This March, Channel 4 will boldly go to space with a ground breaking new season, Live from Space.
Channel 4will meet the astronauts on-board the International Space Station, visit NASA and see Earth from Space.
Programme highlights include :
Astronauts: Living in Space
Wed 12 March, 9pm, Channel 4
For the first time, filmed by themselves and in their own words, is the incredible story of three astronauts, Rick Mastracchio, Koichi Wakata, and Mike Hopkins. This film follows their out-of-this-world experiences of living in space, from eating, sleeping and science experiments to the consequences of a broken valve which could threaten their very presence on the International Space Station.
Astronauts: Houston We Have a Problem
Thur 13 March, 9pm, Channel 4
Featuring specially-shot behind-the-scenes footage of the work of NASA's Mission Control in Houston, combined with unseen images from spacewalks and candid first-hand testimony, we show what happens when missions go wrong and how the ground team respond to keep the astronauts safe in space.
Live From Space: Lap of the Planet
Sun 16 Mar
Broadcasting live from the Johnson Space Centre, Houston, Texas, the show, presented by Dermot O'Leary, will feature amazing shots of the Earth from the International Space Station as it performs an entire circuit of the globe over 90 minutes as well as revealing the extraordinary science experiments conducted by the astronauts of Expedition 38.
Showing posts with label channel 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label channel 4. Show all posts
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Channel 4 to show NFL Superbowl - as BBC drop American Football coverage
Channel 4 is to become the new terrestrial television home of the NFL and Super Bowl as part of a new two-year deal with the National Football League.
For more information see: http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2013/08/channel-4-to-show-nfl-superbowl-as-bbc-drop-american-football-coverage/
For more information see: http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2013/08/channel-4-to-show-nfl-superbowl-as-bbc-drop-american-football-coverage/
Monday, September 10, 2012
The London 2012 Parade – Live on BBC, Channel 4, Sky News
Our Greatest Team are due to set out from Mansion House in the City at 1:30pm. They will travel along Queen Victoria Street and Cannon Street, passing by St Paul’s Cathedral, continuing along Fleet Street, past Aldwych and into The Strand, reaching Trafalgar Square at around 2:20pm.
The public will be able to watch the parade from Mansion House to Trafalgar Square – where two giant screens will be located, with live commentary and views of the parade as it makes its way past the Square.
After passing Trafalgar Square the athletes will go through Admiralty Arch onto The Mall, travelling down to the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The list of confirmed athletes taking part includes Olympic gold medallists Mo Farah (athletics – float 1), Jessica Ennis (athletics – float 2), Greg Rutherford (athletics – float 3), Anthony Joshua (boxing – float 6), Ed McKeever (canoeing, float 6), Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny, Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton (cycling, float 7), Charlotte Dujardin (equestrian, float 8), Katherine Grainger (rowing, float 14), Ben Ainslie (sailing, float 15), Peter Wilson (shooting, float 16), Alistair Brownlee (triathlon, float 20).
ParalympicsGB stars like Hannah Cockcroft, Jody Cundy, Sophie Christiansen, Jonnie Peacock and others will be taking part in the Parade to bring to a close a sensational 11 days of sport at the Games which closed last night.
TV Coverage
BBC
Gabby Logan will presents the live coverage on the BBC, with commentary by Huw Edwards, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Hazel Irvine.
BBC One 1.25pm, BBC News Channel 8.30am, Highlights on BBC One 8.30pm.
Channel 4
Jon Snow will front Channel 4′s live coverage, with Clare Balding, Iwan Thomas and Rachel Latham capturing the atmosphere as they join the sportsmen and women making their way through the capital, and commentary comes from Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Channel 4 12.50pm.
Sky
The coverage begins on Sunrise from 6am and run right through to 9pm. Sky 1 will be taking Sky News coverage from 1pm through until 5pm.
Sky News Presenters – Adam Boulton, Stephen Dixon, Gillian Joseph, Sarah Jane Mee, Dermot Murnaghan, Samantha Simmonds, and Jeremy Thompson – will be stationed at key points along the route, as well as on the floats with the athletes themselves. They will be mingling with the crowds as the nation celebrates the achievements of the athletes who featured in the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Sky News 6am, Sky One 1pm, Highlights on Sky News 8pm.
The public will be able to watch the parade from Mansion House to Trafalgar Square – where two giant screens will be located, with live commentary and views of the parade as it makes its way past the Square.
After passing Trafalgar Square the athletes will go through Admiralty Arch onto The Mall, travelling down to the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The list of confirmed athletes taking part includes Olympic gold medallists Mo Farah (athletics – float 1), Jessica Ennis (athletics – float 2), Greg Rutherford (athletics – float 3), Anthony Joshua (boxing – float 6), Ed McKeever (canoeing, float 6), Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny, Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton (cycling, float 7), Charlotte Dujardin (equestrian, float 8), Katherine Grainger (rowing, float 14), Ben Ainslie (sailing, float 15), Peter Wilson (shooting, float 16), Alistair Brownlee (triathlon, float 20).
ParalympicsGB stars like Hannah Cockcroft, Jody Cundy, Sophie Christiansen, Jonnie Peacock and others will be taking part in the Parade to bring to a close a sensational 11 days of sport at the Games which closed last night.
TV Coverage
BBC
Gabby Logan will presents the live coverage on the BBC, with commentary by Huw Edwards, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Hazel Irvine.
BBC One 1.25pm, BBC News Channel 8.30am, Highlights on BBC One 8.30pm.
Channel 4
Jon Snow will front Channel 4′s live coverage, with Clare Balding, Iwan Thomas and Rachel Latham capturing the atmosphere as they join the sportsmen and women making their way through the capital, and commentary comes from Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Channel 4 12.50pm.
Sky
The coverage begins on Sunrise from 6am and run right through to 9pm. Sky 1 will be taking Sky News coverage from 1pm through until 5pm.
Sky News Presenters – Adam Boulton, Stephen Dixon, Gillian Joseph, Sarah Jane Mee, Dermot Murnaghan, Samantha Simmonds, and Jeremy Thompson – will be stationed at key points along the route, as well as on the floats with the athletes themselves. They will be mingling with the crowds as the nation celebrates the achievements of the athletes who featured in the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Sky News 6am, Sky One 1pm, Highlights on Sky News 8pm.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
London 2012 Paralympic Games : UK TV Coverage details
London 2012 Paralympic Games
Coverage on Channel 4 and their three extra streams from the 29th August 2012
Please see the link below for more details
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/2012_london_paralympic_uk_tv_bbc_eurosport_sport.php
Coverage on Channel 4 and their three extra streams from the 29th August 2012
Please see the link below for more details
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/2012_london_paralympic_uk_tv_bbc_eurosport_sport.php
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Channel 4's 4seven catch-up channel to launch on July 4
Originally posted at www.satandpcguy.com/forum
Channel 4's bold new channel aimed at reinventing catch-up television will launch on all the main UK digital television platforms on July 4, it has been confirmed.
In March, Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham announced 4seven, a new network which will allow viewers to recap on the Channel 4 shows that have caused the most online "buzz" over the past seven days.
For example, active discussion around shows such as Big Fat Gypsy Weddings or US drama Homeland on social media, blogs and online forums would give those programmes another spin on 4seven.
The channel will launch across all major television platforms on July 4, Channel 4 has confirmed.
Channel numbers for Virgin Media and Freesat are not yet known, but it is thought that 4seven will launch at channel 47 on Freeview in post-digital switchover areas, and replace More4 +2 on Sky at position 269 on the EPG.
4seven was met with a decidedly mixed response from Digital Spy readers in March, with many saying that there are already enough ways to catch up on programmes after their live broadcast, including on-demand platform 4oD and personal video recorder (PVR) services, such as Sky+, Freeview+ and Virgin Media TiVo.
However, viewing via video on-demand, PVRs and other means only makes up a relatively small percentage of overall TV viewing, as the majority is still done live while the viewers are sat on the couch with the remote control.
Moreover, many viewers still claim that they are missing the major TV programmes, particularly older audiences, which is a real issue for broadcasters who have invested in the content.
4seven will ensure Channel 4 shows are given maximum chances to reach their audience, but the network is also about more closely integrating the online "buzz" around programmes with the broadcast networks, even incorporating this into the look and feel of 4seven.
Discussing the new approach to catch-up TV in March, David Abraham said: "It's a variation which we think goes with the grain of increased optionality but that combines the continued strengths of digital TV with the opportunities of social media.
