This weeks satellite TV news - 20 February 2015

This weeks satellite TV news - 20 February 2015

Our weekly round up of the latest satellite TV news, including news about Sky TV in Spain, Freesat in Spain, UK TV in Spain, Spanish TV in Spain, and Internet IPTV in Spain.

Latest news can be found at www.satandpcguy.com/blog

This weeks satellite TV news - 13 February 2015

This weeks satellite TV news - 13 February 2015

Sky+HD users continue to suffer Planner and Series Link problems http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/skyhd-boxes-suffering-series-link-issues/  

Changes made to BBC internet radio services - some internet radios now having problems receiving BBC radio via the internet
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/bbc-internet-radio-changes/  

Premier League 2016/19 Live UK TV Packages Broadcasters Announced. http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/premier-league-201619-live-uk-tv-packages-broadcasters-announced/  

Astra start Ultra HD demo channel on Astra 2 - Ultra HD comes to the UK http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/astra-start-ultra-hd-demo-channel-astra-2-uk/  

Andalucía TV to return to satellite
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2015/02/andalucia-tv-return-satellite/  






Happy viewing.
Sat and PC Guy

Satellite TV in Spain : This weeks News - 31st October 2014

This weeks BUMP and News - 31st October 2014
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UK Satellite TV Installations:
If you live in my service area (Calpe to Valencia and inland), and are using a rebroadcasters, cable company, android box, or IPTV service, then consider that you can receive all you main UK TV channels like BBC ITV C4 and Five, 11 channels of which are in FULL HD, subscription free, using a satellite dish and Freesat HD set top box supplied and installed from 400 Euros!
Give your HD TV a treat, and give it what it deserves and was built for - true HD TV direct from the satellites.
And not lower quality, non HD rebroadcaster of internet TV!
More information: http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/1.25_metre_satellite_dishes_uk_tv_spain.php

UK TV in Spain - Satellite TV in Spain - Freesat in Spain - Sky TV in Spain - This weeks News - Friday 5th September 2014

This weeks News - Friday 5th September 2014

UK police make arrests for illegally streaming pay TV channels on the internet :
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/09/uk-police-make-arrests-illegal-streaming-pay-tv-channels/

Italian Grand Prix :
Live on BBC, Sky Sports F1, Antenna 3, BeIN Sports:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/08/f1-italian-grand-prix-live-coverage-sky-sports-f1-bbc-sport-bein-sport-antenna-3/

Sky Digiboxes to get new software with new features:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/08/sky-hd-digibox-software-updates-august-2014/

Sky channel number changes :
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/08/channel-number-changes-sky-tv-guide-august-2014/

Live American Football on Channel 4:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/09/live-nfl-american-football-21-games-channel-4/



Official Freesat Installations.
If your satellite receiver does not have the Freesat logo, then it is not an official Freesat receiver. Only official Freesat receivers can receive Freesat.
Freesat : Over 160 subscription free UK TV channels.
Freesat HD : 11 HD channels
Freesat HD+ : subscription free recording
Every week we are installing satellite TV systems for people who are fed up with their "internet / IPTV / Android / XBMC / Brit TV Box" TV systems, from buffering, no service, fumbling around menus looking for working links, and low image quality.
125x135cm satellite dish - installed from 275 euros.
In our experience this satellite dish outperforms the "high gain" 1.4m satellite dishes!
More information on our Freesat Dish and receiver installations :
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/1.25_metre_satellite_dishes_uk_tv_spain.php

This weeks satellite TV in Spain News

This weeks satellite TV in Spain News:

Our main website is at :
http://www.satandpcguy.com

125 x 135cm dish - the recommended size of satellite dish for my service area - installed from 275 euros.
Watch 11 subscription free HD TV channels with a Freesat HD receiver.


Canadian Grand Prix this weekend
Live on BBC Sport, Sky Sports, BeIn Sports, Antenna 3
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/canadian-grand-prix-tv-schedule-times-sky-sports-f1/

Temporary BBC Red Button streams for summer sport and events
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/bbc-red-button-streams-tempoary-channels-appear-satellite/

New ITV subscription channels ITV Encore launches on Monday
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/itv-encore-launch-broadchurch-lucan/

IS Sky to launch a new Sports Channel?
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/sky-sports-5-coming-soon/

BBC announce Wimbledon coverage
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/bbc-announce-wimbledon-coverage/

