Has Italy’s Piracy Shield Really Worked?

 Italy's Piracy Shield has become one of Europe's most aggressive attempts to tackle illegal streaming.

The system was introduced in February 2024 to allow rights holders and authorities to rapidly block websites and IP addresses being used to distribute pirated live content. By early 2026, Italian regulator AGCOM said more than 65,000 domain names and around 14,000 IP addresses had been disabled through the system.

But there is an important question: has all this blocking actually reduced piracy?

How Piracy Shield works

Piracy Shield is designed to react quickly when illegal live content is identified.

Rights holders can submit details of the suspected source through the platform. Once authorised, blocking orders can be distributed to the relevant service providers, preventing users in Italy from accessing the specified domains or IP addresses.

The system originally focused heavily on live sports, particularly football. Its scope has since expanded. From 2025, Italy extended the system to cover other live audiovisual content, including films, television programmes and entertainment broadcasts.

The attraction is obvious: instead of waiting for a pirate website to be investigated and taken down, access can potentially be blocked within minutes.

The numbers look impressive

There is no doubt that Piracy Shield has generated an enormous number of blocks.

AGCOM reported approximately 55,500 blocks by June 2025. By early 2026, that figure had risen to more than 65,000 FQDNs and around 14,000 IP addresses.

On paper, that looks like a huge success.

But the number of blocked addresses isn't the same thing as the number of pirate services that have permanently disappeared.

Pirate operators can move services to different domains, servers and IP addresses. Blocking one address doesn't necessarily remove the underlying operation.

The problem with IP blocking

One of the biggest criticisms of Piracy Shield concerns shared IP addresses.

An IP address can host more than one website or service. Blocking that address can therefore affect legitimate businesses that have nothing to do with piracy.

Research published by RIPE NCC Labs found significant collateral damage when examining Piracy Shield blocks. In June 2025, researchers identified more than 500 confirmed legitimate websites affected by the blocking system, with the number of affected sites increasing over time.

There have also been high-profile incidents involving legitimate online services being blocked accidentally, including a Google Drive-related address in 2024. AGCOM subsequently warned rights holders and ordered greater care when submitting blocking requests.

Further reading and information available here

 

Channel 5 Adds 11 New Channels to Freely

 Channel 5 has significantly expanded its presence on Freely, adding 11 new streaming channels to the free internet TV platform.

The new channels give Freely viewers more choice, with dedicated services covering movies, crime, history, medical programmes, documentaries, children's content and popular Channel 5 shows.

11 new channels

The new services are:

• 5Cops
• 5Police Interceptors
• 5Movies
• 5A&E
• 5Crime
• 5Medical
• 5Yorkshire Vet
• 5Bargain-Loving Brits
• 5Trucking Hell
• 5History
• Milkshake!

They have been added directly to the Freely programme guide, so viewers can find them alongside the other live channels available through the platform.

Five of the new channels are exclusive to Freely and the 5 streaming service at launch: 5Movies, 5Medical, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5History and Milkshake!.

More choice without an aerial or satellite dish

One of Freely's biggest advantages is that these channels are delivered over the internet rather than through a traditional TV aerial or satellite dish.

That makes the new services particularly interesting for viewers using compatible Freely televisions or devices such as the Manhattan Aero and other Freely streaming boxes.

The channels are available at no additional cost, although of course an internet connection is required.

Further reading and information available here

Netflix Becomes UK Viewers’ First Choice – But BBC Still Leads

 For the first time, Netflix has overtaken the BBC as the service UK viewers say they turn to first when deciding what to watch.

According to Ofcom's latest Media Nations research, 26% of UK viewers now choose Netflix as their first destination, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%. ITV follows at 15%.

It is an important milestone for streaming, but there is an important distinction: Netflix becoming the first choice does not mean it is the UK's most-watched television service.

Netflix is first choice, but BBC still gets more viewing

Ofcom's survey asks viewers which service they instinctively go to first when looking for something to watch. It does not measure total viewing time.

When actual viewing is measured, the BBC remains ahead. BBC content accounts for around 18% of UK video viewing, compared with approximately 9% for Netflix.

The BBC also continues to have a major advantage in live television, news, sport, entertainment and major national events, while its extensive on-demand library is available through BBC iPlayer.

So while someone might open Netflix first when looking for a film or drama, they can still spend considerably more time watching BBC programmes.

Further reading and information available here

Why Does Starlink Need So Many Satellites?

