer several decoder models, including StarSat and MediaStar. Prices vary depending on the model and its features. Please visit our "Products" page for a complete list of available decoders and their prices. Also, see the other question on decoder prices.
Q: What is HEVC H.265 and why is it important?
A: HEVC H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding) is a cutting-edge video compression standard, also known as H.265. It's the successor to the widely used H.264, and it offers significant advantages in terms of video quality and file size.
Here's why HEVC H.265 is important:
Better Compression: HEVC H.265 can compress video files much more efficiently than H.264, often reducing file sizes by up to 50% while maintaining the same or even better video quality. This means you can store more videos on your devices and stream high-quality content using less bandwidth.
Higher Quality: HEVC H.265 supports higher resolutions, including 4K and even 8K Ultra HD, and offers improved colour fidelity and dynamic range. This results in a more immersive and detailed viewing experience.
Efficiency: With HEVC H.265, you can stream high-definition video with less buffering and lag, even on slower internet connections. This is especially important for live streaming and watching videos on mobile devices with limited data plans.
Future-Proofing: HEVC H.265 is designed to meet the demands of increasing video resolutions and higher frame rates. It's a future-proof technology that will continue to be relevant as video quality improves.
In simpler terms, HEVC H.265 is like a magic trick for videos. It makes them smaller without losing quality, so you can enjoy better pictures and sound with less data usage. This is especially important for streaming, where bandwidth is often limited, and for storing videos on devices with limited storage space.
Sources and related content
Q: How do I subscribe?
A: To subscribe, simply contact us via WhatsApp and send a screenshot (or accurate text) of your decoder's serial number. Then, send payment for your chosen package via mobile money. After confirming your chosen package and payment, we'll activate your subscription and send you a confirmation.
Q: What subscription packages are available?
A: We offer AF-VIP and VIP packages with various durations.
Q: What's the difference between AF-VIP and VIP subscriptions?
A: VIP subscriptions provide access to a wider range of channels across multiple satellites (e.g., Eutelsat 36B, 16A, and 7B). This requires multiple satellite dishes. AF-VIP subscriptions offer a premium selection of channels on Eutelsat 36B only.
Q: What channels are included in the VIP package?
A: The VIP package offers a wide variety of channels, including sports, movies, kids' programming, news, documentaries, and more. A full list of channels is available on our website.
Q: How much are the monthly subscriptions?
A: We offer various subscription packages to fit your needs. Please visit our "Subscriptions" page for a list of available packages and their pricing.
A: To subscribe, simply contact us via WhatsApp and send a screenshot (or accurate text) of your decoder's serial number. Then, send payment for your chosen package via mobile money. After confirming your chosen package and payment, we'll activate your subscription and send you a confirmation.
Q: Can I cancel my subscription?
A: Yes, you can cancel your subscription. However, please be aware that multiple cancellations may result in penalties, including a permanent ban from the service. These penalties are beyond our control and are implemented by our subscription service provider.
Q: What happens if I provide the wrong decoder serial number?
A: Please double-check your decoder serial number before sending it to us. If an incorrect serial number is provided and the wrong decoder is activated, we are not responsible. While the activation can be corrected, multiple corrections can lead to penalties from our service provider.
Q: How do I connect my decoder to Wi-Fi?
A: The process varies slightly depending on your decoder model:
StarSat SR-4080HD Extreme: Go to Menu > Network > Wireless Setting > Search Access Point.
MediaStar: Go to Menu > Network > Wireless Setting.
DigiSat: Go to Menu > Expansion > Network Setting > Wireless Setting > Search Access Point.
Senator: Go to Menu > Network > Wireless Setting > Search Access Point.
Q: How do I check my decoder's activation/server status?
A: Here's how to check the server status (usually Server 15) on each model:
StarSat SR-4080HD Extreme: Go to Menu > Network > Server Setting > Server 15.
MediaStar: Go to Menu > Network > Server > Server 15.
DigiSat: Go to Menu > Expansion > Network Setting > Server Setting > Server 15.
Senator: Go to Menu > Network > Server Setting > Server 15.
Q: My decoder displays "Scrambled Channel." What does this mean?
A: "Scrambled Channel" usually indicates one of two things:
1) Your subscription has expired, or
2) Your decoder has lost its internet connection. First, check your subscription status. If your subscription is active, ensure your Wi-Fi is connected and you have Internet access.
Q: How do I update my decoder's software?
A: The update process differs by model:
StarSat SR-4080HD Extreme: Go to Menu > Network > Network App > Update Online > Follow on-screen instructions.
MediaStar: Go to Menu > Apps > Update.
DigiSat: Go to Menu > Expansion > Network Application > Update > Follow on-screen instructions.
Senator: Go to Menu > Network > Active Code Menu.
Q: What IPTV options are available on my decoder?
A: Each decoder supports different IPTV platforms. Please refer to the comparison table on our "Products" page for the specific IPTV options available for each model. Note that IPTV streaming uses significantly more data than satellite TV.
Q: Can I use an HDMI splitter for XtraView or multi-room viewing?
A: We strongly discourage the use of HDMI splitters for multi-room viewing as this can be considered re-streaming, which is against terms of service and can lead to your decoder being blocked.
Q: What should I be careful about when connecting the decoder using DC?
A: When using the DC connection, please double-check the voltage and polarity to ensure it's correct. Most of our decoders use 12V DC. Moreover, damage caused by incorrect connections is not covered by the warranty. Warranty coverage is determined by the decoder manufacturer, not by us.
Q: Are there user manuals available for the decoders?
A: Yes, user guides are available for download.