More Sky HD channels lost from illegal card share systems...
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/next-batch-sky-hd-channels-lost-cardshare-systems/

Intelsat 907 "Scam" satellite service - another change of BISS keys this week - only 4 months after the previous key change...will they become more regular
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/06/intelsat-907-biss-key-change-today/

This weeks Satellite TV News

This week's BUMP and News:

If you have a HD TV, why waste it by watching your UK TV with a lower quality image from a rebroadcaster, cable or internet / IPTV system?
In our service area, from as little as 400 Euros, you can watch BBC ITV C4s and Fives and 100 other channels - subscription free.
And with 11 channels available in full HD.
With Digital Audio.
7 day Programme Guide.
And options available for "on demand" and catchup service.
See our website for more information:
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/1.25_metre_satellite_dishes_uk_tv_spain.php

Astra 2G, the third new UK TV satellites, may have its launch delayed, due to another rocket failure.
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/astra-2g-third-new-uk-tv-satellite-launch-may-delayed/

If you have recently lost Paramount Channel from your Spanish TV, fear not. It has simply changed frequencies, and a retune should bring it back.
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/paramount-channel-spanish-tv/

Yet more Sky HD channels lost from cheap cardsharing services.
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/sky-card-share-sky-hd-channels-lost/

Sky Sports : Ultimate Weekend :
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/sky-sports-ultimate-weekend/

Monaco Grand Prix
Live on Sky Sports, BeIN Sports, Antenna 3
BBC Highlights race
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/monaco-grand-prix-tv-schedule-times-sky-sports-f1/

The French Open starts this weekend, with coverage on ITV1, ITV3, ITV4 and Eurosport.
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/05/french-open-tennis-2014-tv-coverage-itv-eurosport/

This weeks UK TV and Satellite TV in Spain News

Our news and free help and advice forum at http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum

UK Satellite TV Installations:
There are 11 subscription free HD TV channels available via satellite, including BBC1HD, BBC2HD, BBC3HD, BBC4HD, ITV1HD and C4HD. Much better image resolution on a HD TV than a TV rebroadcaster or internet IPTV system!

Satellite Dish Installations in my service area (Calpe to Valencia) :

a 100x110cm (1.1m) satellite dish will work for people with limited space. Standard installation of this dish is from 200 euros.

a 125x135cm (1.25/1.35m) satellite dish would provide better reception and is the "recommended" dish for my area. Standard installation of this dish of from 275 euros.

More information on our 125x135cm (1.25/1.35m) satellite dish installations: http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/satellite_dish_installations_costa_blanca_spain_125m.php


Wall of Shame - we have updated our Wall Of Shame's fourth page to show some of the poor installations we have come across and been asked to fix. http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/wall_of_shame_bad_poor_satellite_installations_costa_blanca_page4.php

Astra 2C : UK TV moves into position for back up purposes - and if some UK TV channels do move on to Astra 2C then there should be no worries about reception in Spain, due it its very generous footprint.
http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/astra_2c_satellite_reception_footprint_uk_tv_spain.php  

Live sport on Sky Sports this Easter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyF9_AH-gGg  

F1 : Chinese Grand Prix: Live on Sky Sports, BeIN SPorts, Antenna 3. Highlights on BBC Sport http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9VfT5IbxPo
http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/04/f1-2014-chinese-grand-prix-live-tv-coverage-sky-sports-f1-highlights-bbc-one/  

2014 Snooker World Championships - coverage on BBC One and Eurosport http://www.satandpcguy.com/blog/2014/04/world-snooker-championship-2014-bbc-coverage/

Full 24: Live Another Day Trailer - On Sky One in May!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkQjmoLDIK4

Sky Box Autostandby Mode: New Eco Mode

Sky have started to roll out a software update in the last few days.

Initially this software will be deployed to Sky DRX890 and DRX895 digiboxes.

Amongst the updates, is a change to the "Auto standby" mode.

Auto Standby, is the mode that puts your Sky digibox into "Standby" should the box  be left on a channel for so many hours without a button being pressed on the remote control. This, the Sky digibox assumes, means their is no one watching the box. And so, the Sky digibox will power down into Standby mode.

Standby mode is shown on the Sky digibox, as the "on / off" lights will be orange.

This new update allows you to put the box in "Eco" mode.

So instead of powering down into "Standby" mode, the Sky digibox will power down to "Eco" mode, and will automatically put your Sky digibox box into RED standby mode overnight if you don't have any recordings scheduled. Supposedly this saves more in power than leaving your box in "Orange" Standby mode.

