How to solve the E133 error on DSTV

This error occurs when the smartcard number is not authorized to retrieve and playback content from the DStv decoder's hard drive. This issue may arise due to a mismatch in authorization, or there could be a problem with your DStv decoder's hard drive. To resolve this, follow the steps below:

1. Check Smartcard Authorization

The first step is to ensure that your smartcard is authorized to access the content stored on the decoder’s hard drive. This can be a common cause for DStv Error E 133. You should verify that your smartcard number is correctly registered and authorized to retrieve and playback content.

Contact DStv Customer Support: Call 012 422 2222 to confirm that your smartcard is authorized. They can help resolve any issues related to your smartcard’s registration.

2. Reformat the Hard Drive

If the smartcard is authorized but the error persists, the problem may be with the hard drive on the DStv decoder. In this case, it is recommended to reformat the hard drive to clear any corrupted data and restore functionality.

Reformatting the Hard Drive: Reformatting the hard drive can sometimes fix the issue, allowing the smartcard to retrieve and playback content. Keep in mind that this process will erase all previously recorded content, so ensure that you back up any important recordings before proceeding.

3. Perform a Decoder Reset

After reformatting the hard drive, you may need to reset the decoder to clear any temporary glitches that could be affecting the smartcard’s ability to access the hard drive.

Decoder Reset: Turn off the decoder, wait for a few minutes, and then turn it back on. This simple reset can sometimes solve authorization issues and allow the smartcard to connect with the hard drive.

4. Verify Software Updates

If the error is still unresolved, it might be due to outdated software on the DStv decoder. Ensuring that your decoder is running the latest version can help fix compatibility issues between the decoder, the smartcard, and the hard drive.

Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your decoder has the most recent software updates installed. You can check this in the settings or by following the prompts on your decoder’s screen.

5. Contact DStv Customer Support

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you should contact DStv for further assistance.

DStv Support: Reach out to DStv Customer Support by calling 012 422 2222. They can provide additional troubleshooting steps, or you may need to arrange for further assistance from their technical team.

6. Contact TV + Video Doctor for Immediate Help

If you’re unable to resolve the issue by yourself, you can also call TV + Video Doctor for help. Our team can assist with reformatting your hard drive and checking the DStv decoder for issues that could be preventing proper playback of content.

Phone: 012 664 5223
WhatsApp: 081 259 9333

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve DStv Error E 133 and restore proper playback from your decoder’s hard drive. If needed, TV + Video Doctor can provide fast and professional assistance to get everything back on track.