"As such we hope that it will be an example of how the TV network will continue to adapt and evolve in order to survive in this most revolutionary of decades for media consumption."
source: digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a382923/channel-4s-4seven-catch-up-channel-to-launch-on-july-4.html
Channel 4's bold new channel aimed at reinventing catch-up television will launch on all the main UK digital television platforms on July 4, it has been confirmed.
In March, Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham announced 4seven, a new network which will allow viewers to recap on the Channel 4 shows that have caused the most online "buzz" over the past seven days.
For example, active discussion around shows such as Big Fat Gypsy Weddings or US drama Homeland on social media, blogs and online forums would give those programmes another spin on 4seven.
The channel will launch across all major television platforms on July 4, Channel 4 has confirmed.
Channel numbers for Virgin Media and Freesat are not yet known, but it is thought that 4seven will launch at channel 47 on Freeview in post-digital switchover areas, and replace More4 +2 on Sky at position 269 on the EPG.
4seven was met with a decidedly mixed response from Digital Spy readers in March, with many saying that there are already enough ways to catch up on programmes after their live broadcast, including on-demand platform 4oD and personal video recorder (PVR) services, such as Sky+, Freeview+ and Virgin Media TiVo.
However, viewing via video on-demand, PVRs and other means only makes up a relatively small percentage of overall TV viewing, as the majority is still done live while the viewers are sat on the couch with the remote control.
Moreover, many viewers still claim that they are missing the major TV programmes, particularly older audiences, which is a real issue for broadcasters who have invested in the content.
4seven will ensure Channel 4 shows are given maximum chances to reach their audience, but the network is also about more closely integrating the online "buzz" around programmes with the broadcast networks, even incorporating this into the look and feel of 4seven.
Discussing the new approach to catch-up TV in March, David Abraham said: "It's a variation which we think goes with the grain of increased optionality but that combines the continued strengths of digital TV with the opportunities of social media.
"As such we hope that it will be an example of how the TV network will continue to adapt and evolve in order to survive in this most revolutionary of decades for media consumption."
source: digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a382923/channel-4s-4seven-catch-up-channel-to-launch-on-july-4.html
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Channel 4 to launch 4seven catch-up TV channel
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham has today announced the launch of 4seven, a new TV channel enabling viewers to catch up on the Channel 4 shows that have caused the most "buzz" in the past seven days.
4seven, previously thought to be called 'Channel 4 Shuffle', is Channel 4's first new network since More4 in 2005. The channel will launch across all major television platforms later this year.
Speaking today at the FT Digital Media Conference, Abraham said that with so much choice available of new programming across TV and online platforms, viewers are "increasingly saying they sometimes just miss the best stuff".
"In essence this new channel format will provide viewers with another chance to see the noisiest bits of Channel 4 from the last seven days," said Abraham.
more
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?100759-Channel-4-to-launch-4seven-catch-up-TV-channel
4seven, previously thought to be called 'Channel 4 Shuffle', is Channel 4's first new network since More4 in 2005. The channel will launch across all major television platforms later this year.
Speaking today at the FT Digital Media Conference, Abraham said that with so much choice available of new programming across TV and online platforms, viewers are "increasingly saying they sometimes just miss the best stuff".
"In essence this new channel format will provide viewers with another chance to see the noisiest bits of Channel 4 from the last seven days," said Abraham.
more
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?100759-Channel-4-to-launch-4seven-catch-up-TV-channel
Friday, February 17, 2012
Receive ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Film 4, Five, on an 80cm satellite dish for 200 euros!
Recent changes in UK Satellite TV have meant a change in the equipment required to receive UK TV via satellite in Spain.
From February 2012, it is now possible to receive the following channels on a small 80cm satellite dish without any subscription or viewing card.
ITV1
ITV1 HD
ITV2
ITV3
ITV4
Channel 4
Channel 4 HD
E4
More 4
Film4
Five
Five USA
Five * (Five Star)
and many more
For 200 euros, you will receive the satellite dish (either 80cm or 100cm depending on your exact location), single output LNB, FTA satellite receiver and "reasonable" amount of cabling.
For more information and more channels available on this satellite TV system, please see : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/uk_tv_channels_available_on_small_dish_costa_blanca_spain.php
From February 2012, it is now possible to receive the following channels on a small 80cm satellite dish without any subscription or viewing card.
ITV1
ITV1 HD
ITV2
ITV3
ITV4
Channel 4
Channel 4 HD
E4
More 4
Film4
Five
Five USA
Five * (Five Star)
and many more
For 200 euros, you will receive the satellite dish (either 80cm or 100cm depending on your exact location), single output LNB, FTA satellite receiver and "reasonable" amount of cabling.
For more information and more channels available on this satellite TV system, please see : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/uk_tv_channels_available_on_small_dish_costa_blanca_spain.php
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Changes to ITV1 and Channel 4 - now available on a small satellite dish
This morning there have been a number of changes to some channels, affecting ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, MOre4, and Film4.
For more information see our news forum:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?99581-Changes-to-ITV1-and-Channel-4-now-available-on-a-small-satellite-dish
For more information see our news forum:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?99581-Changes-to-ITV1-and-Channel-4-now-available-on-a-small-satellite-dish
Changes to ITV1 and Channel 4 - now available on a small satellite dish
This morning there have been a number of changes to some channels.
These have affected ITV1s and Channel 4s.
The channels that were on the following frequncies
10.714 H, 10.729 V, 10.758 V, 10.832 H, 10.891 H and 10.906 V have been moved from Astra 2d (the satellite that you require a big satellite dish for) have moved onto Astra 1N. In my area these chanels are now available on an 80cm satellite dish!
This will only be a short term measure until a new satellite is launched later this year.
No updates are required to any boxes, as the frequencies are all the same....
Channel and regions affected:
10.714 H 22000 5/6
Channel 4 London Region
Channel 4 South and East Region
Channel 4 Midlands Region
Channel 4 North Region
Channel 4 Northern Ireland Region
Channel 4 Scotland region
Film 4
Film4+1
10.729 V
Channel 4 +1 London Region
Channel 4 +1 South and East Region
Channel 4 +1 Midlands Region
Channel 4 +1 North Region
Channel 4 +1 Northern Ireland Region
Channel 4 +1 Scotland region
E4
E4+1
More4
10.758 V,
ITV1 London
ITV1 Granada
ITV1 Anglia North
ITV1 Central West
ITV2
ITV2
CITV
10.832 H,
ITV1 Wales
ITV1 Westcountry West
ITV1 Westcountry South West
ITV1 +1 Anglia North
ITV1 HD London
10.891 H
ITV1 Border
ITV1 Tyne Tees North
ITV1 Meridian South
ITV1 Anglia South
ITV1 Yorkshire West
ITV1 +1 London
ITV1 +1 Westcountry South West
ITV1 +1 Central West
ITV2 +1
10.906 v
Channel TV (ITV1 Channel Islands)
STV North
STV West
STV East
STV +1 East
Ulster TV
ITV1 +1 Granada
ITV1 +1 Meridian South
ITV3
ITV3 +1
These have affected ITV1s and Channel 4s.
The channels that were on the following frequncies
10.714 H, 10.729 V, 10.758 V, 10.832 H, 10.891 H and 10.906 V have been moved from Astra 2d (the satellite that you require a big satellite dish for) have moved onto Astra 1N. In my area these chanels are now available on an 80cm satellite dish!
This will only be a short term measure until a new satellite is launched later this year.
No updates are required to any boxes, as the frequencies are all the same....
Channel and regions affected:
10.714 H 22000 5/6
Channel 4 London Region
Channel 4 South and East Region
Channel 4 Midlands Region
Channel 4 North Region
Channel 4 Northern Ireland Region
Channel 4 Scotland region
Film 4
Film4+1
10.729 V
Channel 4 +1 London Region
Channel 4 +1 South and East Region
Channel 4 +1 Midlands Region
Channel 4 +1 North Region
Channel 4 +1 Northern Ireland Region
Channel 4 +1 Scotland region
E4
E4+1
More4
10.758 V,
ITV1 London
ITV1 Granada
ITV1 Anglia North
ITV1 Central West
ITV2
ITV2
CITV
10.832 H,
ITV1 Wales
ITV1 Westcountry West
ITV1 Westcountry South West
ITV1 +1 Anglia North
ITV1 HD London
10.891 H
ITV1 Border
ITV1 Tyne Tees North
ITV1 Meridian South
ITV1 Anglia South
ITV1 Yorkshire West
ITV1 +1 London
ITV1 +1 Westcountry South West
ITV1 +1 Central West
ITV2 +1
10.906 v
Channel TV (ITV1 Channel Islands)
STV North
STV West
STV East
STV +1 East
Ulster TV
ITV1 +1 Granada
ITV1 +1 Meridian South
ITV3
ITV3 +1
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Channel 4 HD finally arrives on Freesat HD receivers.