You can change this option in the Sky digibox menu system.

Loss of some UK satellite TV channels in Spain for the next few weeks.

If you lose channels for the next 2 weeks at around 10-11 am for a few minutes then this is normal for this time of year.

Basically the sun is right behind the satellites, and the energy from the sun will swamp out the weaker satellite signals.

There is nothing you can do about it, as it can even affect "big dishes" also.

Rebooting the box will not help - apart from killing time until the signal returns again

It does not happen on ALL channels, as some are stronger than others.

This loss of signal happens twice a year in March and October - around the time of the equinoxes.

Power Cuts? No Satellite Signal on your Sky HD box? Here is how to reset a Sky digibox with an alternative default transponder frequency setting.

If you have experienced a power cut and are having problems rebooting your Sky HD Box in this storm we are having, then you may have to help your Sky HD box to boot up.

You may need to do the reset after un plugging - Standard / HD SKY Receiver reset:

Should you experience a power cut or message “No Satellite Signal Being Received” please follow these easy instructions to reset the Sky HD Box (for High Definition Boxes)

1. Unplug the box from the power for 15 seconds, then reapply the power.

2. On the remote press SERVICES

3. On the remote press 0 0 1 SELECT

4. You have now be looking at the installer setup menu

5. On the remote press RIGHT to go to TXPONDER / Default Transponder

6. Press DOWN on the remote to go to the first line.

7. Change the frequency (the first number) from 11778 to another using the number buttons on the remote control.
You can use a number of different frequencies - there is no "exclusive" one that you use.
Popular ones are 12207, 12051, 12285, 11817.

8. Press the GREEN button on the remote to "Save New Settings".

8. Press the SKY button on the remote control and wait while the box download the channel list.

9. The information banner should populate with details for Sky Info Channel 998 - although you may not receive this actual channels, you can make sure your other channels are there by trying 501 Sky News.

http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_satellite_default_transponder_frequency_settings_new_hd_epg_costa_blanca_spain.php

Entertainment Extra + : Sky launches new pack to boost 3D

Sky TV has introduced a new basic tier TV subscription designed to drive uptake of its 3D channel.

Entertainment Extra + will offer subscribers access to 3D entertainment content such as Galapagos via the linear Sky 3D channel and on-demand service.

3D sports and film content will be blocked for Entertainment Extra + customers – remaining accessible only by the broadcaster’s top tier Sky World subscribers.

The £31.50 per month pack, which launches in April, sits alongside the existing Entertainment and Entertainment Extra packs and also includes access to 45 HD channels.

Currently subscribers to the Entertainment and Entertainment Extra packs, who pay £21.50 and £26.50 per month respectively, must pay an additional £10.25 for access to the HD channels but this will be cut to £5.25 from April.

As part of the changes Sky will move its archive library of shows exclusively onto the new Entertainment Extra + pack.

Sky’s brand director of TV products Luke Bradley-Jones said in a blog post that the new pack was designed to convert SD homes into 3D and HD homes.

"This is the wrong card for this set top box" - use your Sky card in your home in Spain

You can use a Sky TV subscription card from the UK in Spain so that you can watch all your Sky TV and British TV channels in Spain.

However, if you use a Sky card in a different Sky box, then for some Sky TV channels, like Sky Sports and Sky Movies, then you will be unable to watch these channels. You will get the "This is the wrong card for this set top box" error message on the screen.

Using our satellite receiver, you can now watch Sky Sports and Sky Movie channels in your holiday home, without the need for "pairing" the card with Sky TV.

For more information see: http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_cards_spain.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tF4wEw9Rr4

UK TV Channel Frequences for Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes and other UK TV Help and Problems Solving

UK TV Channel Frequences for Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes and other UK TV Help and Problems Solving

UK TV Channel Frequences for Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes

BBC TV in SpainThe BBC1 TV channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various BBC1 local regions. BBC channels, like BBC1, BBC1HD, BBCHD, BBC2, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBeebies, CBBC, BBC News are Free to air TV channels and available for free without any subscription or without a Sky card.
BBC TV Satellite Frequency Settings

ITV TV in Spain The ITV1 channel is available on various frequencies, due to the various ITV1 advertising regions. Most ITV channels are Free to air TV channels and available for free without any subscription or without a Sky card.
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, C4, C4HD, E4, More4, Film4, 4Seven, are Free to air TV channels and available for free without any subscription or without a Sky card. If you have a Sky viewing card, Irish versions of the Channel 4 channels are on 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 Free to air TV channels and available for free without any subscription or without a Sky card.
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 available 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


