TStv Set-top Box, Features and Everything you need to know before you buy one

It is no longer news that TStv –Telcom Satellite Television has launched in Nigeria with its features –packed decoder set top box. The interesting thing about TStv decoder is that you can pause, rewind and record live programme, making it the first pay as you watch cable television in Nigeria.

A lot has already been said about TStv but in this article, I will be reviewing the TStv set-top box-its features and benefits.

TStv Set-top box

It is no exaggeration that Nigerians were ecstatically excited about the launch of TStv because of the array of features that are loaded on the decoder and the affordable price tag is offering Nigerians when compared to other cable TVs in the country.

Before I start reviewing the features on TStv, it is important you understand what a Set-top box (STB) and what it does.

What is a Set-top box?

A set-top box is a TV box, a decoder that contains a tuner that decodes the broadcast signal into a format that can be output to a television. Basically, a set-top box provides the users, management functions and control and has a remote control that normally comes with it. There are many TV boxes out there and they come with different features and prices. But in this article like I earlier said, I will be reviewing the TStv Set-top box.

TStv box has all the interesting features you will love to have on a set-top box. With the decoder, you don’t need to buy a smart TV, it has PVR function, in-built Wi-Fi and 500GB of storage capacity. Below are the features of TStv

Features of TStv box [TStv decoder]

Smart TV features

Not many people can afford a smart TV or connected TV- TVs that can connect to the internet and with it, you can watch movies on Netflix and stream live matches, because they are more expensive than regular LED TV. But with the TStv set-top box, you don’t need to buy a smart TV because the box will turn your LED TV to smart TV. This means you will be able to watch Netflix and other programmes on the internet.

This sounds really interesting. Check out other amazing features of TStv

That is not all. TStv box comes with features that enable you to browse content from Twitter, Facebook, Daily Motion, YouTube etc and you get up to 20GB of data during the first installation.

20GB internet data

You have heard before its official unveiling that TStv decoder comes with 20GB of internet data for browsing the internet. That wasn’t a joke but many people are still skeptical if the data provided are for viewing the channels on TStv. Nothing to panic about here, the data is an added functionality on TStv, there over 100 premium channels you can watch on TStv and they are not dependent on the data. The data can be used to browse the internet for free. In fact, if you exhaust the data, you will be able to buy 1GB of data for N300.

In-built Wi-Fi

TStv decoder is built with functionality, entertainment and comfort in mind. The decoder has a fully functional in-built Wi-Fi with up to 802.11ac, 1GB/s Ethernet USB 3.0 interface. Not only that, it supports Bluetooth 4.0. RV hybrid remote control and support for smart home services.

500GB inbuilt storage

TStv gets you covered if you are the types that love recording live programs, it has 500GB onboard storage where you can store recorded videos. And with the fast USB 3.0, you can connect external drive of up to 1TB, this means you can record up to 1900hrs of SD contents.

Some facts you need to know about TStv in case you plan to buy one

1.  The N5000 for TSTV initial purchase includes a decoder, a dish and a remote control but excludes any installation service charge.
2. TSTV Pay AS You Go pause service i.e. the ability to pause your subscription when not in use would be available to those that would go for the maximum subscription which is the monthly N3,000 package and you would only be able to pause subscription not more than 7 days, thereby allowing you 37 days at most for your monthly subscription. So don’t expect to use your 1-month subscription from January to December in the name of pausing or expect to user 1 day N200 subscription for 1 month.
3. The first time you buy the decoder is the only time you would be able to enjoy up to 20GB of data as a bonus, for subsequent full monthly subscription comes with 10GB of data and not 20GB as some of you might be thinking.
4. TSTV has incorporated its subscription service payments into Quick teller the popular E-payment service in the country and just like DSTV, you would also be able to easily pay for your TSTV subscriptions through Quick teller.
5. You would be able to buy extra 1GB data or above from TSTV at the cost of N300 for 1GB
6. TSTV data allocation has nothing to do with watching of TVST channels but just a separate and additional offer to the entire TSTV concept or better still what you commonly regard as Value Added Service (VAS)