It is important to ensure that you are using the correct size satellite dish to receive the channels you want to watch. A Sky minidish, used in the UK, is pretty much useless for reception on the Costa Blanca. Many channels can be received on an 80cm dish, but if you want to watch the main UK television channels, like BBC ITV C4, then a much bigger dish will be required.
Generally to receive the main UK television channels, like BBC ITV C4 , for the area that I cover, either a 1.8 or 2,4m satellite dish is required. In some areas around Oliva for example a 1.8m satellite dish will suffice, but in areas where the signal can be obstructed (areas with trees, mountains) a 2.4m satellite dish is recommended.
Of course the size of satellite dish is dependant on a few things such as what channels you want to watch, what is your budget and where are you site the satellite dish.
In general, with a 1.8m or 2.4m satellite dish, you should receive BBC1, ITV1. ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 for 24 hours a day. You may find that even on a 2.4m satellite dish you may loose bbc1 and the ITV channels late at night, when the signal is weakest.
In some northern areas of the Costa Blanca BBC2 and Channel 4 should be available until around 6pm. The Freesat version of FIVE will also be available for the same times as BBC2.
In some southern areas of the Costa Blanca BBC2 and Channel 4 should be available from around 6pm. The Freesat version of FIVE will also be available for the same times as BBC2.
The majority of the Sky subscription package is available 24 hours a day.
Some channels, particularly the Sky Movies channels, may fade out during the late afternoon. These channels are on the notoriously tricky North beams.
Don't forget the the weather can affect the reception of channels - heavy cloud or rain can weaken the already weak signals - it is not always sunny in Spain. Summer haze around the coast can also weaken the signals.
for more information have a look at
http://www.satandpcguy.com/
or
www.satandpcguy.com/forum
Jon Worby - May 2009