"Extra" and "Secret" channel frequecies for Sky TV diboboxes in Spain

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

Frequency Asked Questions about receiving UK TV in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions - UK TV in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions - Freesat TV In Spain
Frequently Asked Questions - Freeview TV in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions - Sky TV in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions - TDT in Spain

Default Transponder Frequency Settings for Sky Digiboxes in Spain

Resetting your Sky box after a power cut andyou are receiving a "No Satellite Signal" messages

Sky Satellite Transponder Settings Spain - Default Transponder Frequency Settings for Sky Digiboxes in Costa Blanca

Sky Satellite Transponder Settings Spain - Default Transponder Frequency Settings for Sky HD Digiboxes in Costa Blanca

If a specific question is not answered on these pages then you can always try our forum - http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/

The Sat and PC Guy - your local expert installer for Satellite TV and Digital TV in the Costa Blanca and Valencia areas of Spain

We supply, install and provide upgrades and servicing for Satellite TV systems and Digital TV systems for areas of the Costa Blanca and Costa Azahar, between Calpe to Valencia and inland.

For reception of Sky TV and UK TV in these areas please see the links below:
Sky TV in Calpe. UK TV in Calpe. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Calpe.
Sky TV in Denia. UK TV in Denia. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Denia.
Sky TV in Gandia. UK TV in Gandia. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Gandia.
Sky TV in Javea. UK TV in Javea. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Javea.
Sky TV in Lliria. UK TV in Lliria. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Lliria.
Sky TV in Oliva. UK TV in Oliva. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Oliva.
Sky TV in Ontinyent. UK TV in Ontinyent. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Ontinyent.
Sky TV in Valencia. UK TV in Valencia. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Valencia.
Sky TV in Xativa. UK TV in Xativa. Sky Satellite TV Reception Help in Xativa.

Help I've lost my Sky TV signal again and only getting “No Satellite Signal is being received” messages. Has anyone got any new frequency please?

Help I've lost my Sky TV signal again and only getting “No Satellite Signal is being received” messages. Has anyone got any new frequency please?

In some difficult reception areas such as Spain, you needed to use an alternate frequency to help the box download from the satellite critical information it required to function.

Normally this should be set to frequency 11778, which carries the Sky Guide & day EPG Programme Synopsis Information. But in many areas of Spain this 11778 frequency, may not be available all day on small satellite dishes in Spain.

And is usually required when the Sky box has been disconnected from the power, usually by one of the frequency power cuts that happen in Spain!

Changing the default transponder frequency gets the Sky box to download a small amount, not the full 7 days worth, of EPG data, enough to get the Sky box working again.

Whereas frequency 11778 carries the full 7 day EPG Sky Guide information and programme synopsis, all other frequencies use by Sky boxes carry limited EPG Sky Guide information. This information is limited to blocks of 6 hours.

There are around 50 frequencies available that can be used to help to boot a sky box up. There is no "best" or "exclusive" one to use.

Popular frequencies to use are 12207 V 27.5 2/3 and 12051 V 27.5 2/3.

Once you have been through the process to change the default transponder:

Sky Standard digiboxes: http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_satellite_default_transponder_frequency_settings_costa_blanca_spain.php
Sky HD digiboxes:  http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_satellite_default_transponder_frequency_settings_new_hd_epg_costa_blanca_spain.php

And the EPG Sky Guide information has loaded, you will see the programme banner at the foot of the screen populate with Sky Channel 998 information.  In many cases the channel itself may be unavailable and show “no signal messages”, but as long as the programme banner has been populated with information then your channels should all be up and working again.

It is also important to note that changing the default transponder frequency does not improve individual channel reception. Changing the default transponder frequency only helps the sky box boot up.  Once the EPG Sky Guide information has loaded and you have channel, then your manually input default transponder frequency is ignored, and the Sky box will use whichever of the 100plus frequencies it needs to use for the channel you have selected to watch.

Sky Channel Number Changes - 3rd July 2012 (for Sky TV in Spain)

July 2012 : Sky Channel Number Changes 2012
Sky will be changing some of the channel numbers on their channel list on the 3rd July 2012.

Sky are making these changes as the genres affected are full or getting close to full, so Sky are changing the listings to ensure that channels are placed within the correct genre, so you can find the channels you love more easily.

