After reading about the new DSTV mobile decoder the past week I decided to take the plunge and buy one for myself. The decoder retail for R599.00. I’m quite impressed with the technology that went into this device. Everything just works. Trying to activate through Multichoice was a different story, a total nightmare to say the least. That being said, setup and installation is a breeze and connecting your iPhone couldn’t be easier.
There are however a few things you need to consider before purchasing this device:
- Picture resolution and quality is low (380×240 and can be stretched to a maximum of 640×480)
- No support for other media players
- The Mobile app for iPhone / iPad doesn’t support any jailbroken devices
- Ensure that you are in the DVB-H coverage area, you can view the map here
There are currently only nine channels available (by gathering info from forums the channel line-up will change in the near future)
- Africa Magic
- Channel O
- Trace TV
- eNews
- Supersport Blitz
- Supersport 1,2, 3 and 6
- Cartoon Network
- Updated 30-Mar-2011 (3 new channels will be added in the first week of April 2011 CNNi, E Entertainment and Sony Max)
Drifta Device
The device is small and compact. The only real problem I see is the antenna design. The antenna is very delicate for a reason. It’s designed this way specifically to receive DVB-H broadcast according the the DSTV Mobile forums. Time will tell if it’s actually as durable as they claim.
The battery is rechargeable and has a three hour viewing time duration
Screenshots
Pricing According to Multichoice
- DSTV Mobile packages are free up until April 2011. After the introductory phase monthly cost of R36/pm.
- If you are an existing DSTV Premium or Compact subscriber, this services will be free until April 2012.
- DSTV Drifta Mobile Decoder R599.00
Overall Experience
- I’ve been using the decoder in my car to work in the Gauteng area. It works perfectly, no problems so far…
- If you are an existing DSTV Premium or Compact subscriber, this services will be free until April 2012.
- DSTV Drifta Mobile Decoder R599.00
- Changing channels takes a few seconds (roughly about 10 – 15 seconds)
- I’m hoping that the channel line-up will change soon.
- Wifi connectivity is prone to interference from other devices.
- Only Apple mobile devices are supported at the moment. Blackberry will soon be available.
JAN
Loading ...
Thanks for the informative article. I hope multichoice add more channels. I will only buy into this once they’ve changed the viewing channels.
Nice review. I wonder if we are ever going to get it right to work on Linux and I also can’t wait for the Android software to be released. Here is some more thoughts on the Drifta:
when will drifta be available on anriod 2.2 application like the samsung p1000 galaxy tablet
There is one question i would like to ask, I have a nokia E71, is it possible to watch TV on these phones?
Thanks.
I will also buy it when the channels are increased then, multi choice should make it more rugged nad
more power retention should be added.
Hi Magiel,
You said you’ve been using the device in your car! Do you mean you connected the device to your car radio? If that is possible, how do I connect it? because the only reason I would buy the drifta-decoder is if it works in my car radio.
I’ll be patiently waiting for your response.
Thanks
Ben,
Yes I do use the Drifta in my car. I use it in combination with my IPhone which is connected to a car kid. You can not connect the Drifta to your car radio as you need a secondary device (IPhone, Laptop or Blackberry) to handle the video / audio.
Hi, I have a DVD, GPS, all in one job car radio that can tune into TV stations, how will I be able to connect it to the system if I have no Wi-Fi on the radio? I see that there is a Drifta USB available. Would that work?
Hi.I have increased the dstv drifta screen to 29cm x 22 cm. It works with windows 7.last night I was thinking of a way to make the screen bigger. First I have a sumsung flat screen,a cheap one. I right clicked on desk top and clicked on display.I then increased my resolution to full then it will log off and you will have to log on again. Then you you must enable the magnifier.You will have to open the drifta first to view the screen.Once magnified you can move the screen in place.If you sit to close to the monitor you will see the pixels as with any tv.If the signal is stable the quality improves a bit so sit a good viewing distance and enjoy.I posted a couple of pics I posted on my profile on facebook . Profile name Eugene Henriques
Hi Eugene,
We use the Windows 7 Magnifying in the office too. It works great and from a distance everything is watch able.
Is the Drifta coverage signal available in the Western Cape, South Africa?
can i view full sreen mobile drifter on laptop or pc.the problem with you can not view full s
reen on laptop or pc…
cnt i view full screen? e-mail me any1 wu knws hw plz
when wil the horse racing channel b active 232
how do u activate the drifta online
Keep ‘em coming… you all do such a great job at such Concepts… can’t tell you how much I jual jaket distro bandung
When are you going to add tracetv ,africa magic,worship channels ,mnet movies atleast on premium subcribers.The recently channels are BORING and not interesting,it is as if this decoder is for the news and sport fans.The subscribtion fee is not worth it,yerrr…h!its a daylight robbery for R49.00.please do something about this!!
Hi,
I still am not able to view the drifta full screen. Kindly contact me via email and assist me with the same.
Thanks
Hi Elias,
Multichoice doesn’t cater for full screen viewing. The maximum resolution is 380×240, however there are hacks online where the DSTV App can be stretched to full screen. You can also zoom the app if you’re using Windows by Pressing Windows and + key.
HOW WILL THE PICTURE QUALITY BE AFTR ZOOMING THE APP?
What version of windows the + key functionality work
Have you found a crack that works with the 1.3.26 version; I have tried to search for a way to view full screen.
ever since i bought the device it doesnt work.
Hi lucas
Have you activated the service with multi-choice? Also, in some areas the signal is really bad and simply won’t connect even if you see the drifta connecting to your hand held device. This is what I did to check my signal at home.. in the southern suburbs (cape town)
>>Fully charge the drifter
>>Go outside for the test
>> put the drifter on any surface with the aerial pointing up
>>Search for drifter under wifi settings on device (ipad, iphone..)
>>Startup the decoder app on device
>> Wait for about 2 mins (maybe less)
if that doesn’t work…. its broken
If that doesnt work
Am using blackberry so l just wanna know is it potable for to fiew the channels
From my Drifter?
Hi Mlungisi,
Yes you can use the Drifta in combination with your Blackberry. Read here for more information and the compatible phone list: http://www.dstvmobile.com/south-africa/broadcast/devices/drifta/drifta/drifta/blackberry/
Can i de-activate my dstv mobile on my USB Drifta?