Astra 2G- the final new UK TV satellite - news update
Astra 2G is the third and final new UK TV satellite for the 28 east location.
ASTRA 2G was successfully launched at the end of December 2014. .
It was expected that Astra 2G would be operational at 28 east for UK TV sometime early 2015.
More information on this update at http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/astra-2g-the-final-new-uk-tv-satellite-news-update/
Showing posts with label new satellite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new satellite. Show all posts
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Astra 2E Update : 04/02/14 : Sky channels move to Astra 2E
Astra 2E Update : 04/02/14 : UK TV Satellite Update:
It looks, note looks, like some channels from Astra 2A (north and south beams) have been moved to 2E.
So for some sky channels reception in some areas may have changed. In Spain for the better. It looks like 11778 - the sky epg frequency on 11778 has also moved - which is good news for Spain, as there is no need to change the "default transponder frequency" as it is now on a stronger beams! We shall be confirming this during the day, but o far no changes to BBC or ITV channels.
Some channels that used to be hard to receive in the middle of the afternoon even on 2,.4m dishes, because they were on the Astra 2A north beam, are now located on the Astra 2E European beam. Meaning reception of channel like Sky Movies, and some HD channels reception should be better...even on smaller dishes.
Reports are that the following frequencies have moved to the new satellite : 11856V, 11.934V, 11.914H, 12.012V, 11.720H,11.739V, 11.758H, 11.778V, 11.798H, 11.836H. None of these carry BBC or ITV or C4.
More;http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
It looks, note looks, like some channels from Astra 2A (north and south beams) have been moved to 2E.
So for some sky channels reception in some areas may have changed. In Spain for the better. It looks like 11778 - the sky epg frequency on 11778 has also moved - which is good news for Spain, as there is no need to change the "default transponder frequency" as it is now on a stronger beams! We shall be confirming this during the day, but o far no changes to BBC or ITV channels.
Some channels that used to be hard to receive in the middle of the afternoon even on 2,.4m dishes, because they were on the Astra 2A north beam, are now located on the Astra 2E European beam. Meaning reception of channel like Sky Movies, and some HD channels reception should be better...even on smaller dishes.
Reports are that the following frequencies have moved to the new satellite : 11856V, 11.934V, 11.914H, 12.012V, 11.720H,11.739V, 11.758H, 11.778V, 11.798H, 11.836H. None of these carry BBC or ITV or C4.
More;http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
Friday, January 31, 2014
Astra 2E Update : New UK TV satellite is now at location.
Press release from SES Astra this morning :
British newspapers in Spain serving the British community have been referring to the Great British TV Switch-off, with biased opinions by IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers.
This has confused many expats residents, as they worry about losing reception of the channels from the country they left behind.
Many rumours, bar talk and misinformation have been spread about the sudden loss of UK TV in Spain. Many of these rumours have been spread by people wanting to sell lower image quality internet streaming devices- many of which require a subscription even to watch the free channels like BBC and ITV..
Until the Astra 2E satellite is fully operational, and actually has some transponders and frequencies turned on, no-one knows the exact nature of Astra 2Es reception in Spain, despite what some IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers claim.
As reception varies so much over Spain, some areas of Spain maybe better off reception wise, but yes some areas of Spain maybe worse off. It is difficult to generalise about UK satellite TV reception in Spain and is really incorrect to say that all of Spain will lose all UK TV.
This is especially so when some areas of Spain can receive some BBC HD channels, ITV1, ITV1HD, C4HD and FIves that are on the first new satellite Astra 2F that has been operational since Decemeber 2012,and can be received on a 1m satellite dish in most of my service area.
So, despite all the IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers claim, there will NOT be a total loss of all UK TV channels in Spain.
ASTRA 2E has now been deployed at its final destination in the orbital arc of 28.2/28.5 degrees East, where it is co-positioned with ASTRA 2A, ASTRA 2F and ASTRA 1N.http://www.satandpcguy.com/
Over the coming weeks, BSkyB, Channel4, ITV and BBC programming in this arc will be transitioned to the new satellite with its powerful footprint over the British Isles.
British newspapers in Spain serving the British community have been referring to the Great British TV Switch-off, with biased opinions by IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers.
This has confused many expats residents, as they worry about losing reception of the channels from the country they left behind.
Many rumours, bar talk and misinformation have been spread about the sudden loss of UK TV in Spain. Many of these rumours have been spread by people wanting to sell lower image quality internet streaming devices- many of which require a subscription even to watch the free channels like BBC and ITV..
Until the Astra 2E satellite is fully operational, and actually has some transponders and frequencies turned on, no-one knows the exact nature of Astra 2Es reception in Spain, despite what some IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers claim.
