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Openview Help FAQ's
Openview FAQs
1. What do I get with Openview?
Local and international channels including Series, Entertainment, premium Kids & Learning channels, 24-hour A-grade blockbuster Movies, Bollywood, Reality, Sports, and News. Currently over 16 channels + 9 radio channels*, including your favourite SABC 1, 2, 3 and with e.tv (now in HD).
*Openview will, from time to time, add or remove channels to enhance our offering to our viewers.
2. How much will Openview equipment cost me?
Openview decoder prices start at R599 at leading retail stores nationwide, which is ideal if you already have a satellite dish on IS-20 satellite (pointing North-East). If you require a dish and decoder with installation, you can purchase an Openview decoder with an installation voucher (includes dish and installation) from R1499. You will pay an installer around R900 for a dish and installation (excludes decoder).
3. What if I already have a satellite dish?
If you already have a working satellite dish on IS-20 satellite (same as DSTV), you just need to buy the Openview decoder, plug it in and activate. If you have a working satellite dish not connected to the IS-20 satellite – an Openview accredited installer can be booked to reposition your dish for you. The recommended dish size in RSA is 85cm. You can go to our website to find an Openview accredited installer https://www.openview.co.za/installers
4. What if I don’t have a satellite dish?
If you have bought a decoder but have no satellite dish, you will need to contact an installer to install a dish and activate your decoder. You will pay an installer around R900 for a dish and installation (excludes decoder) OR buy a decoder with an installation voucher (includes dish and installation) from Checkers Hyper. Call the number on the voucher inside the box to book an installation.
5. Will I have to buy a new TV set?
No, you will not have to replace your current TV. Openview is compatible with all TV sets, both SD and HD, old and new.
OpenPVR FAQs
1. Is the Open PVR stick compatible with all Openview decoder models?
No, Open PVR is only compatible with the latest Openview decoder models KSTB2143, NA9200, and DSD4165.
2. Which decoder models do not have PVR functionality?
All the old legacy decoders do not have PVR functionality.
3. How do I activate the Open PVR for Openview?
• Insert the Open PVR stick into the USB port of the decoder.
• A popup screen will appear "Storage for PVR"
• Select "OK"
• Please wait until the PVR stick is configured, and PVR functionality is enabled successfully.
4. Can the Openview decoder work without an Open PVR stick?
The decoder without the Open PVR stick will not have PVR functionality, but will still work as a standard Openview decoder.
5. What memory sizes are available for the Open PVR sticks?
32GB and 64GB.
6. How much content will I be able to store on the Open PVR stick?
32GB = 8hrs of HD content; 64GB = 18hrs of HD content.
7. Will a regular USB stick purchased in retail work as PVR on the Openview decoder?
No, Only USB sticks with an Open PVR logo, purchased from our retail partners, will be able to work as PVR.
8. Can I record content on one particular Openview decoder and play the content back on another Openview decoder?
No, recorded content will only playback on the same Openview decoder on which it was originally recorded.
9. Can I use my USB stick on another Openview decoder?
Yes, this is only applicable for recording new content. You cannot play content recorded on another decoder. It is recommended that you format the Open PVR stick first if it was used on another decoder.
10. Can I record content on a particular Openview decoder and play the content back on a Laptop, PC, or any other media device?
No, content is encrypted and, as such, cannot be viewed on any other media device or PC.
11. Can I record two channels and watch one channel?
No, you can only record one channel and watch another channel.
12. Where can I buy the Open PVR stick?
The Open PVR stick can be purchased from PEP, Pick n Pay Hyper, Dion Wired, Checkers Hyper, OK Furniture, House & Home, and Makro and any of our retail partners.
13. What is the recommended retail launch price for the Open PVR sticks?
32GB Open PVR Stick will be sold at R199 at launch, and 64GB will be sold at R299 at launch.
14. Can I record all the channels?
Not at the moment. All the channels except the SABC channels can be recorded, as there is currently no agreement with SABC.
15. How do the PVR Remote buttons work?
16. How do I set up a recording schedule ahead of time?
• Press the Guide button to display the EPG screen.
• Using the Record button on the RCU, you can immediately record.
• Using the Direction Keys on the RCU, you can page through the EPG to select program you require to record.
17. Can I record events or programs starting at the same time or overlapping?
No, The decoder will prompt you to confirm which recording you would like to continue with.
For example, if you set record 1, to start at 13:00 till 14:00, and at 13:55 you start a new recording, the decoder will prompt you, asking to confirm if you would like to end the current recording.
18. How do I access my recordings or playlist?
• Press the "OPT" Button OR “PVR” button depending on the model.
• Press the Menu button.
• Press Left or Right button to find Media.
• Press OK Button.
19. How do I delete content I have already viewed?
• Press the Menu button, Scroll to Media, Recordings.
• Press the Yellow button on the RCU.
• The STB will prompt the user for action.
20. How do I monitor the amount of unused memory capacity on the PVR stick?
• Press the Menu button, Scroll to Media, Recordings.
21. For how long can I pause live TV?
15min maximum
22. Can I schedule multiple recordings using the TV Guide?
Yes, ensure that the programmes do not overlap.
23. What happens if I do not see the future TV programs on the TV Guide?
• Users can set up a recording from the Channel Banner, and Program Guide in case they can find future TV programs on the TV Guide.
• Or Call the OpenView Call Centre 0861 698 843
24. Can I still watch my recordings even when the satellite dish is not working?
Yes, as long as the content was recorded on the very same decoder.