
12 November 2020
The DStv Explora Ultra hits SA shelves with access to Showmax and Netflix
The new Explora Ultra will be available at participating retail stores from next week. The new generation decoder offers customers an enhanced viewing experience and the best available local and international content from DStv – Africa’s Most Loved Storyteller – and Showmax.
As part of the new experience, Netflix will be available for the first time on the Explora Ultra decoder.
The first generation Explora launched seven years ago with updated versions of the device released over the years culminating in the Explora 3B decoder. The Explora Ultra builds on its predecessor with exciting new features.
The new DStv Explora Ultra viewing experience
- The device offers built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and supports 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos for a clearer, more defined picture quality and enhanced cinema sound.
- A completely redesigned interface, which simplifies discovering and navigating DStv’s dynamic content on TV and on demand.
- Introduction of a sleek new DStv remote making searching for content even easier.
- Integration of app-based streaming services including Showmax, and Netflix with more third-party streaming services to follow.
- DStv customers will have the option to pay for their Netflix subscription in their monthly bill. The inclusion in the bill will be available to DStv customers who want to become Netflix subscribers.
- Recommended retail price of R2499 for the standalone device and R3699 including installation, available to purchase at participating retail stores. Visit: www.dstv.co.za
- The DStv Explora Ultra is wholly manufactured in South Africa, its enclosure is made of 100% recycled material and packaging contains no single-use plastics.
“The DStv Explora Ultra has a range of amazing features developed to cater for how our customers watch content today. It delivers seamless enjoyment of broadcast, recording, streaming, downloaded and CatchUp content in one easy-to-use environment. The Explora Ultra makes it easier than ever before to find, explore and enjoy new content from across DStv channels and third-party streaming apps,” says MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela.

DStv and Netflix partner up
As part of the partnership, the Netflix app will be integrated into the new Explora Ultra to allow DStv customers the option to sign up or sign in to their Netflix account to enjoy the Netflix experience. The partnership also grants DStv customers with an Explora Ultra the possibility of adding their Netflix subscription to their monthly DStv bill.
DStv viewers already enjoy access to over 140 channels of the best local and international movies, series, documentaries, sport, news, kids and educational content. The addition of the Netflix app to a DStv Explora Ultra connected to the internet opens the door to Netflix’s critically acclaimed local and international entertainment across a wide variety of genres. These include titles such as Blood & Water, Queen Sono, Money Heist, The Witcher, Tiger King, Project Power, A Fall From Grace and more series, feature films, documentaries and stand-ups which will be available to customers with a Netflix subscription.
“Shifting consumer preferences and technological advances drive changes in the way video entertainment services are provided and consumed. This partnership leads with an expanded choice of content, ease and convenience of subscription and payment with the DStv Explora Ultra as an enabler,” says Mawela.
Noaf Ereiqat, Netflix’s Director of Business Development says: “We’re excited about this partnership with the MultiChoice Group, bringing Netflix to the Explora Ultra set-top-box will make it easier for our members to seamlessly stream their favourite Netflix shows. That’s a win for avid entertainment fans in South Africa.”
Original African stories by local talent

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 1-5 now, with part one of the reunion now streaming and part 2 landing on 11 July 2025.
The Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream

Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.

Push play on Father’s Day: Dads just want to have fun
If you’re trying to figure out what the mystery man known as dad really wants this Father’s Day, promise him one-on-one time with our Dads Just Wanna Have Fun collection.

James McAvoy and James Watkins on Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil director James Watkins and star James McAvoy explain “host” Paddy’s creepy charisma, and we check out 6 more roles that prove you never know what to expect with James McAvoy.

Celebrate World Oceans Day with My Penguin Friend
My Penguin Friend director David Schurmann and actor Jean Reno explain how you shoot a penguin. Plus, explore our World Oceans Day watchlist of 25 wet and wild movies and series.