As reception varies so much over Spain, some areas of Spain maybe better off reception wise, but yes some areas of Spain maybe worse off. It is difficult to generalise about UK satellite TV reception in Spain and is really incorrect to say that all of Spain will lose all UK TV.
This is especially so when some areas of Spain can receive some BBC HD channels, ITV1, ITV1HD, C4HD and FIves that are on the first new satellite Astra 2F that has been operational since Decemeber 2012,and can be received on a 1m satellite dish in most of my service area.
So, despite all the IPTV / internet TV / Smart TV / Brit Box TV sellers claim, there will NOT be a total loss of all UK TV channels in Spain.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Astra 2E - The New UK TV Satellite- News Update
Astra 2E Update : 28/11/13 :
Astra 2E, the new UK TV satellite, is still located at 43east.
At the moment it is unknown as to why it has not yet started to move to the UK TV Astra slot at 28 east.
This means that is it still unclear as to when UK TV transmissions from the likes of BBC ITV C4 will commence from Astra 2E.
Will it start before Christmas or in the New Year? We simply do not know at the moment...
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Reception in Costa Blanca and Spain
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Signal Footprint Reception Maps
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Transponders, Frequencies and Channels
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Images and Pictures
Astra 2E Satellite Specifications and Launch Details
Astra 2E News Updates and Testing Information
Astra 2E Launch Poster
Astra 2E, the new UK TV satellite, is still located at 43east.
At the moment it is unknown as to why it has not yet started to move to the UK TV Astra slot at 28 east.
This means that is it still unclear as to when UK TV transmissions from the likes of BBC ITV C4 will commence from Astra 2E.
Will it start before Christmas or in the New Year? We simply do not know at the moment...
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Reception in Costa Blanca and Spain
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Signal Footprint Reception Maps
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Transponders, Frequencies and Channels
Astra 2E Satellite Information - Images and Pictures
Astra 2E Satellite Specifications and Launch Details
Astra 2E News Updates and Testing Information
Astra 2E Launch Poster
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sky TV outage on on 28th November 2013
Sky has advised all broadcasters of planned maintenance on 28th Nov, between 0100 and 0300, which will result in a "brief outage of between 10-20 seconds"
What does this mean...?
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2013/11/sky-tv-outage-28th-november-2013/
What does this mean...?
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2013/11/sky-tv-outage-28th-november-2013/
Saturday, October 5, 2013
A list of the channels and frequencies affected by the recent "satellite shuffle" between Eutelsat 28A and Astra.
A list of the channels and frequencies affected by the recent "satellite shuffle" between Eutelsat 28A and Astra.
Below is a list of the channels and frequencies affected by the recent "satellite shuffle" between Eutelsat 28A and Astra.
Note that for some people in some areas of Spain, channels on the Astra 2F UK beam may be unavailable, as your satellite dish may be too small to receive these frequencies.
As a general rule of thumb, if you can receive Channel Five, then you should be able to receive those other channels on Astra 2Fs UK beam.
If you are struggling to receive those channels on the Astra 2F UK beam, then it may be possible to search for the channels on their "Final" frequencies, as some of the channels are actually operating on their final frequencies.
On a Sky box, you simply go to the "Add Channels" menu option, and then add the channels to your Sky boxes "Other Channels" list, accessed via the Services Menu.
Hopefully by the 10th October, all channels will be on their final frequencies, and the Sky Guide and the Freesat Guide channel lists are all correctly "mapped" to the new frequencies.
Below is a list of the channels and frequencies affected by the recent "satellite shuffle" between Eutelsat 28A and Astra.
Note that for some people in some areas of Spain, channels on the Astra 2F UK beam may be unavailable, as your satellite dish may be too small to receive these frequencies.
As a general rule of thumb, if you can receive Channel Five, then you should be able to receive those other channels on Astra 2Fs UK beam.
If you are struggling to receive those channels on the Astra 2F UK beam, then it may be possible to search for the channels on their "Final" frequencies, as some of the channels are actually operating on their final frequencies.
On a Sky box, you simply go to the "Add Channels" menu option, and then add the channels to your Sky boxes "Other Channels" list, accessed via the Services Menu.
Hopefully by the 10th October, all channels will be on their final frequencies, and the Sky Guide and the Freesat Guide channel lists are all correctly "mapped" to the new frequencies.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Astra 2E launched and still IPTV / Internet TV providers issue rumours about reception in Spain
Just because the new UK TV satellite, Astra 2E, was successfully launched last night, there will NOT be any changes for for several weeks yet - despite some IPTV / Internet TV providers saying "changes are imminent could be as soon as two weeks from today".
