Shopping for a DStv LNB and want to know the current prices? The LNB (Low Noise Block) is the small device mounted at the front of your satellite dish — it receives the signal from the satellite and feeds it to your decoder. Different DStv setups need different LNB types, and the price range is wide. Here is a complete guide to DStv LNB prices in South Africa for 2026.
DStv LNB Prices at a Glance (2026)
- Standard single LNB — R80–R150. For a single-view decoder on one TV. The cheapest option but only works with non-Explora decoders.
- Twin LNB — R150–R250. Feeds two cable runs from one dish. Used for two separate decoders without a Smart LNB.
- Quad LNB — R200–R350. Four outputs for four separate decoders. Common in older multi-room setups.
- DStv Smart LNB — R350–R600. Required for any Explora or Explora Ultra decoder. Carries all frequencies on a single cable using SCD2 technology.
- Smart LNB (Inverto wideband) — R400–R650. Third-party equivalent; check compatibility before buying.
Prices are approximate 2026 South African retail. Installation labour is additional — see our DStv installation price guide for full costs.
Which LNB Do You Need?
Single LNB
If you have one DStv HD decoder connected to one TV, a standard single LNB is all you need. It is the most affordable option and is included in basic DStv installation kits.
Smart LNB (for Explora)
If you own or plan to buy a DStv Explora, Explora Ultra, or any setup with ExtraView, you must use a Smart LNB. The Explora requires wideband signal delivery that a standard LNB cannot provide. Without a Smart LNB, the Explora will show limited channels, fail to record, or throw signal errors.
Twin or Quad LNB
If you run multiple non-Explora decoders from the same dish (common in guesthouses and older multi-room setups), a twin or quad LNB provides separate cable outputs for each decoder. Each output is independent — no switching or signal sharing needed.
Where to Buy a DStv LNB
- DStv retailers — Takealot, Game, Makro, HiFi Corp, Incredible Connection
- Satellite equipment suppliers — Ellies, Communica, Matrix Warehouse
- Your installer — most DStv installers carry LNBs and can supply and fit in one visit
Signs Your LNB Needs Replacing
LNBs degrade over time, especially in coastal areas like Cape Town where salt air accelerates corrosion. Common signs of a failing LNB:
- Frequent E48 no-signal errors that weren’t happening before
- Signal drops only on certain transponders (some channels work, others don’t)
- Excessive rain fade — signal cuts out in light rain that didn’t cause issues before
- Visible physical damage — cracked housing, water inside the LNB, corroded F-connector
Read our full guide: How to know if your DStv LNB needs replacing.
LNB Cable: What Connects Your LNB to Your Decoder
The LNB connects to your decoder via coaxial cable (RG6 is the standard for DStv). The cable carries the satellite signal from the dish to the decoder. Key points:
- RG6 coaxial cable — R8–R15 per metre. This is the correct cable for all modern DStv installations.
- RG59 cable — older, thinner cable that causes signal loss over longer runs. If your installation uses RG59, upgrading to RG6 can fix intermittent signal problems.
- F-connectors — the twist-on or compression fittings at each end of the cable. Cheap connectors are the number-one cause of water ingress and signal loss.
Can You Install an LNB Yourself?
Physically swapping an LNB is straightforward — unscrew the old one, attach the new one, reconnect the cable. But getting the signal right requires a satellite signal meter and precise alignment. A few millimetres of LNB skew can cost you 20–30% signal strength, which means pixelation and rain-fade problems. For a reliable result, especially with a Smart LNB, a professional DStv technician is worth the labour cost. According to DStv’s official product range, the decoder and LNB combination varies by package tier.
Need a DStv pro in Cape Town?
- DStv installers near me — certified local technicians across Cape Town
- DStv technician near me — book a skilled tech today
- DStv repairs near me — fast signal and decoder fixes
- DStv dish installation prices — 2026 Cape Town price guide
- DStv contact number Cape Town — local installer and repair line
More Cape Town DStv guides
- Smart LNB for DStv Explora: 5 Best Essential Facts
- How to Know If Your DStv LNB Needs Replacing
- DStv Dish Size: The Best Simple Guide for 2026 Signal
- The Right Place to Mount Your DStv Dish for the Best Signal in Cape Town
- Why Does a DStv Dish Move Out of Alignment in Wind?
- How Often Should a DStv Dish Be Realigned or Serviced?
- Why Water Gets Into DStv Cables and Causes Signal Loss
- How Lightning Damages DStv Equipment and Prevention Tips
- How Much Does DStv Installation Cost in Cape Town? Your Complete 2026 Guide
- What Does DStv Extra Cable Actually Cost Per Metre in Cape Town?