The most visible change to the new DStv Explora model 3A is its reduced size, including a SIM-sized smart card, which was achieved by reducing the component count which we will discuss further. The recording time is unchanged at 110 hours and both the DStv Explora 3A and 2A decoders support A5, A6 & A7 remote controls.
A major change to the Explora 3A is that it has no RF modulator and no RF-IN or RF-Out socket. The RF socket was for the distribution of the heartbeat and RF signals. Now you need to connect your TV to the Explora 3A decoder with an HDMI cable and the Explora 3A sends the heartbeat signal through the Unicable (satellite connection) port via a Smart LNB to your XtraView decoder. No problem here unless you already have your house wired with Tv aerial cable to extra Tv points in your bedrooms. If so you will now need an external RF modulator driven from the RCA sockets of the Explora 3A which is an extra cost.
Another major change is the front display panel that falls away. The smaller, sleeker design of the A3 does not show the channel number which is available on the Tv on-screen menu. How could this be a good thing? When viewing the decoders in an entertainment cabinet, the DStv Explora 2A is something that maybe looks outdated due to it showing a digital number. With only a LED light indicating power on or off, the Explora A3 has less distracting lights. However with the Explora 2A, if your Tv was not connected to the decoder or if something was wrong with your Tv, it was comforting to know that your DStv decoder was working and properly connected to your dish.
The new DStv Explora 3A when sold as Price Lock deal or with an installation voucher, is installed standard with a 2 port Smart LNB (model LNX 502W) which allows for one XtraView decoder but not two. Should you want a second XtraView decoder in your home (3 decoders in total) you will need the 4 port Smart LNB (model LNX 501) which was the standard LNB used with Explora A2 installations. The 4th port of the 4 port Smart LNB was useful in that it could be used for older models of DStv or OpenView decoders.
Cooling also changed with the new DStv Explora 3A decoder, because with fewer sources of heat, the 3A decoder has no fan and only a heatsink for cooling. It is still good practice to keep the area around your 3A decoder well ventilated at all times. It is important not to place any decoder on top of another electronic device without spacers otherwise it may overheat.