 If you regularly see SpaceX launching another batch of Starlink satellites, you might wonder why the network needs thousands of satellites when traditional satellite TV services such as Sky and Freesat can operate using just a handful.

The answer comes down to orbit, coverage, capacity and latency.

More than 10,000 Starlink satellites

As of July 2026, more than 10,800 Starlink satellites are operational, with SpaceX having launched more than 12,500 in total. Older satellites are regularly retired and removed from orbit.

And the network is still growing. SpaceX has regulatory approval for around 19,500 satellites, while its longer-term plans envisage a constellation of approximately 34,400.

But why are so many necessary?

Further reading and information available here

BBC iPlayer Ends Support for Many Devices

 If you’ve recently opened the BBC iPlayer app and been greeted by a warning saying “You’ll soon need to watch iPlayer another way”, you’re not alone.

From 30 September 2026, BBC iPlayer will stop working directly on a number of Android TV and Google TV devices, leaving many users wondering why a perfectly good streaming device is suddenly losing support.

The warning explains that BBC apps have been supported on the device for the last seven years, but support is ending, directing users to the BBC’s website to find another way to watch.

Further reading and information available here

Geostationary vs Low Earth Orbit Satellites

 When most people think of satellites, they imagine a single spacecraft floating high above the Earth, providing television, internet or communications. In reality, there are several different types of satellite orbits, each designed for specific purposes. The two most common for communications are Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Although both are used to transmit data around the world, they operate in very different ways. Traditional satellite television services such as Sky and Freesat rely on geostationary satellites, while modern broadband providers like Starlink use thousands of Low Earth Orbit satellites.

Further reading and information available here

Channel 5 Moves to DVB-S2 on UK Satellite Platform

 Channel 5 has updated one of its UK satellite transmissions, meaning older SD satellite receivers will no longer be able to receive the channel.

The transponder on 11307MHz Horizontal (SR 27500, FEC 2/3) has changed from DVB-S to DVB-S2 8PSK. While the frequency itself remains the same, the move to the newer DVB-S2 transmission standard requires an HD-compatible satellite receiver.

Further reading and information available here

BBC Studios Eyes More UK Streaming Deals for BBC Shows

 The BBC is considering new ways to maximise the value of its programmes by allowing them to appear on additional UK streaming platforms after they’ve completed their initial run on BBC television and BBC iPlayer.

The move centres on “second window” rights—the opportunity to licence programmes to other broadcasters and streaming services once they’ve first been shown on the BBC. It’s an approach that could generate additional income without reducing the BBC’s public service offering.

However, many viewers are surprised to learn that these deals are usually handled not by the BBC itself, but by BBC Studios, a separate commercial company owned by the BBC.

Further reading and information available here

BBC Licence Fee Payers Fall by Over Half a Million

 The BBC is facing growing financial pressure after revealing that the number of households paying the television licence fee has fallen by more than half a million over the past year. The latest figures show that 539,000 fewer TV licences are now in force, reducing the total to around 23.3 million – one of the largest annual declines seen in recent years.

The figures were published as part of the BBC’s latest Annual Report and come at a time when the broadcaster is already facing increasing competition from streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. Changing viewing habits, combined with rising living costs and the growth of online entertainment, are leading many households to reassess whether they still need a TV licence.

Further reading and information available here

Spain's DVB-T2 TV Upgrade Starts This November

Spain has officially confirmed one of the biggest changes to its digital television network since the original digital switchover. From 5 November 2026, the country will begin the transition to DVB-T2, the next-generation terrestrial television broadcasting standard that will eventually replace the current DVB-T system used across Spain's Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) network.

The move marks a major step forward for Spanish television, paving the way for more high-definition channels, improved picture quality, better spectrum efficiency and the future expansion of Ultra HD (4K) broadcasting. For most viewers the transition should be straightforward, but older televisions and set-top boxes may require replacement or an upgrade. (satandpcguy.com)

What Is DVB-T2?

DVB-T2 is the second generation of the Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial standard.

Compared with the existing DVB-T system, DVB-T2 can carry significantly more data within the same amount of radio spectrum. This increased efficiency allows broadcasters to deliver:

• More HD television channels

• Additional Ultra HD (4K) services

• Better picture quality

• Improved sound quality

• More reliable reception in some areas

• Greater capacity for future television services

Many European countries, including the UK, Germany and Italy, have already adopted DVB-T2 for at least part of their terrestrial television networks. Spain is now joining that growing list.