Channel 4 HD finally arrives on Freesat HD receivers.
Channel 4 HD is available for free on Sky HD and from today Freesat HD recievers.
YOu may need to perform a rescan of the channels.
YOu will find Channel 4 HD on:
Sky channel 140
Freesat channel 126
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Channel 4 HD is available for free on Sky HD and from today Freesat HD recievers.
YOu may need to perform a rescan of the channels.
YOu will find Channel 4 HD on:
Sky channel 140
Freesat channel 126
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Losing Sky channels when using a non Sky box?
Some non Sky boxes can be used to read a Sky card, and access Sky channels.
However, it looks like Sky have increased their security, and there are rports that, as from yesterday, C4 and C4+1 on frequency 12480, the Irish regional variations, are no longer watchable on non Sky boxes.
This morning some reports are suggesting Sky 3 / Pick TV is also unavailable on non Sky boxes.
It looks like Sky have increased their card security, and are trying to stop their cards being used on non Sky boxes in another attempt to reduce card sharing.
This could be the "something" that was expected when they changed to the new white Sky cards...
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
However, it looks like Sky have increased their security, and there are rports that, as from yesterday, C4 and C4+1 on frequency 12480, the Irish regional variations, are no longer watchable on non Sky boxes.
This morning some reports are suggesting Sky 3 / Pick TV is also unavailable on non Sky boxes.
It looks like Sky have increased their card security, and are trying to stop their cards being used on non Sky boxes in another attempt to reduce card sharing.
This could be the "something" that was expected when they changed to the new white Sky cards...
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Live NFL - American Football back on Channel 4
It's coming home! Channel 4 to show live American football again on Sunday nights
Channel 4 will show American football again this season, bringing back a mountain of memories for long-time supporters of the sport.
The channel will screen the late Sunday match live every week, with coverage beginning at 1am and the matches at 1.20am.
The first match will be between Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys on September 12.
Almost three decades after first appearing on Channel 4, the NFL is returning to its original station in a new deal to broadcast Sunday Night Football.
The NFL was first shown back in 1982 on Channel 4, with its 'American Football' show. The coverage evolved into a mixture of live, highlights and magazines shows. For many fans, the channel will always be seen as the natural home for the sport on British televison.
The NFL was first introduced to the UK on a weekly basis when newly-launched Channel 4 began airing its 'American Football' show in November 1982. The station's coverage evolved into a mix of live, highlights and magazines shows and continued until January 1998, when the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers in the last game to be aired on the channel.
Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK, said: 'This is very exciting news. Not only does this deal ensure that the NFL’s biggest game of the week and the sport’s most exciting stars are available on free-to-air television in the UK, but it takes the league back to the station that many of our fans grew up watching all those years ago.'
It was only a few years back that interest in the sport seemed to be in terminal decline in Britain.
But with the BBC screening the Super Bowl, and two live games on satellite broadcaster Sky every Sunday, together with the Monday match on ESPN, there has never been more opportunity to watch the action.
What else was happening when Channel 4 launched their coverage in 1982?
A pint of beer cost 62p
Culture Club were number one in the charts with 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me'
The first commercial CD was produced
England went home early from the World Cup finals (some things never change)
Daley Thompson was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Among the most popular shows on TV was Fame - the era's version of Glee
The mullet was the new men's hairstyle of choice
ET and Bladerunner were among the year's big movie releases
The deal with Channel 4 completes the line-up of NFL broadcasters for the 2010 season, which kicks off on Thursday September 9th:
Sky Sports - two lives games every Sunday (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.), plus Thursday and Saturday night games throughout the season and every playoff game live, including Super Bowl XLV from North Texas, on Sunday February 6.
Channel Four - Sunday Night Football every week.
ESPN - live Monday Night Football every week (1.30 a.m.)
BBC TV - Super Bowl XLV live; weekly playoff highlights; Wembley game highlights on October 31.
BBC Radio - weekly live game commentary (9 p.m.) on 5Live Sports Extra.
Sunday Night NFL Football fixtures:
1 Sunday, September 12 Dallas @ Washington
2 Sunday, September 19 NY Giants @ Indianapolis
3 Sunday, September 26 NY Jets @ Miami
4 Sunday, October 3 Chicago @ NY Giants
5 Sunday, October 10 Philadelphia @ San Francisco
6 Sunday, October 17 Indianapolis @ Washington
7 Sunday, October 24 Minnesota @ Green Bay
8 Sunday, October 31 Pittsburgh @ New Orleans
9 Sunday, November 7 Dallas @ Green Bay
10 Sunday, November 14 New England @ Pittsburgh
11 Sunday, November 21 NY Giants @ Philadelphia
12 Sunday, November 28 San Diego @ Indianapolis
13 Sunday, December 5 Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
14 Sunday, December 12 Philadelphia @ Dallas
15 Sunday, December 19 Green Bay @ New England
16 Sunday, December 26 San Diego @ Cincinnati
17 Sunday, January 2 TBD @ TBD
Sunday Night games in Weeks 11-16 are subject to change as part of the NFL's flexible scheduling policy.
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Channel 4 will show American football again this season, bringing back a mountain of memories for long-time supporters of the sport.
The channel will screen the late Sunday match live every week, with coverage beginning at 1am and the matches at 1.20am.
The first match will be between Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys on September 12.
Almost three decades after first appearing on Channel 4, the NFL is returning to its original station in a new deal to broadcast Sunday Night Football.
The NFL was first shown back in 1982 on Channel 4, with its 'American Football' show. The coverage evolved into a mixture of live, highlights and magazines shows. For many fans, the channel will always be seen as the natural home for the sport on British televison.
The NFL was first introduced to the UK on a weekly basis when newly-launched Channel 4 began airing its 'American Football' show in November 1982. The station's coverage evolved into a mix of live, highlights and magazines shows and continued until January 1998, when the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers in the last game to be aired on the channel.
Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK, said: 'This is very exciting news. Not only does this deal ensure that the NFL’s biggest game of the week and the sport’s most exciting stars are available on free-to-air television in the UK, but it takes the league back to the station that many of our fans grew up watching all those years ago.'
It was only a few years back that interest in the sport seemed to be in terminal decline in Britain.
But with the BBC screening the Super Bowl, and two live games on satellite broadcaster Sky every Sunday, together with the Monday match on ESPN, there has never been more opportunity to watch the action.
What else was happening when Channel 4 launched their coverage in 1982?
A pint of beer cost 62p
Culture Club were number one in the charts with 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me'
The first commercial CD was produced
England went home early from the World Cup finals (some things never change)
Daley Thompson was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Among the most popular shows on TV was Fame - the era's version of Glee
The mullet was the new men's hairstyle of choice
ET and Bladerunner were among the year's big movie releases
The deal with Channel 4 completes the line-up of NFL broadcasters for the 2010 season, which kicks off on Thursday September 9th:
Sky Sports - two lives games every Sunday (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.), plus Thursday and Saturday night games throughout the season and every playoff game live, including Super Bowl XLV from North Texas, on Sunday February 6.
Channel Four - Sunday Night Football every week.
ESPN - live Monday Night Football every week (1.30 a.m.)
BBC TV - Super Bowl XLV live; weekly playoff highlights; Wembley game highlights on October 31.
BBC Radio - weekly live game commentary (9 p.m.) on 5Live Sports Extra.