Any series links you've set will continue to record as normal, and when you select your favourite channels they'll be listed as normal, with their new numbers.

The channel change is automatically sent to your Sky box.

The main changes are for the channel numbers for the BBC Regions.


See "Sky Channel Number Changes 2012" for more information on these changes from Sky TV

Sky TV in Spain and Freesat TV in Spain - installations and repairs for the Valencia area of Spain

For Sky TV and Freesat TV in the Valencia area and the surrounding areas of Spain The Sat and PC Guy is your local satellite Tv installer

The Sat and PC Guy is a UK satellite TV and Sky TV satellite TV installer based in Gandia. This means we have excellent local knowledge of reception characteristics of Sky TV and UK TV in the Communidad Valencia.

We supply and install satellite dishes, from 80cm satellite dishes to 2.4m satellite dishes - including the popular Portuguese Famaval 2.4m satellite dishes.

We supply and install a wide range of digital satellite receivers, including Sky, Sky+, Sky HD and Sky+HD digiboxes, Freesat and Freesat HD receivers and a range of "generic" satellite receivers.


We can help resolve poor reception issues, perform satellite dish realignments, replace LNBs, and upgrade your satellite TV systems.

"No Satellite Signal is Being Received" messages for Sky digiboxes in Spain - help to resolve this problem here.

How to change the Default Frequency Setting for Sky digiboxes in Spain - help to resolve this problem here.


To receive Sky TV in Spain , you will need a Sky card, and Sky monthly subscription.


The BBC channels, ITV channels, and Channel Four channels do NOT require a Sky viewing card. Theya re avaialbel on a Sky digibox ro a Freesat box.

The Sat and PC Guy can supply install and problem solve your satellite TV systems. We cover many areas of the Valencia area, including Alzira, GAndia, Oliva, Denai, Calpe, Pego, Ontinyent, Javea, Jalon, and Xativa.


How to receive Sky TV in Valencia. UK Freesat TV in Valencia
How to receive Sky TV in Calpe. UK Freesat TV in Calpe
How to receive Sky TV in Gandia. UK Freesat TV in Gandia
How to receive Sky TV in Oliva. UK Freesat TV in Oliva
How to receive Sky TV in Denia. UK Freesat TV in Denia
How to receive Sky TV in Javea. UK Freesat TV in Javea
How to receive Sky TV in Ontinyent. UK Freesat TV in Ontinyent
How to receive Sky TV in Xativa. UK Freesat TV in Xativa

We also cover many of the Urbanisations in the area including Monte Pego Urbanisations, Monte Pedgreguer Urbanisations, Las Basettes Urbanisations, Cumbre de Sol Urbanisations, Montgo Urbanisations, and many more.

We do not currently install Sky TV and UK TV in Gran Alacant, Torrevieja, Murcia, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Barcelona, Madrid, The Costa Del Sol, Costa Calida, Andalucia, Gibraltar, Almeria, Granada, Marbella, Malaga, Cadiz, Huelva, Portugal, France, Germany or Italy!

Is Freesat as good as Sky in Spain?

Is Freesat TV in Spain as good as Sky TV in Spain?

Freesat digiboxes receive the same "free to air" satellite television channels as a Sky box.

Free to air channels are those channels that do not require a Sky viewing card to watch.

So a Sky box with no viewing card receives the same channels as a Freesat box.

Freesat boxes in Spain use the same satellites and sa,e frequencies for the channels as a Sky box in Spain uses.

There are no seperate Freesat satellites, or special Freesat frequencies that can be used that are any different than a Sky box in Spain uses.

So if you are in Spain, and want UK TV in Spain, then if you are in an area of Spain that requires a 2.4m Portuguese satellite dish for reception of BBC TV for a Sky digibox in Spain, then you will still need a 2.4m Portuguese satellite dish for reception of BBC TV using a Freesat box in Spain.

There are some differences between using a Freesat box in Spain and using a Sky digibox in Spain. Obviously, a Sky box will be able to read and use a Sky card, where are the Freesat box cannot, which is useful for the few "free to view" channels like Sony TV, Motors TV and Viva TV. A Freesat HD PVR is able to record onto its built in hard disk drive, yet to record using the built in hard disk drive on a Sky+ or Sky+HD digibox you need to be a Sky TV subscriber. These differences ar the same whether you are watching UK TV in Spain, UK TV in France, UK TV in Italy or in England.