This is because the satellite has to be tested first, and this is done at another location (43 east).
Once that has been completed it will take several days to move from 43 east to the UK TV slot at 28 east.
This is assuming it follows the same process as the first new Astra 2 satellite, Astra 2F, which was also launched late September 2012, and operational with UK TV channels from December 2012.
This will be known, as it is possible to track the satellite on various websites.
Again some IPTV / Internet TV providers say "You will not get any advance warning of when the actual switch over to the new satellite will take place" - but the movement of the satellite to its correct geostationary UK TV slot is surely some indication!
Only then will channels start to move from the temporary Astra 1N to Astra 2E.
And only then will we get any meaningful data as to Astra 2Es reception in Spain, with its signal overspill into mainland Europe and Spain and Portugal, again despite some IPTV / Internet TV providers saying BBC ITV C4 and Fives "will no longer be available to the majority of Europe including Spain and Portugal."
This is because the satellite has to be tested first, and this is done at another location (43 east).
Once that has been completed it will take several days to move from 43 east to the UK TV slot at 28 east.
This is assuming it follows the same process as the first new Astra 2 satellite, Astra 2F, which was also launched late September 2012, and operational with UK TV channels from December 2012.
This will be known, as it is possible to track the satellite on various websites.
Again some IPTV / Internet TV providers say "You will not get any advance warning of when the actual switch over to the new satellite will take place" - but the movement of the satellite to its correct geostationary UK TV slot is surely some indication!
Only then will channels start to move from the temporary Astra 1N to Astra 2E.
And only then will we get any meaningful data as to Astra 2Es reception in Spain, with its signal overspill into mainland Europe and Spain and Portugal, again despite some IPTV / Internet TV providers saying BBC ITV C4 and Fives "will no longer be available to the majority of Europe including Spain and Portugal."
Thursday, September 26, 2013
"Astra-2E" UK TV satellite and Proton rocket moved to launch platform
Astra 2E News Update: 26/09/13 : Astra 2E satellite, the new UK TV satellite, and its launch vehicle, the Proton M rocket, have been rolled out onto Pad 39, in preparation for its launch on Sunday night. (see video below)
"Proton-M" rocket with the upper stage "Breeze-M" and the "Astra-2E" UK TV satellite moved to launch platform "Pad 39"
This is in preparation for the launch on the evening of Sunday 29th (Eurotime) and 30th Sept (Baikonur Cosmodrome time).
Launch time: 2138 GMT Sunday / 22.38 UK and 23.36 Central Europe
The launch will also be shown live on Astra 19 East, frequency 11.023MHz SR 22000, FEC 5/6, and will begin half an hour before the satellite launch.
More Astra 2E news and updates at : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
"Proton-M" rocket with the upper stage "Breeze-M" and the "Astra-2E" UK TV satellite moved to launch platform "Pad 39"
This is in preparation for the launch on the evening of Sunday 29th (Eurotime) and 30th Sept (Baikonur Cosmodrome time).
Launch time: 2138 GMT Sunday / 22.38 UK and 23.36 Central Europe
The launch will also be shown live on Astra 19 East, frequency 11.023MHz SR 22000, FEC 5/6, and will begin half an hour before the satellite launch.
More Astra 2E news and updates at : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2e_satellite_reception_testing_news_updates.php
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
IPTV sales talk confusing and scaring worried expats about the future of UK TV in Spain.
IPTV sales talk confusing and scaring worried expats about the future of UK TV in Spain.
Interesting to hear that some companies offering “IPTV” in Spain, as ring people up and saying “You will lose your Satellite TV later this year, but our IPTV system will work fine”
A few points:
a) How do these companies know what the signal will be like in Spain for a satellite that has not yet left the factory, and expected not to be operational until September?
b) How do these companies know if all of Spain will be affected or only some areas be affected – like the fact between Alicante and Valencia we can get the first new satellite nice and easily on a 1m satellite dish...
c) No matter what, you will always be able to receive SOME UK TV channel via satellite, as some of the channels are on a “European beam” which is nice and easy to receive, and some channels are not even on the Astra satellites that are being replaced!
d) They fail to mention what the quality of IPTV / internet TV is like – which is pretty poor when you watch it on your 50” HD TV – especially when compared to the full 1080 HD image which you can get on Freesat HD and Sky HD – which you can get on a 1m satellite dish!
e) And not to forget that some systems offering UK TV over the internet as simply using the free streams from filmon. And some systems even ask you to PAY for these streams even though they get them for free
True, later this year things may change, they may not, they may change for the better, they may change for the worse.
But until it happens, no-one knows for sure.