Sunday Night NFL Football fixtures:
1 Sunday, September 12 Dallas @ Washington
2 Sunday, September 19 NY Giants @ Indianapolis
3 Sunday, September 26 NY Jets @ Miami
4 Sunday, October 3 Chicago @ NY Giants
5 Sunday, October 10 Philadelphia @ San Francisco
6 Sunday, October 17 Indianapolis @ Washington
7 Sunday, October 24 Minnesota @ Green Bay
8 Sunday, October 31 Pittsburgh @ New Orleans
9 Sunday, November 7 Dallas @ Green Bay
10 Sunday, November 14 New England @ Pittsburgh
11 Sunday, November 21 NY Giants @ Philadelphia
12 Sunday, November 28 San Diego @ Indianapolis
13 Sunday, December 5 Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
14 Sunday, December 12 Philadelphia @ Dallas
15 Sunday, December 19 Green Bay @ New England
16 Sunday, December 26 San Diego @ Cincinnati
17 Sunday, January 2 TBD @ TBD
Sunday Night games in Weeks 11-16 are subject to change as part of the NFL's flexible scheduling policy.
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
UK TV Channel Frequences for Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes
UK TV Channel Frequences for Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes
BBC TV in Spain
The BBC1 TV channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various BBC1 local regions. The best or strongest region is BBC1 Channels Islands.
The frequency for BBC 1 Channel Islands is 10847 V 22000 5/6.
This is also the same frequency setting for the BBC HD Channel, available on HD satellite receivers.
Other regions are available by searching on other frequency settings
BBC TV Satellite Frequency Settings
ITV TV in Spain
The ITV1 channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various ITV1 advertising regions. The best or strongest free (ie no sky viewing card is required) regions is ITV1 Channel Islands. The frequency for ITV1 Channel Islands is 10905 V 22000 5/6.
If you have a Sky viewing card, the best or strongest ITV regions are on frequency 12402 V 27500 2/3 - including Tyne Tees South (TTS) and Meridian SE (Mer SE)
Other regions are available by searching on other frequency settings
ITV Satellite Frequency Settings
Channel 4 TV in Spain
Channel 4 group of channels are available on various frequencies.
The free to air channel 4 channels, on Sky chanel 104, are on ,frequency 10714 H 22000 5/6. On the Costa Blanca, this frequency may not be available all day. This is the same frequency for Film 4.
Channel 4+1 (and E4 and More4) are avaialble on 10729 V 22000 5/6, which should be available most of the day on a "big satellite dish"
If you have a Sky viewing card, the best or strongest Channel 4 channels frequency 12480 V 27500 2/3 - the Irish version of the Channel 4 group of channels.
Channel 4 Satellite Frequency Settings
Channel 5 TV in Spain
The Channel Five group of channels are available over two frequencies.
Five, Fiver and Five USA are available on frequency 12422 H 27500 2/3 - with a Sky viewing card.
Channel Five, the Freesat version avaialble without a Sky card, is on 10773 H 22000 5/6 - the same frequency as BBC2, so reception of this version of Five will be as per BBC2.
Channel Five Satellite Frequency Settings
Sky TV in Spain
Sky TV is available in Spain. Its channels are spread over many frequencies. Many frequencies also carry channels available on Freesat
Sky TV and Freesat TV Channel Frequency Settings
Irish TV Channels In Spain
Irish TV channels are spread over many frequencies. The main Irish TV channels, like RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TG 4, TV 3 are availabel on frequency 10744 H 22000 5/6. Irish TV channel 3e is on frequency 11261 H 27500 2/3.
All the main Irish TV channels require a Sky veiwing card registered at an Irish address to view. You cannot use a Sky card at a UK address to view Irish TV channels.
Irish TV Satellite Frequency Settings
To see how to add the "secret" and additional ITV, Chanel 4, and Five channels insructoins can be found at
Extra Secret Additional Sky and Freesat Frequencies
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
BBC TV in Spain
The BBC1 TV channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various BBC1 local regions. The best or strongest region is BBC1 Channels Islands.
The frequency for BBC 1 Channel Islands is 10847 V 22000 5/6.
This is also the same frequency setting for the BBC HD Channel, available on HD satellite receivers.
Other regions are available by searching on other frequency settings
BBC TV Satellite Frequency Settings
ITV TV in Spain
The ITV1 channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various ITV1 advertising regions. The best or strongest free (ie no sky viewing card is required) regions is ITV1 Channel Islands. The frequency for ITV1 Channel Islands is 10905 V 22000 5/6.
If you have a Sky viewing card, the best or strongest ITV regions are on frequency 12402 V 27500 2/3 - including Tyne Tees South (TTS) and Meridian SE (Mer SE)
Other regions are available by searching on other frequency settings
ITV Satellite Frequency Settings
Channel 4 TV in Spain
Channel 4 group of channels are available on various frequencies.
The free to air channel 4 channels, on Sky chanel 104, are on ,frequency 10714 H 22000 5/6. On the Costa Blanca, this frequency may not be available all day. This is the same frequency for Film 4.
Channel 4+1 (and E4 and More4) are avaialble on 10729 V 22000 5/6, which should be available most of the day on a "big satellite dish"
If you have a Sky viewing card, the best or strongest Channel 4 channels frequency 12480 V 27500 2/3 - the Irish version of the Channel 4 group of channels.
Channel 4 Satellite Frequency Settings
Channel 5 TV in Spain
The Channel Five group of channels are available over two frequencies.
Five, Fiver and Five USA are available on frequency 12422 H 27500 2/3 - with a Sky viewing card.
Channel Five, the Freesat version avaialble without a Sky card, is on 10773 H 22000 5/6 - the same frequency as BBC2, so reception of this version of Five will be as per BBC2.
Channel Five Satellite Frequency Settings
Sky TV in Spain
Sky TV is available in Spain. Its channels are spread over many frequencies. Many frequencies also carry channels available on Freesat
Sky TV and Freesat TV Channel Frequency Settings
Irish TV Channels In Spain
Irish TV channels are spread over many frequencies. The main Irish TV channels, like RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TG 4, TV 3 are availabel on frequency 10744 H 22000 5/6. Irish TV channel 3e is on frequency 11261 H 27500 2/3.
All the main Irish TV channels require a Sky veiwing card registered at an Irish address to view. You cannot use a Sky card at a UK address to view Irish TV channels.
Irish TV Satellite Frequency Settings
To see how to add the "secret" and additional ITV, Chanel 4, and Five channels insructoins can be found at
Extra Secret Additional Sky and Freesat Frequencies
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
TTon4. Where has TTon4 gone? It has disappeared! My TTon4 Channel 4 is missing!
Where has TTon4 gone? My TTon4 has disappeared! My TTon4 Channel 4 is missing!
It looks like that, as from today, the TTon4 channel is no longer available. Many people will have lost access to TTon4 and are no longer be able to use this channel to watch Channel 4.
In the Costa Blanca area, many people used TTon4 to view Channel 4, which was useful for people who used to use this to watch Channel 4 on Freesat receivers, as the main Channel 4 frequency has limited reception in the Costa Blanca Spain.
This was helpd by the fact that it could be viewed for free, without a Sky card, and on a small satellite dish.
As I have mentioned in the past, this TTon4 channel was a left over test signal, which could be removed and lost at any time, and it now appears that C4 have now removed this and so it has disappeared from the "Other Channels" list.
However, the Irish Channel 4 variations on 12480 are still currently available. The questions is...for how long....
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
It looks like that, as from today, the TTon4 channel is no longer available. Many people will have lost access to TTon4 and are no longer be able to use this channel to watch Channel 4.
In the Costa Blanca area, many people used TTon4 to view Channel 4, which was useful for people who used to use this to watch Channel 4 on Freesat receivers, as the main Channel 4 frequency has limited reception in the Costa Blanca Spain.
This was helpd by the fact that it could be viewed for free, without a Sky card, and on a small satellite dish.
As I have mentioned in the past, this TTon4 channel was a left over test signal, which could be removed and lost at any time, and it now appears that C4 have now removed this and so it has disappeared from the "Other Channels" list.
However, the Irish Channel 4 variations on 12480 are still currently available. The questions is...for how long....
For more information please visit:
The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
or the forum
The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca
Thursday, May 21, 2009
British UK English TV In Costa Blanca Spain (Freeview Freesat TV Freesatfromsky Sky TV UKTV)
English / British / UK Television in Costa Blanca Spain
This page gives a summary of all the details within my main website (http://www.satandpcguy.com/) with respect to receiving UK Television within Spain, and the various other services available, such as TDT - Spain's version of Freeview.
FREEVIEW
"Freeview" is the brand name of a UK Digital TV service ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK. It is available via TV aerials on the houses, and is only transmitted from TV transmitters in the UK. You will need either a Freeview "set top box" or a TV with Freeview built in. Again, Freeview is not available in Spain.