Why Is Spain Making the Change?

The main reason is future capacity.

Television broadcasters are demanding more bandwidth for HD and Ultra HD services, while governments continue to reallocate sections of the UHF spectrum for mobile communications and future wireless technologies.

By switching to DVB-T2 together with the HEVC (H.265) video compression standard, broadcasters can transmit substantially more channels without requiring additional radio frequencies.

This creates room for future expansion while making much more efficient use of the spectrum already allocated to television broadcasting.

What Happens on 5 November?

The launch date marks the beginning of Spain's DVB-T2 era rather than an overnight switchover.

Initially, DVB-T2 multiplexes will begin operating alongside the existing DVB-T services, allowing households time to upgrade their equipment if necessary.

For most viewers, the only immediate requirement may be to perform a channel rescan if new services become available in their area.

The existing DVB-T platform will continue operating during a transition period before being phased out at a later date.

This gradual migration is designed to minimise disruption while encouraging viewers to move to compatible receivers.

Will Your Television Work?

Many modern televisions already support DVB-T2 and HEVC decoding.

If your TV was purchased during the past several years, particularly if it supports 4K Ultra HD, there is a good chance it is already compatible.

However, some older equipment may only support the original DVB-T standard.

If that is the case, viewers may eventually need:

• A new DVB-T2 compatible television

• A DVB-T2 set-top receiver

• A software update, where supported

Checking your television's specifications now could avoid surprises as the transition gathers pace.

Better Picture Quality

One of the biggest advantages of DVB-T2 is the opportunity to expand high-definition broadcasting.

Although Spain already offers several HD channels, the improved efficiency of DVB-T2 means broadcasters can transmit more HD services while maintaining better picture quality.

The new standard also makes widespread 4K broadcasting much more practical, especially when combined with HEVC compression.

As more households purchase Ultra HD televisions, broadcasters now have a platform capable of delivering content that fully takes advantage of modern displays.

No Changes to Your Aerial

The good news is that most households will not need to replace their television aerial.

DVB-T2 uses the same terrestrial transmission network and the same UHF frequencies already used for digital television.

In most cases, existing rooftop aerials and communal antenna systems will continue working perfectly.

Some communal systems in apartment buildings may require adjustments if frequency changes occur in the future, but the vast majority of viewers will not need any changes to their external aerial installation.

Part of a Wider European Trend

Spain's decision reflects a wider movement across Europe.

Countries have increasingly adopted DVB-T2 because it offers greater flexibility and significantly improves spectrum efficiency.

The UK, for example, has used DVB-T2 for HD services since the launch of Freeview HD in 2009, while many other European broadcasters have already migrated entirely to the newer standard.

By making the transition now, Spain ensures its terrestrial television platform remains competitive with satellite, cable and streaming services for many years to come.

What About Satellite Viewers?

The DVB-T2 transition only affects terrestrial television received through an aerial.

Households watching television via satellite platforms such as Astra, cable services or internet streaming will not be directly affected.

Similarly, viewers using subscription television platforms that provide their own receivers are unlikely to notice any immediate changes.

The migration is specifically aimed at Spain's free-to-air terrestrial television network.

Preparing for the Future

The introduction of DVB-T2 is about much more than simply improving today's television channels.

It provides the technical foundation for future developments including:

• Expanded Ultra HD broadcasting

• Improved HDR support

• More efficient compression

• Better audio formats

• Additional interactive services

• Increased network capacity

As television technology continues to evolve, DVB-T2 ensures Spain's terrestrial platform can keep pace with changing viewer expectations.

The Bottom Line

Spain's confirmation that DVB-T2 broadcasting will begin on 5 November 2026 represents a major milestone for the country's digital television network.

The transition promises more efficient broadcasting, additional HD capacity and a clear path towards wider 4K television services, helping free-to-air television remain competitive in an increasingly streaming-focused world.

For most viewers, the change should be relatively straightforward. Modern televisions are often already compatible, existing aerials will usually continue to work, and the transition will be introduced gradually rather than through an overnight switch-off.

While owners of older televisions may eventually need to upgrade their equipment, the long-term benefits are clear. DVB-T2 will allow Spain to deliver higher-quality television, make better use of valuable radio spectrum and prepare the country's broadcasting infrastructure for the next generation of digital TV services.

Further reading and information available here