So why do these companies insist that they know that all of UK TV in Spain will end later this year, and try to confuse and scare people into thinking they will lose their UK TV channels in Spain come the new satellites, Oh I know – spill the doom and gloom for sales purposes, and to confuse people into buying something when in fact, come September, all UK TV may still be available in Spain.
Interesting to hear that some companies offering “IPTV” in Spain, as ring people up and saying “You will lose your Satellite TV later this year, but our IPTV system will work fine”
A few points:
a) How do these companies know what the signal will be like in Spain for a satellite that has not yet left the factory, and expected not to be operational until September?
b) How do these companies know if all of Spain will be affected or only some areas be affected – like the fact between Alicante and Valencia we can get the first new satellite nice and easily on a 1m satellite dish...
c) No matter what, you will always be able to receive SOME UK TV channel via satellite, as some of the channels are on a “European beam” which is nice and easy to receive, and some channels are not even on the Astra satellites that are being replaced!
d) They fail to mention what the quality of IPTV / internet TV is like – which is pretty poor when you watch it on your 50” HD TV – especially when compared to the full 1080 HD image which you can get on Freesat HD and Sky HD – which you can get on a 1m satellite dish!
e) And not to forget that some systems offering UK TV over the internet as simply using the free streams from filmon. And some systems even ask you to PAY for these streams even though they get them for free
True, later this year things may change, they may not, they may change for the better, they may change for the worse.
But until it happens, no-one knows for sure.
So why do these companies insist that they know that all of UK TV in Spain will end later this year, and try to confuse and scare people into thinking they will lose their UK TV channels in Spain come the new satellites, Oh I know – spill the doom and gloom for sales purposes, and to confuse people into buying something when in fact, come September, all UK TV may still be available in Spain.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
December 2012 Update : Channel Movement From Astra 1N to Astra 2F
December 2012 Update : Channel Movement From Astra 1N to Astra 2F
On Tuesday 4th December 2012, a number of channels and frequencies moved from their temporary satellite home Astra 1N, to their new home on Astra 2F.
The channels and frequencies affected are :
10.964 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (CH5/5USA/5*/Channel 5+1),
10.994 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Granada HD/ITV 1 Central South West SD/ITV 1 Anglia West SD/ITV 1 Meridian North SD/ITV 1 Yorkshire East SD/ITV 1+1 Yorkshire SD),
11.052 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Central South SD/ITV 1 Central East SD/ITV 1+1 Wales SD/ITV 1+1 Westcountry SD/ITV 1+1 Tyne Tees SD)
11.126 V SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (Channel 4 HD/4Seven SD)
There have been many reception reports for Astra 2F in Spain.
The initial indication are that there are areas of Spain that are now experiencing "no satellite signal" messages for these channels are the southern areas of Spain, like AndalucÃa, Malaga, Marbella and the Costa Del Sol.
Previously these areas benefitted from "bonus" reception due to a "side lobe" on Astra 2D, meaning they could receive most of the main UK TV channels on a "medium" sized satellite dish - such as a 1.25m satellite dish.
However, with the change of these channels from Astra 1N to Astra 2F, these dishes are now simply too small to receive Channel Five and Channel 4HD.
A larger satellite dish will be required to be able to receive these channels again. What sized satellite dish to be able to receive these channels is currently debateable, as there are numerous conflicting reports for these areas.
However, it may be best to wait until the main bulk of the UK TV channels, like BBC and ITV move to their new satellite, whenever this may be. Only then can you be sure what sized satellite dish you will need to be able to receive these channels. There is no point in buying a 1.4m satellite dish today, if it is unknown and not guaranteed to receive the BBC channels when they move to their new satellite!
And at the moment, no-one knows what that will be.
On Tuesday 4th December 2012, a number of channels and frequencies moved from their temporary satellite home Astra 1N, to their new home on Astra 2F.
The channels and frequencies affected are :
10.964 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (CH5/5USA/5*/Channel 5+1),
10.994 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Granada HD/ITV 1 Central South West SD/ITV 1 Anglia West SD/ITV 1 Meridian North SD/ITV 1 Yorkshire East SD/ITV 1+1 Yorkshire SD),
11.052 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Central South SD/ITV 1 Central East SD/ITV 1+1 Wales SD/ITV 1+1 Westcountry SD/ITV 1+1 Tyne Tees SD)
11.126 V SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (Channel 4 HD/4Seven SD)
There have been many reception reports for Astra 2F in Spain.
The initial indication are that there are areas of Spain that are now experiencing "no satellite signal" messages for these channels are the southern areas of Spain, like AndalucÃa, Malaga, Marbella and the Costa Del Sol.