There are channels on the Freeview system that you have to pay for on via satellite - like Dave, UK History.
TDT
Spain has its own version of "Freeview" called Television Digital Terrestrial (TDT). There are approximately 30 digital Spanish TV channels via a TV aerial...many channels / programmes you can change the programmes into their original audio...not always English as a few German programmes have cropped up...you will need a TDT "set top box" or a TV with TDT built in. Your existing television aerial may be ok for this but it may need to be reconfigured, and you may also require some signal amplifiers.
You can use a UK Freeview set top box to get TDT, but there are some limitations - language change options may be limited to English, Welsh and Gaelic, TDT uses frequency 69, UK Freeview set top boxes ma not be able to scan this frequency.
see http://www.tdt.es or http://www.tdt1.com for more information
FREESAT
Freesat, a satellite version of Freeview, was launched in May 2008. Using an official Freesat receiver, you can watch the about 100 free satellite TV channels. All BBC channels, ITV1,2,3,4, C4, E4, More4, Film4 and FIVE are all free to watch on satellite. But some free channels the availability is limited due to signal strengths - so for example Five on Freesat will only be available at the same times as BBC2 as they share a frequency. FIVE with a Sky card (see below) is available 24/7 as this Sky FIVE is transmitted on a different frequency.
Official "Freesat" receivers currently only have about 100 TV channels on their EPG at the moment - but on some Freesat receivers you can manually add other channels not on the EPG using a "non-Freesat mode". They can only receive "free to air" channels. Freesat receivers will have the Freesat logo on them.
Some Freesat boxes have two modes. In Freesat mode the Freesat channels are in the Freesat EPG - the ones that have been officially added to the EPG and where new channels are updated automatically. In nonfreesatmode you can manually add other free channels into an other channel list - the nonfreesatmode channels list- by manually scanning the individual frequencies. To scan for channels, go to the menu and select Setup > Manual Tune. To switch back to Freesat mode after playing with the other channels, go to: Menu > STB Mode > Freesat It's handy being able to switch between Freesat and Non-Freesat channels, for situations where a channel is not yet part of Freesat, or is a Freesat-only channel. Note that when scanning for non-Freesat channels, the numbering sequence will be a bit odd, and also they can't be accessed via the Freesat Electronic Programme Guide.
There are basic Freesat receivers - Grundigs, Bush and Humax have had good reports for reception on the Costa Blanca.
HD Freesat receivers - the best being the Humax Foxsat Freesat HD receiver Freesat+ - Humax Foxsat HDR+ with inbuilt hard disk Freesat HD receivers will get you BBC HD channel and ITV HD Red button service. C4HD has not yet confirmed if or when it will be available on Freesat. Most come with a HDMI cable so that you can connect it directly to your HD TV - as long as it has a HDMI connection - and start watching HD TV straight away.
The Humax Freesat+ receiver is available December 2008 for around £300 It will have a 320GB hard drive that can store up to 80 hours of HD programming, or up to 200 hours of standard definition shows.
FREESATFROMSKY
Freesatfromsky uses official Sky receivers and allows the viewing of many more free channels than Freesat. With a "Freesatfromsky" viewing card you can receive the FTA channels and Five, Five US and Fiver, Sky Three, Setanta Sports News.
The "Freesatfromsky" viewing cards are available in the UK for £20 (and some dealers may still be supplying them), and are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they don't know you are using one here in Spain....
SKY
If you have a Sky receiver and want to pay monthly used for Free to air, free to view and subscription channels...Again the viewing cards are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they don't know you are using one here in Spain.....
The best Sky receivers for Spain is the Pace 2600, followed by the Pace 430N. These ceased production about 5 years ago, and can only be bought as "reconditioned" units - or from Ebay. The best of the latest batch of Sky receivers is the Thomson, followed by the Amstrad. Avoid the Pace 440 and 445 - I have found these to be very poor performers.
SKY+
Sky's award winning PVR. Pause Live TV, recording with no tapes, watch one channel whilst recording another channel, series linking. Available with ANY sky TV subscription package (from £17per month), or with no Sky TV subscription package for £10 per month - for the extra 7 quid best get at least 1 sky mix!
SKY HD
A Sky HD receiver will incorporate all the recording functions of the Sky+, but with the added ability to watch HD channels. BBC HD and C4 HD are available to watch without any subscription. For the other 30ish HD channels, you will need to pay an extra £10 per month for Skys HD Channels. Sky HD does not, at the moment, have access to ITV HD.
On any HD box you will get BBCHD
On a Freesat HD box you will get BBCHD and ITVHD
On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a freesatfromskycard, C4HD
On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a sky card with hd sub, C4HD and the other subscription HD channels depending on what sky mix you are on.
GENERIC
Note that many installers are using generic receivers (sometimes called Free To Air receivers) and calling them Freesat or Freeview receivers which may be confusing people. Official Freesat and sky receivers have a full 7 day programme guide...generic FTA receivers only have now and next programme information. Some generic receivers can also be modified with software to read Sky cards.
Digital+
D+ is the Spanish satellite service. It is broadcast from two satellites - Astra 19E and Hispasat 30W. There is a variety of channels, from entertainment, movies and Sports. Many channels and programmes on the UK Sky system are also available on D+, and in most cases the language of the programmes can be changed into English. D+ can be received on a small satellite dish, approx 80cm. You will need an official D+ viewing card to watch these channels. Some, not all, TDT channels are also on D+.
BBC Prime
BBC Prime is a BBC pay channels for expats. It does not show movies or sport, but just home-grown programmes. It does show eastenders, and a variety of BBC and C4 programmes. The standalone version of BBC Prime that was on Hotbird will, by March 2009, only be available on Eurobird at 9 degrees east - so you may need your dish realigning. You will need an official BBC Prime subscription card available from http://www.bbcprime.com. BBC Prime is also available as part of some subscription packages. Some generic receivers have been able to access BBC Prime by software that removes the encryption. It now appears that BBC Prime has moved to version Viaccess 2.6. Therefore for those who were watching BBC Prime without paying for it, your screen will have gone blank.
MBC / Dubai One / Fox Movies / Arabic
You could always point a dish to badr / Arabsat at 26 degrees and look at the MBC 2,4,Action channels, the Fox Movie Channel, the Fox Series channel and Dubai One. These channels show various movies dramas and action series such as Once upon a time in Mexico, One Hour Photo ,The Rookie ,TRAINING DAY ,Taxi, Ghost Whisperer , Smallville , Grey's Anatomy , Hustle, Knight Rider, and older series of TOP GEAR!!! The channels and programmes are all mainly in English but with Arabic subtitles. All these channels are currently free to air, requiring a generic digital satellite receiver and at least an 80cm dish
Channels
The main BBC, ITV and C4 channels are free and do not require any Sky card or form of subscription (note some ITV regions do require a freesatfromsky or sky card) to view these channels.
All channels on Freesat (apart from ITV HD) are available on a sky receiver, and were also available for free before the launch of Freesat using a sky or generic receiver. Five, Five US, Five US+1, Fiver, Fiver+1 are all only available with a freesatfromsky or sky card at the moment. No monthly payments are required.
EU Television Without Frontiers
In 1989 the EU created the TVwF, as directive as to how it would like to see TV reception between member states. Various amendments have subsequently deemed the original proposals as unworkable (especially with PAY TV operations) but the directive is still alive and well and in use to level the playing field with broadcasters with rules on advertising, racial content, violence and protection of minors. One area that people quote me on is Article 2a 1. "Member States shall ensure freedom of reception and shall not restrict retransmissions on their territory of television broadcasts from other Member States for reasons which fall within the fields coordinated by this Directive." I refer them to Article 7 Member States shall ensure that broadcasters under their jurisdiction do not broadcast cinematographic works outside periods agreed with the rights holders.
Its all about copyright holders and the contracts signed between broadcasters and programme makers. So for example Sky cannot sign a deal with D+ in Spain to show Sky Sports without consulting all of the providers of their sport programmes (almost all are from third party programme makers) or the Governing bodies (like the FA), as these providers may have already signed deals with broadcasters in Spain who may object to the programmes they have paid for to be made available on another service (like TVE and the FA for Premier League TV rights)
The Freedom of Information Act (Various EU Directives) is covered by channels like BBC World News, the BBC World Service and Sky News - the UK Foreign Office partially fund the World Service and BBC World! These allow UK expats access to UK news and events and covers the requirements of the directive - it does not mean you should be allowed to receiver all the national channels!! Similarly all other European countries have at least one channels in their own language that offers similar services. For example TVEi is the international version of TVE for Spain which is available for free on various satellites.
