Hi there! The main difference between the DSTV HD 9S Standalone Decoder and the HD 8S Standalone Decoder is that the 9S has a few extra features that may be useful for some viewers. Both decoders allow you to receive DSTV entertainment in high definition. However, the 9S has a few bonuses like built-in WiFi for online streaming, more tuners so you can record several shows at once, and a faster processor for smoother playback. The search results showed the 9S is available from R649, while I don't see any listings specifically for the 8S. For most people, the 9S offers great value since the small extra cost gives you those handy extras. But the 8S is still a solid choice if you don't need those advanced features. Let me know if you have any other questions!