Previously these areas benefitted from "bonus" reception due to a "side lobe" on Astra 2D, meaning they could receive most of the main UK TV channels on a "medium" sized satellite dish - such as a 1.25m satellite dish.
However, with the change of these channels from Astra 1N to Astra 2F, these dishes are now simply too small to receive Channel Five and Channel 4HD.
A larger satellite dish will be required to be able to receive these channels again. What sized satellite dish to be able to receive these channels is currently debateable, as there are numerous conflicting reports for these areas.
However, it may be best to wait until the main bulk of the UK TV channels, like BBC and ITV move to their new satellite, whenever this may be. Only then can you be sure what sized satellite dish you will need to be able to receive these channels. There is no point in buying a 1.4m satellite dish today, if it is unknown and not guaranteed to receive the BBC channels when they move to their new satellite!
And at the moment, no-one knows what that will be.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Astra 2F UK Satellite changes last night - potentially some loss of UK TV channels in some areas of Spain
Astra 2F UK Satellite changes last night - potentially some loss of UK TV channels in some areas of Spain
A few (not all!) channels and frequencies moved from their old satellite to the new Astra 2F satellite last night.
The channels and frequencies affected are :
10.964 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (CH5/5USA/5*/Channel 5+1),
10.994 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Granada HD/ITV 1 Central South West SD/ITV 1 Anglia West SD/ITV 1 Meridian North SD/ITV 1 Yorkshire East SD/ITV 1+1 Yorkshire SD),
11.052 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Central South SD/ITV 1 Central East SD/ITV 1+1 Wales SD/ITV 1+1 Westcountry SD/ITV 1+1 Tyne Tees SD)
11.126 V SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (Channel 4 HD/4Seven SD)
People in some areas may notice loss of these channels on smaller 80cm or 1m dishes (especially if they are not aligned properly!)
But this does not mean the other channels (BBC ITV C4s) will not be moving - it is simply a question of when!
A few (not all!) channels and frequencies moved from their old satellite to the new Astra 2F satellite last night.
The channels and frequencies affected are :
10.964 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (CH5/5USA/5*/Channel 5+1),
10.994 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Granada HD/ITV 1 Central South West SD/ITV 1 Anglia West SD/ITV 1 Meridian North SD/ITV 1 Yorkshire East SD/ITV 1+1 Yorkshire SD),
11.052 H SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (ITV 1 Central South SD/ITV 1 Central East SD/ITV 1+1 Wales SD/ITV 1+1 Westcountry SD/ITV 1+1 Tyne Tees SD)
11.126 V SR 22.000 FEC 5/6 (Channel 4 HD/4Seven SD)
People in some areas may notice loss of these channels on smaller 80cm or 1m dishes (especially if they are not aligned properly!)
But this does not mean the other channels (BBC ITV C4s) will not be moving - it is simply a question of when!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
BBC TV and Radio Changes in October 2012
BBC Red Button streams to be cut to one
As part of the BBC cost cutting drive the number of BBC Red Button video streams on satellite will be reduced to one - on the 15th October. The lone BBC Red Button video stream will be moved from its current frequency (Astra 2A tp 13 11954 H) to a new frequency : Astra 1N tp 45 10773 H 22 5/6
This move will mean the BBC will need to shuffle some of their other TV services around.
BBC TV and Radio Channels Frequency Changes
Early hours of 12 October 2012:
BBC Three / CBBC and BBC News will move to frequency 10818 V 22000 5/6
BBC ALBA and BBC One North East & Cumbria will both move to 10803 H 22000 5/6
BBC Four / CBeebies and BBC Red Button stream 1 will move to 10773 H 22 5/6
Some of the BBC Radio services will also change frequencies and will be split between 10803 H 22 5/6 and 10788 V 22000 5/6
Sky box users and Freesat box users should notice no difference, and these boxes should automatically make the requried frequency changes.
In case they do not, then a simple reboot of the Sky box or Freesat box should correct the problem and load the channels on their new frequencies.
Users of other satellite boxes will have to rescan for these channels on their new frequencies.
Loss of BBC Radio stations for Expats??