Dishes
UK TV channels are mainly broadcast from the Astra 2,a,b,c,and d and Eurobird 1 satellites located at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees east of south. There are other Astra satellites around also - which tend to do more European channels (Spain D+ is on Astra's at 19.2). Many channels are available with a small 80cm dish, but to get the BBC and ITV and C4's, which are on the weaker Astra 2D satellite you will require a "big dish". Note that reception of channels depends on your location and dish size.
As a rough guide: 80cm will get you some channels - approx 50% of what is available 1.4m will get more channels (including bbc1 and itv1,2,3,4) 1.8/2.4 will get even more channels (including bbc2 and c4) not all channels will be available all day.
BIG DISHES
There are two companies, both from Portugal, which produce what are regarded as the best quality and performing (for their price) satellite dishes for the Costa Blanca. Personally I have found that there is very little difference in the performance of both the Portuguese made 1.8m dishes (despite the propaganda!)
Famaval produce a 2.4m prime focus dishes which is identifiable with the holes around the rim of the dish, allowing extension panels to be added if required, to make the dish a 3.1m! For whatever reason I have found this Famaval 2.4m dish not to be as prone to rusting as the Famaval 1,8m counterpart!
Other 1.8 and 2.4m prime focus dishes are available and can be cheaper, like the Fortecstar Petal Dishes. Myself and some other installers do not recommend these "petal" dishes, as we have found them not to perform as good as their equivalent Famaval dishes. I have found that dishes made in Turkey generally perform poorer than those made in Portugal. They are made from spun steel, and can be identified by the "spin circles" on the back of the dish.
Some models of big dishes area actually two parts welded together - you can sometimes see the join along the dish!
Some other makes of dish, like Channel Masters, do perform much better than the Portuguese dishes, and their cost reflects this (around 2000euros).
For reference Famaval dish sizes are
1.4 prime focus Outside diameter: 1440mm x 1440mm Reflector diameter: 1330mm x 1330mm
1.8 prime focus Outside diameter: 1940mm x 1940mm Reflector diameter: 1790mm x 1790mm
2.4 prime focus Outside diameter: 2470mm x 2470mm Reflector diameter: 2290mm x 2290mm
Community Installs
It is possible for one dish to serve a number of receivers at different houses. If less than 4 connections are required then a 4 output LNB should be OK, with a cable from the dish to each location. If more than 4 connections are required, then the system will require a special signal distribution unit - called multiswitches.
These multiswicthes are strategically placed around the community to serve, and individual connections are made from these points. I personally run new cable in these systems, as you cannot rely on the condition of the existing cable. Ideally, the community will pay for the infrastructure required (dish, LNB, cables from LNB to multiswicthes, multiswicthes and amplifiers) and individuals will pay for the connection from the multiswitch to their house, and any receivers they require.
Permission must be sought for dishes to be installed on community areas, including apartment blocks. In privately owned houses, dish rules are fairly relaxed, but generally make sure it is installed in an area that wont upset your neighbours. You may also be required to ask your local town hall for permission to install a big dish.
Rebroadcasting
Under the Rome Convention broadcasters have the right to authorize or prohibit the re-broadcasting of their broadcasts. "Re-broadcasting" is defined under the Rome Convention as the simultaneous broadcasting by one broadcasting organization of the broadcast of another broadcast organization. Broadcasters also have the right to authorize or prohibit the fixation of their broadcasts; the reproduction of unauthorized original fixations of their broadcasts; the reproduction for purposes other than those authorized fixations of their broadcasts.
Basically it says you need authorisation from the "Broadcasting organisations" like BBC and ITV to rebroadcast their transmission in the EU.
You may be using a rebroadcaster if your TV company:
is offering bbc and itv on a small dish or mesh aerial - these channels can only be legitimately received for free via a minimum of 1.4mdish (some areas 1.8m)
offers bbc and itv for a monthly subscription - bbc and itv are free on satellite and do not need a subscription
offers "freesat" with only 20 or 64 channels - by satellite you will receive over 100 free tv channels, not 20 or 64. the bbc have over 15 regional variations on satellite alone.
offers sky sports for less than £36 per month or setanta sports for less than £14 per month - the costs of legitimate subscriptions to these channels.
offers channels from other countries - channels like Showtime Sports for example.
says they get BBC and ITV from a satellite other than Astra 2, like Hotbird - bbc and itv are only broadcast on one "satellite constellation (those satellites at 28.3 to 28.5 degrees)
as these companies will more than likely be a rebroadcasting services who's signal may be terminated just like Telemicro.
Advantages of Satellite
With a sky or freesat receiver you can get bbc interactive, sky active and a full 7 day programme guide. you may need a big dish, you may pay more for the installation, but at least the signal is pretty much guaranteed as it it direct from the satellite and is not reliant on a third party. pure digital broadcasting (with some channels in full Dolby Digital sound), not reliant on second or third or fourth generation signals as the signals gets past from one rebroadcast transmitter to another.
Many ex rebroadcasting clients have commented on how good the signal direct from the satellite is compared to that of a rebroadcasted signal.
if you are in doubt as to whether or not it is OK to view free satellite tv channels (like BBC and ITV) in Spain via satellite see http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=help.Question&id=1667 which says that "it may be possible outside the UK to use a satellite receiver to pick up channels available on freesat" - nothing about it being illegal - the technical term is "satellite signal overspill".
A final thought on this: if it was illegal to watch TV channels that were broadcasted for free, then all shops selling free to air receivers would be in trouble, as would Canal Digital + (the Spanish satellite service) as their receivers can also pick up free tv satellite channels from other countries.
Default Transponder Settings for Spain or Resetting your Sky Receiver after powercut
When a Sky receiver is first booted up, like after a power cut, then the first thing it requires to function is at least 6 hours of EPG information. It looks for this data on the Default transponder frequency of 11778. this frequency can be poor in Spain, and therefore the receiver will not be able to find the information is required and therefore will not work - giving the message "No satellite Signal is Being Received". Changing the default transponder to another frequency (i use 12129) allow the receiver to get the information it requires to function. No matter what people tell you changing this default transponder does not increase how long channels are available. It is only used to “assist” the receiver to boot up. It is normal for the Default Transponder to revert back to 11778 once the receiver is functioning.
See the link in the menu on the left hand side of the screen to help reset your sky digibox.
Auto Standby
Sky has been deploying new receiver software, and incorporated in to this is a new feature designed to help save energy when the Sky receiver is not being used. If the box hasn't been used for a period of two hours after 11pm, or for four hours during the day time, an ‘Auto Standby' message will pop up on screen for three minutes. If there's no further use the box will go into Standby mode automatically, until the user turns it back on. This can be an issue if you are using a VCR to record things from the Sky receivers as when the receiver goes into Autostandby mode you will record a blank (or blue!) screen if the box has shut down.... You can turn it off by using the option in Services (Sky+ Setup for + and HD users!)
Electronic Programme Guide (EPGs)
Sky's Electronic Programme Guide is used on Sky receivers. Although all the frequencies used by Sky transmit limited EPG information, the main EPG data is transmitted on one frequency - 11778. You may notice that this frequency is also the main Default Transponder - and the same frequency that is measured in the Sky receivers Signal Test screen. This frequency's reception varies greatly during the day and may not be available 24/7 - especially during the afternoon, and also certain Sky receivers really do not like this frequency. Hence why you may only get a limited (6 hours or so, EPG information in the EPG.
The Freesat EPG is transmitted from a different frequency to Sky (in fact it is on a different satellite!), whose reception is widely available over Europe - hence why you do not have to change the Freesat receiver "default transponder". It was the fact that the Freesat EPG would be easily available over Europe on a small dish that lead many, including installers, into thinking that all channels on Freesat would be available all over Europe in a small dish. Where as in fact both Sky and Freesat EPGs point to the same frequencies for the channels they use (apart from FIVE!)
For more information visit
www.satandpcguy.com
or
www.satandpcguy.com/forum
This page gives a summary of all the details within my main website (http://www.satandpcguy.com/) with respect to receiving UK Television within Spain, and the various other services available, such as TDT - Spain's version of Freeview.
