OpenView (previously OpenView HD) is a free satellite TV service for residents of South Africa. Operated by Platco Digital, part of the eMedia group that also runs e.tv, the service launched in October 2013 and has grown to over 2 million subscribers.
OpenView requires no monthly subscription. You buy a decoder once, connect it to a satellite dish pointed at Intelsat 20 at 68.5° East (the same satellite used by DStv), and receive all channels for free.
OpenView frequency and signal settings
OpenView broadcasts from Intelsat 20 at 68.5° East using two transponders. The signals are encrypted with Nagravision VideoGuard, which means you need an OpenView decoder to watch. A generic free-to-air receiver will not work.
| Setting | Transponder 1 (main) | Transponder 2 (SABC) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 11170 MHz | 11514 MHz |
| Polarisation | Vertical | Vertical |
| Symbol rate | 28750 | 28750 |
| FEC | 5/6 | 5/6 |
| Modulation | DVB-S2 8PSK | DVB-S2 QPSK |
| Encryption | Nagravision VideoGuard | Nagravision VideoGuard |
The satellite dish should be pointed north-east at 68.5° East. Signal strength and quality should both be above 85% for stable viewing. The recommended dish size is 80 to 90 cm.
Because OpenView and DStv share the same satellite, you can use an existing DStv satellite dish. Simply disconnect the coaxial cable from the DStv decoder and connect it to an OpenView decoder instead. No dish realignment is needed.
OpenView channels list
OpenView carries around 25 TV channels and over 28 radio stations. The lineup is dominated by the eMedia family of channels (e.tv, eExtra, eMovies) alongside SABC, international news, and Indian entertainment. Most channels broadcast in HD (1080i, 16:9).
TV channels
| Ch | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | OpenView Promo | OpenView promotional channel |
| 101 | SABC 1 | Entertainment, music, lifestyle, educational |
| 102 | SABC 2 | News, sport, TV soaps, Afrikaans and Sotho content |
| 103 | SABC 3 | English-language drama, movies, entertainment |
| 104 | e.tv | News, local soaps, foreign movies (HD) |
| 105 | eExtra | General entertainment (HD) |
| 106 | eMovies | Movies: action, romance, comedy, drama (HD) |
| 107 | eMovies Extra | International blockbuster movies (HD) |
| 108 | eReality | Reality shows and real-life stories (HD) |
| 109 | eSeries | Drama series and box sets (HD) |
| 110 | Star Life | Bollywood family dramas and movies, English dubbed |
| 111 | Zee One | Indian entertainment and drama |
| 112 | ePlesier | Afrikaans entertainment |
| 113 | The Home Channel+ | Lifestyle, home improvement, cooking |
| 114 | Star Khanya | Dramas and movies dubbed in isiZulu |
| 115 | People’s Planet | Nature, wildlife, and weather |
| 116 | Exposed | True crime and investigative entertainment |
| 121 | France 24 | International news in English |
| 122 | DBE TV | Department of Basic Education curriculum content |
| 124 | SABC Sport | Local and international sport |
| 125 | Sporty TV | Sports entertainment |
| 130 | eToonz | Children’s animation and cartoons (HD) |
| 134 | Mindset | Educational programming, curriculum-aligned |
| 135 | SA Music | South African music videos |
The channel lineup has changed significantly since OpenView launched. BBC World News was replaced by France 24. Glow TV (Indian entertainment) was replaced by Star Khanya and Zee One. Several new channels have been added, including eSeries, ePlesier, The Home Channel+, SABC Sport, Exposed, DBE TV, and People’s Planet.
Radio stations
OpenView carries over 28 radio stations in the 600 channel range, including major South African FM stations from all provinces and in all 11 official languages.
- YFM (Johannesburg)
- Jacaranda FM
- Gagasi FM (Durban)
- OFM (Bloemfontein)
- Heart FM (Cape Town)
- East Coast Radio
- Radio Pulpit
- Kaya FM (Johannesburg)
- Smile 90.4 FM
- Metro FM
- 5FM
- Good Hope FM
- Radio 2000
- SAfm
- RSG
- Lotus FM
- Ukhozi FM
- Umhlobo Wenene FM
- Lesedi FM
- Ikwekwezi FM
- Thobela FM
- Munghana Lonene FM
- Phalaphala FM
- Motsweding FM
- Ligwalagwala FM
- Tru FM
- X-K FM
- Channel Africa
OpenView decoder price
OpenView has no monthly subscription. You only pay once for the decoder and, if needed, a satellite dish and installation.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Decoder only | From R599 | OpenView decoder. Use this if you already have a satellite dish pointed at Intelsat 20 (e.g. an existing DStv dish). |
| Full installation | From R1,499 | Decoder, 80 cm satellite dish, and professional installation. |
OpenView decoders are available at major retailers across South Africa including Game, PEP, Makro, Pick n Pay Hypermarket, Checkers Hyper, Ackermans, OK Furniture, House and Home, HiFi Corp, Cash Crusaders, Jet Mart, and Takealot.
How to set up OpenView
If you already have a DStv satellite dish installed, setup is simple: disconnect the coaxial cable from the DStv decoder, connect it to the OpenView decoder, and follow the activation instructions on screen using your mobile phone.
If you need a new dish or your dish needs repositioning, book an accredited installer through one of the major OpenView distributors:
- SpaceTV: 086 140 4142
- Ellies: 086 135 5437
Recording with OpenView PVR
OpenView supports recording via an external USB flash stick. You need an OpenView-branded PVR flash stick (non-OpenView sticks do not work). The 64 GB stick holds approximately 18 hours of HD content. It is compatible with the latest decoder models only (NA9200 and DSD4165), so check compatibility before purchasing.
The OpenView decoder also includes an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) showing programming schedules up to 7 days ahead.
Review
For a free service, OpenView offers solid value. Most channels are broadcast in HD, the decoder is functional, and setup is straightforward for anyone with an existing DStv dish. The channel selection is limited compared to paid services like DStv, but covers the essentials: local entertainment (e.tv family), news (France 24, SABC), sport (SABC Sport), children’s programming (eToonz), and Indian entertainment (Star Life, Zee One).
The service has grown to over 2 million subscribers, which demonstrates strong demand for free satellite TV in South Africa. The addition of SABC Sport, eSeries, and several niche channels in recent years shows the platform is still expanding its offering.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add free-to-air channels on OpenView?
OpenView broadcasts from Intelsat 20 at 68.5° East. While other free-to-air channels exist on this satellite, it is not possible to access them with an OpenView decoder. The decoder is locked to the OpenView bouquet. To access other free-to-air channels on the same satellite, you would need a separate satellite receiver.
Does OpenView use the same satellite as DStv?
Yes. Both OpenView and DStv South Africa broadcast from Intelsat 20 at 68.5° East. The frequencies and encryption differ, but the dish points in the same direction. If you have a DStv dish, you can connect an OpenView decoder to it without moving the dish.
Is OpenView available outside South Africa?
No. OpenView is licensed and intended for South African residents only. The satellite footprint may reach neighbouring countries, but the service and its decoders are sold exclusively in South Africa.
What is the OpenView decoder price?
A standalone decoder costs from R599 at major retailers. A full kit with decoder, 80 cm dish, and professional installation costs from R1,499. There is no monthly subscription.
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