This will mean the BBC can close Astra 2A tp 13, which is a Pan European beam. As the BBC statement says:
"This will also mean that our radio services move from a European beam to a UK spot beam as DSat7 is the last of our European beam transponders. We use a UK beam for our TV services, so the radio services will be as available in the UK as our TV services. But it does mean that the radio services will no longer be receivable across much of mainland Europe. I’ve no doubt that some readers of this blog will be disappointed by this news. But I’m afraid European-beam transponders are not cost effective for us. We broadcast our services for UK audiences “in the clear” or unencrypted (which is what makes Freesat possible) and so for rights reasons we are limited in terms of the services that we are able to broadcast on a European beam. The BBC’s radio station for listeners outside the UK is the BBC World Service, and it is widely available throughout the world. In Europe you can receive the World Service in many different ways including on satellite from Eutelsat Hot Bird 8 at 13° East. It’s also available online 24 hours a day via the listen live link from the BBC World Service homepage."
more information at : http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?114406-BBC-TV-and-Radio-changes-in-October-2012
As part of the BBC cost cutting drive the number of BBC Red Button video streams on satellite will be reduced to one - on the 15th October. The lone BBC Red Button video stream will be moved from its current frequency (Astra 2A tp 13 11954 H) to a new frequency : Astra 1N tp 45 10773 H 22 5/6
This move will mean the BBC will need to shuffle some of their other TV services around.
BBC TV and Radio Channels Frequency Changes
Early hours of 12 October 2012:
BBC Three / CBBC and BBC News will move to frequency 10818 V 22000 5/6
BBC ALBA and BBC One North East & Cumbria will both move to 10803 H 22000 5/6
BBC Four / CBeebies and BBC Red Button stream 1 will move to 10773 H 22 5/6
Some of the BBC Radio services will also change frequencies and will be split between 10803 H 22 5/6 and 10788 V 22000 5/6
Sky box users and Freesat box users should notice no difference, and these boxes should automatically make the requried frequency changes.
In case they do not, then a simple reboot of the Sky box or Freesat box should correct the problem and load the channels on their new frequencies.
Users of other satellite boxes will have to rescan for these channels on their new frequencies.
Loss of BBC Radio stations for Expats??
This will mean the BBC can close Astra 2A tp 13, which is a Pan European beam. As the BBC statement says:
"This will also mean that our radio services move from a European beam to a UK spot beam as DSat7 is the last of our European beam transponders. We use a UK beam for our TV services, so the radio services will be as available in the UK as our TV services. But it does mean that the radio services will no longer be receivable across much of mainland Europe. I’ve no doubt that some readers of this blog will be disappointed by this news. But I’m afraid European-beam transponders are not cost effective for us. We broadcast our services for UK audiences “in the clear” or unencrypted (which is what makes Freesat possible) and so for rights reasons we are limited in terms of the services that we are able to broadcast on a European beam. The BBC’s radio station for listeners outside the UK is the BBC World Service, and it is widely available throughout the world. In Europe you can receive the World Service in many different ways including on satellite from Eutelsat Hot Bird 8 at 13° East. It’s also available online 24 hours a day via the listen live link from the BBC World Service homepage."
more information at : http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?114406-BBC-TV-and-Radio-changes-in-October-2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Launch of new UK TV Astra 2F satellite delayed "by a few days"
The new Astra 2F was scheduled to be launched on Friday. However, in order to perform additional checks on the Ariane 5 ECA launch system, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch VA 209. A new launch date will be announced shortly.
Further information on the new UK TV Astra 2F satellite, and footprint reception maps available here
Further information on the new UK TV Astra 2F satellite, and footprint reception maps available here
Thursday, February 16, 2012
More UK TV satellite changes - affecting Disney, Irish RTE, and ITV1HD
This morning there have been a number of changes to some channels, affecting Rte, Disney channels, Nickelodeon channels, and some ITV1 HD regions.
These channels have moved from the Astra 2D satellite to the Astra 1 satellite.
For more information see our news forum:
More UK TV satellite changes - affecting Disney, Irish RTE, and ITV1HD
These channels have moved from the Astra 2D satellite to the Astra 1 satellite.
For more information see our news forum:
More UK TV satellite changes - affecting Disney, Irish RTE, and ITV1HD
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Astra 1N. New satellite for UK satellite TV reception. Sky tv in Spain. UK TV in Spain
On the 24th October 2011, Astra 1N finally made it to it first location.
Today, some frequencies on Astra 1N are powered, but there are no channels available from Astra 1N as yet.
However SES Astra have confirmed that
What can be said is that C4HD will be defintely moving from Eurobird1 to 1N.
And there are rumours about Film4hd, E4hd and M4hd becoming free to air and, in the case of Film4HD, finally on satellite, on the same C4HD frequency - however nothing has been confirmed by Channel 4.
As for ITV, you can probably safely say that the "free to view" versions of ITV1 on freq 11973 and 12402 that currently require a sky card to view will also move FTA and move from their Astra 2 south beams to Astra 1N.
And, although nothing has been said, there are strong rumours about the "five channels", apart from FiveHD, moving from their current ASra 2 frequencies to Astra 1N and also becoming FTA and no longer sky card required.