FREEVIEW
"Freeview" is the brand name of a UK Digital TV service ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK. It is available via TV aerials on the houses, and is only transmitted from TV transmitters in the UK. You will need either a Freeview "set top box" or a TV with Freeview built in. Again, Freeview is not available in Spain.
There are channels on the Freeview system that you have to pay for on via satellite - like Dave, UK History.
TDT
Spain has its own version of "Freeview" called Television Digital Terrestrial (TDT). There are approximately 30 digital Spanish TV channels via a TV aerial...many channels / programmes you can change the programmes into their original audio...not always English as a few German programmes have cropped up...you will need a TDT "set top box" or a TV with TDT built in. Your existing television aerial may be ok for this but it may need to be reconfigured, and you may also require some signal amplifiers.
You can use a UK Freeview set top box to get TDT, but there are some limitations - language change options may be limited to English, Welsh and Gaelic, TDT uses frequency 69, UK Freeview set top boxes ma not be able to scan this frequency.
see http://www.tdt.es or http://www.tdt1.com for more information
FREESAT
Freesat, a satellite version of Freeview, was launched in May 2008. Using an official Freesat receiver, you can watch the about 100 free satellite TV channels. All BBC channels, ITV1,2,3,4, C4, E4, More4, Film4 and FIVE are all free to watch on satellite. But some free channels the availability is limited due to signal strengths - so for example Five on Freesat will only be available at the same times as BBC2 as they share a frequency. FIVE with a Sky card (see below) is available 24/7 as this Sky FIVE is transmitted on a different frequency.
Official "Freesat" receivers currently only have about 100 TV channels on their EPG at the moment - but on some Freesat receivers you can manually add other channels not on the EPG using a "non-Freesat mode". They can only receive "free to air" channels. Freesat receivers will have the Freesat logo on them.
Some Freesat boxes have two modes. In Freesat mode the Freesat channels are in the Freesat EPG - the ones that have been officially added to the EPG and where new channels are updated automatically. In nonfreesatmode you can manually add other free channels into an other channel list - the nonfreesatmode channels list- by manually scanning the individual frequencies. To scan for channels, go to the menu and select Setup > Manual Tune. To switch back to Freesat mode after playing with the other channels, go to: Menu > STB Mode > Freesat It's handy being able to switch between Freesat and Non-Freesat channels, for situations where a channel is not yet part of Freesat, or is a Freesat-only channel. Note that when scanning for non-Freesat channels, the numbering sequence will be a bit odd, and also they can't be accessed via the Freesat Electronic Programme Guide.
There are basic Freesat receivers - Grundigs, Bush and Humax have had good reports for reception on the Costa Blanca.
HD Freesat receivers - the best being the Humax Foxsat Freesat HD receiver Freesat+ - Humax Foxsat HDR+ with inbuilt hard disk Freesat HD receivers will get you BBC HD channel and ITV HD Red button service. C4HD has not yet confirmed if or when it will be available on Freesat. Most come with a HDMI cable so that you can connect it directly to your HD TV - as long as it has a HDMI connection - and start watching HD TV straight away.
The Humax Freesat+ receiver is available December 2008 for around £300 It will have a 320GB hard drive that can store up to 80 hours of HD programming, or up to 200 hours of standard definition shows.
FREESATFROMSKY
Freesatfromsky uses official Sky receivers and allows the viewing of many more free channels than Freesat. With a "Freesatfromsky" viewing card you can receive the FTA channels and Five, Five US and Fiver, Sky Three, Setanta Sports News.
The "Freesatfromsky" viewing cards are available in the UK for £20 (and some dealers may still be supplying them), and are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they don't know you are using one here in Spain....
SKY
If you have a Sky receiver and want to pay monthly used for Free to air, free to view and subscription channels...Again the viewing cards are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they don't know you are using one here in Spain.....
The best Sky receivers for Spain is the Pace 2600, followed by the Pace 430N. These ceased production about 5 years ago, and can only be bought as "reconditioned" units - or from Ebay. The best of the latest batch of Sky receivers is the Thomson, followed by the Amstrad. Avoid the Pace 440 and 445 - I have found these to be very poor performers.
SKY+
Sky's award winning PVR. Pause Live TV, recording with no tapes, watch one channel whilst recording another channel, series linking. Available with ANY sky TV subscription package (from £17per month), or with no Sky TV subscription package for £10 per month - for the extra 7 quid best get at least 1 sky mix!
SKY HD
A Sky HD receiver will incorporate all the recording functions of the Sky+, but with the added ability to watch HD channels. BBC HD and C4 HD are available to watch without any subscription. For the other 30ish HD channels, you will need to pay an extra £10 per month for Skys HD Channels. Sky HD does not, at the moment, have access to ITV HD.
On any HD box you will get BBCHD
On a Freesat HD box you will get BBCHD and ITVHD
On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a freesatfromskycard, C4HD
On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a sky card with hd sub, C4HD and the other subscription HD channels depending on what sky mix you are on.
GENERIC
Note that many installers are using generic receivers (sometimes called Free To Air receivers) and calling them Freesat or Freeview receivers which may be confusing people. Official Freesat and sky receivers have a full 7 day programme guide...generic FTA receivers only have now and next programme information. Some generic receivers can also be modified with software to read Sky cards.
Digital+
D+ is the Spanish satellite service. It is broadcast from two satellites - Astra 19E and Hispasat 30W. There is a variety of channels, from entertainment, movies and Sports. Many channels and programmes on the UK Sky system are also available on D+, and in most cases the language of the programmes can be changed into English. D+ can be received on a small satellite dish, approx 80cm. You will need an official D+ viewing card to watch these channels. Some, not all, TDT channels are also on D+.
BBC Prime
BBC Prime is a BBC pay channels for expats. It does not show movies or sport, but just home-grown programmes. It does show eastenders, and a variety of BBC and C4 programmes. The standalone version of BBC Prime that was on Hotbird will, by March 2009, only be available on Eurobird at 9 degrees east - so you may need your dish realigning. You will need an official BBC Prime subscription card available from http://www.bbcprime.com. BBC Prime is also available as part of some subscription packages. Some generic receivers have been able to access BBC Prime by software that removes the encryption. It now appears that BBC Prime has moved to version Viaccess 2.6. Therefore for those who were watching BBC Prime without paying for it, your screen will have gone blank.
MBC / Dubai One / Fox Movies / Arabic
You could always point a dish to badr / Arabsat at 26 degrees and look at the MBC 2,4,Action channels, the Fox Movie Channel, the Fox Series channel and Dubai One. These channels show various movies dramas and action series such as Once upon a time in Mexico, One Hour Photo ,The Rookie ,TRAINING DAY ,Taxi, Ghost Whisperer , Smallville , Grey's Anatomy , Hustle, Knight Rider, and older series of TOP GEAR!!! The channels and programmes are all mainly in English but with Arabic subtitles. All these channels are currently free to air, requiring a generic digital satellite receiver and at least an 80cm dish
Channels
The main BBC, ITV and C4 channels are free and do not require any Sky card or form of subscription (note some ITV regions do require a freesatfromsky or sky card) to view these channels.
All channels on Freesat (apart from ITV HD) are available on a sky receiver, and were also available for free before the launch of Freesat using a sky or generic receiver. Five, Five US, Five US+1, Fiver, Fiver+1 are all only available with a freesatfromsky or sky card at the moment. No monthly payments are required.
EU Television Without Frontiers
In 1989 the EU created the TVwF, as directive as to how it would like to see TV reception between member states. Various amendments have subsequently deemed the original proposals as unworkable (especially with PAY TV operations) but the directive is still alive and well and in use to level the playing field with broadcasters with rules on advertising, racial content, violence and protection of minors. One area that people quote me on is Article 2a 1. "Member States shall ensure freedom of reception and shall not restrict retransmissions on their territory of television broadcasts from other Member States for reasons which fall within the fields coordinated by this Directive." I refer them to Article 7 Member States shall ensure that broadcasters under their jurisdiction do not broadcast cinematographic works outside periods agreed with the rights holders.
