More incorrect rumours and untruths about the future of satellite TV in Europe - mainly from some IPTV / Internet TV sellers.

Time again to clarify some of more of the incorrect rumours and untruths about the future of satellite TV in Europe and about the so called "Big Switch Off" of UK TV in Spain.

Again, as mentioned before in my blogs ( http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2013/08/loss-of-uk-tv-in-spain-more-misinformation-by-iptv-retailers/ ) , these "rumours" are coming from some (not all I hasten to add!) sellers of IPTV / Internet TV systems.

One such incorrect rumour that has been doing the rounds, and even spread on a Expat Radio Stations here in Spain, is that:

"All BBC, ITV, Ch4 and Ch5 TV channels etc. will disappear from the SKY platform at end of October beginning November. None of these channels will physically reach Europe mainland via Satellite."

No.
This is incorrect.
a) BBC, ITV, Ch4 and Ch5 TV channels etc will not disappear from Sky - or Freesat. These UKTV channels will still be on those Digital Satellite systems. Why would these channels be removed from the most popular Digital TV services ?

b) "None of these channels will physically reach Europe mainland via Satellite."

No.
This is incorrect.
They will reach Europe mainland via Satellite.
The beams may be more focused on the UK, but there will be satellite signal overspill into other areas, just like there has been signal overspill into Europe for the last 20 plus years

In fact, in some areas of Spain you can and should still be able to receive these UK TV channels (BBC1HD, ITV1HD, C4HD, Channel Five) on a 1m satellite dish from the first new satellite, Astra 2F, that has been operating since December 2012.

Also, the official SES Astra predicted signal footprint map (seen here http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_footprint_map_uk_tv_spain.php ) for the new UK TV satellites says that its beams can be received in most of France on a 60cm dish.
Last time I checked France was in mainland Europe.

So in fact these channels will physically reach Europe mainland via Satellite, contrary to what these IPTV / Internet TV sellers claim.

Some IPTV / Internet TV sellers are confusing people by misrepresenting the aforementioned official SES Astra signal footprint map.

http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/Resources/ASTRA_2EFG_UK_ku_band_spotbeam.jpg

The map shows SES Astra's prediction of their new satellites UK beam for users with a 45cm satellite dish and 60cm satellite dish. As you can see the Astra 2E satellites UK beam should be available to more than half of France if you are using a 60cm satellite dish.

However, some IPTV / Internet TV sellers are using this as a basis for their misrepresentations, by saying anyone outside that "60cm satellite dish" contour will not be able to receive ANY signals at all.

This is incorrect.

Just because the map does not show data outside that 60cm contour, does not mean that n signals will be available in those areas.

In fact, this is the same map showing the same data for the first new satellites, Astra 2F.

And like I said before, some areas of Spain can receive this signal on a 1m satellite dish - in areas where these IPTV / Internet TV sellers say it is impossible.

Yes, some areas will be affected more than other areas. Some may find that they can still use smaller 1m and 1.25m and 1.4m satellite dishes in Spain for reception of their UK TV .

Yes, some areas, like the Costa del Sol, may have to increase the size of their satellite dishes, and use 1.8m or 2.4m satellite dishes, just like the Costa Blanca has had to use for the last 10plus years.

Until the new Astra 2E satellite has been launched, expected around the 30th September 2013 ( http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php ) , tested (which will take place at another location in the skies), positioned at 28 east along with the other UK TG satellites, and is transmitting signals from that location, no-one will know for sure what reception will be like in Spain, and Europe, or what sized satellite dishes you will need to receive these signals in Spain and Europe.

More Confusion about UK Satellite TV by Expat Newspapers on the Costa Blanca and Spain

There seem to be more confusion about the future of UK Satellite TV on the Costa Blanca and Spain, so I hope the following helps to calm nerves and help with some of the truths, lies, facts and rumours that are going around at the moment about “loss of UK TV in Spain!” and the “UK TV Switch off”.

Yes there are changes happening to UK TV via satellite. Basically some of the previous satellites used for UK TV are old and need replacing.

 The first new satellite, Astra 2F, is already up and working. Since December 2012 it has been transmitting some UK TV channels on its “UK beam” such as C4HD, 4seven and Channel 5.

 The second new satellite, Astra 2E, was expected to be launched on the 20th July 2013, and be operational and transmitting channels from September. However, a failed launch of another rocket at the launch site in Kazakhstan on the 2nd July, will mean that the launch will be delayed. For how long, no-one currently knows, but it is expected to be delayed for about two to three months.

When the channels moved to the first new satellite, Astra 2F, some areas such as the Costa del Sol lost reception of these channels on their current satellite dishes. In other areas, such as between Valencia and Alicante there has been no noticeable change in reception. This proves that reception characteristics vary a lot in Spain, making it hard to generalize on reception across Spain.

No-one will know what reception of the second new satellite, Astra 2E, will be like in Spain, and the size of satellite dish required to receive those TV channels on its “UK beam” until the satellite is actually launched, tested, positioned, operational and transmitting channels.  It may be that reception of Astra 2E may be similar to Astra 2F. It may be totally different. No-one can actually say until it happens.

 However, you will not lose ALL UK TV and all Sky TV when the change over happens.

 Firstly, some of the UK TV channels are on a satellite that is not part of the change over, and so their reception should not be affected.

Secondly, many of the Sky Pay channels may be transmitted from the new satellites “European beams”, just as they are today, and have been in the past. These European beams tend to be more easily available in most areas of mainland Spain, and so again, their reception should not be affected.

It does seem that a lot of these “you will lose all UK TV IN Spain” scaremongering tends to come from companies and individuals who are selling IPTV / internet TV. Yes, for some IPTV / internet TV may be the only solution. However, if you are in area where you can streceive the UK TV channels direct from the satellite, then you will benefit from the main UK TV channels available subscription free and in high definition. Live UK TV streaming from the internet tends to have a much lower resolution than standard and high definition TV from satellites. And this is more noticeable when used on larger screen TVs.

The Sat and PC Guy has been installing and maintaining satellite and television systems for the Costa Blanca North since 2003. We cover between Calpe to Valencia and inland areas including Alcoy and Ontinyent. We are able to supply and install a range of dishes, from 80cm to 2.4 meter satellite dishes, and digital satellite receivers, including Freesat, and Sky HD digiboxes.  We also supply and install TV aerials for the reception of Spanish digital TV.

Whether you require a satellite or Spanish TV system installing, your existing system upgraded or serviced, or more information contact The Sat and PC Guy on 96 281 9796 / 620 130 292 or see our website: www.satandpcguy.com or our blog : www.satandpcguy.com/blog or on Facebook:www.facebook.com/satandpcguy