Astra 1N Reception
Earlier this week C4HD appeared on Astra 1N. I assume this was a test of the satellite and frequency. The channels appered for a few hours in the clear and free to air. However, after a few hours the channel became encrypted and unavailable.
C4HD frequency on Astra 1N is:
11127.00 V DVB-S2 8PSK 22000 2/3
channel named 21200
The signal is currently encrypted.
This cannot be tuned manually on a Sky receiver or a standard definition FTA box.
The reception for this frequency is not as bad as first thought. If this is indeed on Astra 1N's UK spot beam, then it is not very restrictive, and looks to be avaialble on smaller 80cm to 1m satellite dishes on the Valencia area and Costa Blanca areas of Spain. That is assuming that the satellite power is not reduced, meaning the reception is also reduced.
But from recent reception reqpoers it looks like those in Eastern Europe will be the ones that may well struggle more than before with channels that
migrate onto Astra 1N.
Luxembourg, 24 October 2011 - SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) today announced that its new ASTRA 1N satellite has entered commercial service at the orbital position of 28.2 degrees East.
ASTRA 1N was built by Astrium on the Eurostar E3000 platform and is equipped with 52 transponders in the Ku frequency band. The satellite was successfully launched on board an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, on 6 August 2011. It had a launch mass of 5,325 kg and is the fourth Eurostar satellite in the 49 satellite-strong SES fleet.
ASTRA 1N greatly enhances the flexibility of the SES satellite fleet at the orbital slot 28.2 degrees East over Europe. ASTRA 1N is notably being used by Channel 4 and ITV. The new satellite will also allow SES to offer its satellite-based broadband service ASTRA2Connect via 28.2 degrees East and thus complement its service offer from the 23.5 degrees East position. ASTRA2Connect is Europe's largest satellite broadband network with more than 80,000 end users
Today, some frequencies on Astra 1N are powered, but there are no channels available from Astra 1N as yet.
However SES Astra have confirmed that
C4 and ITV will start on 1N in the coming days. This will be completely transparent to consumers as there will be no change in frequencies.
What can be said is that C4HD will be defintely moving from Eurobird1 to 1N.
And there are rumours about Film4hd, E4hd and M4hd becoming free to air and, in the case of Film4HD, finally on satellite, on the same C4HD frequency - however nothing has been confirmed by Channel 4.
As for ITV, you can probably safely say that the "free to view" versions of ITV1 on freq 11973 and 12402 that currently require a sky card to view will also move FTA and move from their Astra 2 south beams to Astra 1N.
And, although nothing has been said, there are strong rumours about the "five channels", apart from FiveHD, moving from their current ASra 2 frequencies to Astra 1N and also becoming FTA and no longer sky card required.
Astra 1N Reception
Earlier this week C4HD appeared on Astra 1N. I assume this was a test of the satellite and frequency. The channels appered for a few hours in the clear and free to air. However, after a few hours the channel became encrypted and unavailable.
C4HD frequency on Astra 1N is:
11127.00 V DVB-S2 8PSK 22000 2/3
channel named 21200
The signal is currently encrypted.
This cannot be tuned manually on a Sky receiver or a standard definition FTA box.
The reception for this frequency is not as bad as first thought. If this is indeed on Astra 1N's UK spot beam, then it is not very restrictive, and looks to be avaialble on smaller 80cm to 1m satellite dishes on the Valencia area and Costa Blanca areas of Spain. That is assuming that the satellite power is not reduced, meaning the reception is also reduced.
But from recent reception reqpoers it looks like those in Eastern Europe will be the ones that may well struggle more than before with channels that
migrate onto Astra 1N.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
New satellite Astra 1N being launched 1st July 2011
SES Astra are due to launch a new satellite. Astra 1N will launch on Friday 1st July 2011.
Astra 1N was designed to be placed at 19 eat, and provide new satellite capacity for Western Europe, like Spain, France and Germany. However, Astra have said that 1N will initially be deployed at 28 east, providing more satellite TV capacity for UK broadcasters like Sky, BBC and ITV and Freesat, and to help as a backup in case one of the existing satellites, Astra 2a, Astra 2b, or Astra 2D, fail.
But what does Astra 1N mean for watching UK TV in Spain? SES Astra have released a signal footprint map for this new satellite, but the map is focused on the UK, and does not show the full signal footprint that covers the rest of Europe.
However, an "unofficial" footprint map did appear for a short time on the Astra website.
The footprint map shows the signal reception when the satellite is at 28 east. If you move the footprint slightly east and slightly south, then you can see how it covers Spain and France and Germany, as it should do when 1N is deployed at 19 east.