Its all about copyright holders and the contracts signed between broadcasters and programme makers. So for example Sky cannot sign a deal with D+ in Spain to show Sky Sports without consulting all of the providers of their sport programmes (almost all are from third party programme makers) or the Governing bodies (like the FA), as these providers may have already signed deals with broadcasters in Spain who may object to the programmes they have paid for to be made available on another service (like TVE and the FA for Premier League TV rights)
The Freedom of Information Act (Various EU Directives) is covered by channels like BBC World News, the BBC World Service and Sky News - the UK Foreign Office partially fund the World Service and BBC World! These allow UK expats access to UK news and events and covers the requirements of the directive - it does not mean you should be allowed to receiver all the national channels!! Similarly all other European countries have at least one channels in their own language that offers similar services. For example TVEi is the international version of TVE for Spain which is available for free on various satellites.
Dishes
UK TV channels are mainly broadcast from the Astra 2,a,b,c,and d and Eurobird 1 satellites located at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees east of south. There are other Astra satellites around also - which tend to do more European channels (Spain D+ is on Astra's at 19.2). Many channels are available with a small 80cm dish, but to get the BBC and ITV and C4's, which are on the weaker Astra 2D satellite you will require a "big dish". Note that reception of channels depends on your location and dish size.
As a rough guide: 80cm will get you some channels - approx 50% of what is available 1.4m will get more channels (including bbc1 and itv1,2,3,4) 1.8/2.4 will get even more channels (including bbc2 and c4) not all channels will be available all day.
BIG DISHES
There are two companies, both from Portugal, which produce what are regarded as the best quality and performing (for their price) satellite dishes for the Costa Blanca. Personally I have found that there is very little difference in the performance of both the Portuguese made 1.8m dishes (despite the propaganda!)
Famaval produce a 2.4m prime focus dishes which is identifiable with the holes around the rim of the dish, allowing extension panels to be added if required, to make the dish a 3.1m! For whatever reason I have found this Famaval 2.4m dish not to be as prone to rusting as the Famaval 1,8m counterpart!
Other 1.8 and 2.4m prime focus dishes are available and can be cheaper, like the Fortecstar Petal Dishes. Myself and some other installers do not recommend these "petal" dishes, as we have found them not to perform as good as their equivalent Famaval dishes. I have found that dishes made in Turkey generally perform poorer than those made in Portugal. They are made from spun steel, and can be identified by the "spin circles" on the back of the dish.
Some models of big dishes area actually two parts welded together - you can sometimes see the join along the dish!
Some other makes of dish, like Channel Masters, do perform much better than the Portuguese dishes, and their cost reflects this (around 2000euros).
For reference Famaval dish sizes are
1.4 prime focus Outside diameter: 1440mm x 1440mm Reflector diameter: 1330mm x 1330mm
1.8 prime focus Outside diameter: 1940mm x 1940mm Reflector diameter: 1790mm x 1790mm
2.4 prime focus Outside diameter: 2470mm x 2470mm Reflector diameter: 2290mm x 2290mm
Community Installs
It is possible for one dish to serve a number of receivers at different houses. If less than 4 connections are required then a 4 output LNB should be OK, with a cable from the dish to each location. If more than 4 connections are required, then the system will require a special signal distribution unit - called multiswitches.
These multiswicthes are strategically placed around the community to serve, and individual connections are made from these points. I personally run new cable in these systems, as you cannot rely on the condition of the existing cable. Ideally, the community will pay for the infrastructure required (dish, LNB, cables from LNB to multiswicthes, multiswicthes and amplifiers) and individuals will pay for the connection from the multiswitch to their house, and any receivers they require.
Permission must be sought for dishes to be installed on community areas, including apartment blocks. In privately owned houses, dish rules are fairly relaxed, but generally make sure it is installed in an area that wont upset your neighbours. You may also be required to ask your local town hall for permission to install a big dish.
Rebroadcasting
Under the Rome Convention broadcasters have the right to authorize or prohibit the re-broadcasting of their broadcasts. "Re-broadcasting" is defined under the Rome Convention as the simultaneous broadcasting by one broadcasting organization of the broadcast of another broadcast organization. Broadcasters also have the right to authorize or prohibit the fixation of their broadcasts; the reproduction of unauthorized original fixations of their broadcasts; the reproduction for purposes other than those authorized fixations of their broadcasts.
Basically it says you need authorisation from the "Broadcasting organisations" like BBC and ITV to rebroadcast their transmission in the EU.
You may be using a rebroadcaster if your TV company:
is offering bbc and itv on a small dish or mesh aerial - these channels can only be legitimately received for free via a minimum of 1.4mdish (some areas 1.8m)
offers bbc and itv for a monthly subscription - bbc and itv are free on satellite and do not need a subscription
offers "freesat" with only 20 or 64 channels - by satellite you will receive over 100 free tv channels, not 20 or 64. the bbc have over 15 regional variations on satellite alone.
offers sky sports for less than £36 per month or setanta sports for less than £14 per month - the costs of legitimate subscriptions to these channels.
offers channels from other countries - channels like Showtime Sports for example.
says they get BBC and ITV from a satellite other than Astra 2, like Hotbird - bbc and itv are only broadcast on one "satellite constellation (those satellites at 28.3 to 28.5 degrees)
as these companies will more than likely be a rebroadcasting services who's signal may be terminated just like Telemicro.
Advantages of Satellite
With a sky or freesat receiver you can get bbc interactive, sky active and a full 7 day programme guide. you may need a big dish, you may pay more for the installation, but at least the signal is pretty much guaranteed as it it direct from the satellite and is not reliant on a third party. pure digital broadcasting (with some channels in full Dolby Digital sound), not reliant on second or third or fourth generation signals as the signals gets past from one rebroadcast transmitter to another.
Many ex rebroadcasting clients have commented on how good the signal direct from the satellite is compared to that of a rebroadcasted signal.
if you are in doubt as to whether or not it is OK to view free satellite tv channels (like BBC and ITV) in Spain via satellite see http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=help.Question&id=1667 which says that "it may be possible outside the UK to use a satellite receiver to pick up channels available on freesat" - nothing about it being illegal - the technical term is "satellite signal overspill".
A final thought on this: if it was illegal to watch TV channels that were broadcasted for free, then all shops selling free to air receivers would be in trouble, as would Canal Digital + (the Spanish satellite service) as their receivers can also pick up free tv satellite channels from other countries.
Default Transponder Settings for Spain or Resetting your Sky Receiver after powercut
When a Sky receiver is first booted up, like after a power cut, then the first thing it requires to function is at least 6 hours of EPG information. It looks for this data on the Default transponder frequency of 11778. this frequency can be poor in Spain, and therefore the receiver will not be able to find the information is required and therefore will not work - giving the message "No satellite Signal is Being Received". Changing the default transponder to another frequency (i use 12129) allow the receiver to get the information it requires to function. No matter what people tell you changing this default transponder does not increase how long channels are available. It is only used to “assist” the receiver to boot up. It is normal for the Default Transponder to revert back to 11778 once the receiver is functioning.
See the link in the menu on the left hand side of the screen to help reset your sky digibox.
Auto Standby
Sky has been deploying new receiver software, and incorporated in to this is a new feature designed to help save energy when the Sky receiver is not being used. If the box hasn't been used for a period of two hours after 11pm, or for four hours during the day time, an ‘Auto Standby' message will pop up on screen for three minutes. If there's no further use the box will go into Standby mode automatically, until the user turns it back on. This can be an issue if you are using a VCR to record things from the Sky receivers as when the receiver goes into Autostandby mode you will record a blank (or blue!) screen if the box has shut down.... You can turn it off by using the option in Services (Sky+ Setup for + and HD users!)
Electronic Programme Guide (EPGs)
Sky's Electronic Programme Guide is used on Sky receivers. Although all the frequencies used by Sky transmit limited EPG information, the main EPG data is transmitted on one frequency - 11778. You may notice that this frequency is also the main Default Transponder - and the same frequency that is measured in the Sky receivers Signal Test screen. This frequency's reception varies greatly during the day and may not be available 24/7 - especially during the afternoon, and also certain Sky receivers really do not like this frequency. Hence why you may only get a limited (6 hours or so, EPG information in the EPG.
The Freesat EPG is transmitted from a different frequency to Sky (in fact it is on a different satellite!), whose reception is widely available over Europe - hence why you do not have to change the Freesat receiver "default transponder". It was the fact that the Freesat EPG would be easily available over Europe on a small dish that lead many, including installers, into thinking that all channels on Freesat would be available all over Europe in a small dish. Where as in fact both Sky and Freesat EPGs point to the same frequencies for the channels they use (apart from FIVE!)
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