DStv Signal Problems – 10 Most Common Signal Problems

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Why you loose signal on your DStv?

I ran into many clients who wondered why their DStv lost the signal. Many factors can influence your loss of DStv signals that I will discuss. Before I get into the details, let me briefly explain why you can suddenly lose the signal. 

As the name DStv stands for (Digital Satellite Television), it uses digital signals. A digital signal can only take on one value from a finite set of possible values at a given time. That means the DStv signal is either on or off at any given time. Therefore you can lose signal anytime without any physical warning that shows a signal drop like in analog TV. Whereby you will start seeing snowing pictures meaning your TV signal is dropping. However, your digital signal is measurable to see how much strength and quality signal you are receiving.

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10 Common Causes For DStv Signal Problems

Here is a list and explanations of the main factors that may cause your DStv signal problems.

  1. Satellite Dish out of alignment. To receive a clear, uninterrupted signal, your satellite dish must have the correct horizontal and vertical dish alignment. Therefore when the satellite dish is out of alignment by a very few inches or degrees, it causes your DStv to lose signal.
  2. Faulty LNB. The LNB is that receiver mounted in front of your satellite dish. It collects radio waves from the satellite dish and converts these into a signal that can be understandable by your decoder. Usually, these LNB’s affected by things like electrical shock, lighting, and water damage. As a result, you lose the DStv signal.
  3. Faulty or Worn out cables. Usually, the exposed part of the cable connected to the dish will wear out due to its exposure to the sun. Then causes water to penetrate through into the coaxial cable and causes a short circuit and loss of signal. Lighting and electrical faults can also be a damaging factor of your coaxial cables. 
  4. Wrong Connections/Installation. Some DStv systems use equipment like splitters, switches, diplexers, etc. Wrongfully connecting these pieces of equipment may result in signal problems. In addition, using materials that do not meet industry standards also causes signal issues. That is why, Multichoice recommends using professional DStv installers to perform all your connections.
  5. Blocked line of the signal. The positioning of the satellite dish must be clear from obstructions like buildings and trees. In some cases, a satellite dish is installed while a tree is still young and then with time, it grows to a point where it starts to block signals. It is also similar to the buildings built in front of the installed satellite dish and suddenly affects the line of the DStv signal.
  6. Corrupt Decoder Software. Sometimes everything on the installation side will be okay except for the decoder not receiving signals due to corrupt software. Resetting or Upgrading the decoder usually resolves this issue. If not, the decoder might need replacement.
  7. Incorrect Settings. Wrong settings especially on decoders connected to the Extra View setup causes you to loose signal. When using a Smart LNB or Switch, each decoder on the system must have its user band frequencies. When decoders share the same user band frequency, you will lose the DStv signal on other TV channels. Another common issue is whereby you choose incorrect LNB and satellite settings. DStv uses Intelsat 20 (IS20) satellite, and the LNB settings depend on the LNB type you are using on your dish.
  8. Fault Decoder Signal Port. Several factors can affect your decoder signal port and cause it not to receive a signal. This includes electrical shock elements like lightning, faulty cables, and load-shedding. Those who stay close to the sea may also face the challenge of corrosion caused by sea salts.
  9. Rust. Rust is also a common problem, especially for those who stay closer to the sea or in areas with a lot of rainfall. It can destroy the dish to a point where it has holes and affects signal reception. The bolts can also become loose and cause the satellite dish to be out of alignment. Cables with joins can also rust on the joins. In addition, if the coaxial cable wears out, the wires inside become exposed to rust and break. Then the signal will not be able to pass through. 
  10. Bad Weather. DStv signals may be weak or lost due to storms and heavy clouds. In most instances, when the bad weather clears, your TV comes back to normal on its own. However, some rains can contain heavy winds that may shift your satellite dish’s position. More so, lightening may destroy some or all of your DStv installation equipment and as a result, your DStv loose signal.

Certain things you can do to avoid signal problems.

Here are some tips I have compiled for certain things you can do to avoid missing out on your favourite shows due to signal problems.

  • Install your satellite dish on a site free from obstacles like trees and tall buildings.
  • Make sure that you correctly install your satellite dish and tightly fasten it.
  • Change your DStv cables regularly (usually in about 2 to 3 years).
  • Change LNBs affected by weather elements or any other damages (LNBs can last up to 5 years, although many factors can reduce the lifespan)
  • Use high-quality standard DStv installation equipment such as an aluminium satellite dish.
  • Avoid joins on your DStv cables.
  • Install sage and lightning protectors.
  • Correctly do your connections and settings (hire professional DStv Installers to avoid unnecessary problems) 

DStv Professional And Accredited Installers

As experts in satellite dish installation and repair, we can help you with sustainable signal solutions. Simply get in touch on 069 557 3655 to arrange for one of our technicians to come and visit your property for inspection.

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