As you can see there is a large area of Spain not covered by this footprint. However, is should be noted that the outermost line is the expected reception for a 1.25m dish. There is no indication of reception for larger 1.8m or 2.4m satellite dishes in Spain. But it looks like, i repeat looks like, reception of Astra 1N in Spain will be similar to that of AStra 2D that carries the main BBC channels. That will be a case of cross your fingers and wait and see.
But what could this mean for reception of channels.
Well nothing official has been said by anyone, either Astra, Sky, BBC or ITV or Five, or any of the other UK broadcasters. The idea is that this new satellite will be able to provide more capactity, and thus more channels.
However, there are lots of rumours going around.
One rumour is that the 8 ITV1 regions that currently require a sky card to view will move to Astra 1N. This may mean that those people receiving ITV1 on a small satellite dish with a Sky card will no longer be able to receive ITV1.
Another rumour is that channel Five and its sister channels Five USA and Five*. Five have always indicated that their channels, apart from Five HD, would eventually be free to air. And it may just be that with Astra 1N all Fives channels will go free to air. So, as mentioned for ITV1, this may mean that those people receiving Five on a small satellite dish with a Sky card will no longer be able to receive Five.
And there are rumours that this extra capacity will mean more HD channels...such as more HD channel from Channel 4, like E4 HD and More4HD being made available free to air. Or more BBC Sports streams being made available in HD, especially with the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics.
Some people have said that SES Astra wants more pan European coverage, not less, as this is better commercially (for their advertisers / broadcasters), and so the signals on new satllites will be stronger. This is incorrect, as SES Astra can actually charge a premium rate for a satellite beam that is area specific. Eurobird 1 is a Pan European signal footprint, and as such is relatively cheap for channels to be on there, which is why a lot of the "cheap" channels are on Eurobird and not Astra.
However, all this is rumour and speculation and nothing will be confirmed until the satellite actually launches, is tested, and is made operational.
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
Astra 1N was designed to be placed at 19 eat, and provide new satellite capacity for Western Europe, like Spain, France and Germany. However, Astra have said that 1N will initially be deployed at 28 east, providing more satellite TV capacity for UK broadcasters like Sky, BBC and ITV and Freesat, and to help as a backup in case one of the existing satellites, Astra 2a, Astra 2b, or Astra 2D, fail.
But what does Astra 1N mean for watching UK TV in Spain? SES Astra have released a signal footprint map for this new satellite, but the map is focused on the UK, and does not show the full signal footprint that covers the rest of Europe.
However, an "unofficial" footprint map did appear for a short time on the Astra website.
The footprint map shows the signal reception when the satellite is at 28 east. If you move the footprint slightly east and slightly south, then you can see how it covers Spain and France and Germany, as it should do when 1N is deployed at 19 east.
As you can see there is a large area of Spain not covered by this footprint. However, is should be noted that the outermost line is the expected reception for a 1.25m dish. There is no indication of reception for larger 1.8m or 2.4m satellite dishes in Spain. But it looks like, i repeat looks like, reception of Astra 1N in Spain will be similar to that of AStra 2D that carries the main BBC channels. That will be a case of cross your fingers and wait and see.
But what could this mean for reception of channels.
Well nothing official has been said by anyone, either Astra, Sky, BBC or ITV or Five, or any of the other UK broadcasters. The idea is that this new satellite will be able to provide more capactity, and thus more channels.
However, there are lots of rumours going around.
One rumour is that the 8 ITV1 regions that currently require a sky card to view will move to Astra 1N. This may mean that those people receiving ITV1 on a small satellite dish with a Sky card will no longer be able to receive ITV1.
Another rumour is that channel Five and its sister channels Five USA and Five*. Five have always indicated that their channels, apart from Five HD, would eventually be free to air. And it may just be that with Astra 1N all Fives channels will go free to air. So, as mentioned for ITV1, this may mean that those people receiving Five on a small satellite dish with a Sky card will no longer be able to receive Five.
And there are rumours that this extra capacity will mean more HD channels...such as more HD channel from Channel 4, like E4 HD and More4HD being made available free to air. Or more BBC Sports streams being made available in HD, especially with the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics.
Some people have said that SES Astra wants more pan European coverage, not less, as this is better commercially (for their advertisers / broadcasters), and so the signals on new satllites will be stronger. This is incorrect, as SES Astra can actually charge a premium rate for a satellite beam that is area specific. Eurobird 1 is a Pan European signal footprint, and as such is relatively cheap for channels to be on there, which is why a lot of the "cheap" channels are on Eurobird and not Astra.
However, all this is rumour and speculation and nothing will be confirmed until the satellite actually launches, is tested, and is made operational.
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
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