Sky TV In Spain. Freeview in Spain. Freesat TV In Spain. Freesatfromsky in Spain. Sky UK TV Satellite Systems for Costa Blanca In Spain

Sky TV In Spain. Freeview in Spain. Freesat TV In Spain. Freesatfromsky in Spain. Sky UK TV Satellite Systems for Costa Blanca In Spain

Sections
1. The Various systems
Freeview
TDT
Freesat
Freesatfromsky
Sky
Sky+
SkyHD
Generic
D+
BBC Prime
MBC / Dubai One / Fox Movies / Arabic

2. Channels
Whats On A Sky Freetoview Card
EU TV without Frontiers

3. Dishes
Big Dishes
Dish Sizes
What Can You Get On an 80cm Dish
Community Installs

4. Rebroadcasting
How to spot a rebroadcaster

5. Advantages of Satellite
Interactive News and Sport

6. Default Transponder Settings for Spain
Resetting your Sky Receiver after powercut
Additional Channels

7. Auto Standby

8. Sky Programme Guide (EPG)

Section 1 The Various systems
UK FREEVIEW in Spain

"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.
Freeview is not available in Spain.

There are channels on Freeview that you have to pay for on Sky - like Dave, UK History.

TDT - Television Digital Terrestrial - Digital Television in Spain

Spain has its own version of "Freeview" called Television Digital Terrestrial (TDT). Approx 30digital spanish tv channels via a TV aerial...many chnnels / 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 exisiting tv 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.

FREESAT TV In Spain

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.

BBC1HD, BBC HD, ITV1HD, Channel 4HD are all available to watch for free on Freesat HD TV in Spain.

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.

Freesat boxes have two modes
In Freesat mode the Freesat channels are in the Freesat EPG - the ones that have been officailly 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.

Freesat Receivers
There are:
basic Freesat receivers - Grundigs, Bush and Humax have had good CB reports
HD Freesat receivers - the best being the Humax Foxsat Freesat HD receiver
Freesat+ - Humax Foxsat HDR+ with inbuilt hard disk, that allows you, with two cable feeds, to watch one channel and record another at the same time.

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.

FREESATFROMSKY

Freesatfromsky uses official Sky receivers and allows the viewing of many more free channels than Freesat.

As at December 2011 a "freesatfromsky" viewing card will aalow you to watch:
Irish versions of Channel 4 - on frequency 12480
Five HD
Pick TV
Pick TV+1
Sony TV
Sony TV+1
Liverpool FC TV
Motors TV
Viva TV


The "Freesatfromsky" viewing cards are available in the UK for £25 (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 dont know you are using one here in spain.....

Until December 2011, Freesatfromsky cards had to be used to receive Five USA, and Five*.

These viewing cards are also known, incorrectly, as "freeview cards" or "freesat cards".


SKY TV In Spain

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 dont 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 latests 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.

Although these standard receivers are no longer in producation. So you will only be able to find them in the second hand or refurbished markets.

SKY+ in Spain

Skys 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 £20per month), or with no Sky TV subscription package for £10 per month - for the extra 7 quid best get atleast 1 sky mix!

SKY HD in Spain

A Sky HD receiver will incorportate all the recording functoins of the Sky+, but with the added ability to watch HD channels.

BBC1HD, BBC HD, ITV1 HD, C4 HD and Five HD are available to watch without any subscription.
For the other Sky HD channels, you will need to pay an extra £10 per month for Skys HD Channels.

GENERIC Satellite Receivers

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 infomation.

Generic receiver will need to be manually rescanned when channels change their audio or video settings - like ITV have done with some of their channels (on 071008) leaving some users without ITV.

Some generic receivers can also be modified with software to read Sky cards.

Digital+ - Spanish Satellite TV Servcice

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 Entertainment

BBC Prime is a BBC pay channels for expats. It does not show movies or sport, but just homegrown 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 availble on Eurobird at 9 degrees east - so you may need your dish realigning.
You will need an official BBC Prime subscription card available from [url="http://www.bbcprime.com"]http://www.bbcprime.com[/url].
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 - English Language channels on Nilesat and Arabsat

Or 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 prgrammes 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.

Section 2 satellite TV 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 reciever.

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 ammendments have subsequenly 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.

and 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 FoI - 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 theoir own lanaguage that offers similar services. For example TVEi is the international version of TVE for Spain which is available for free on various satellites.

Section 3 Satellite Dishes in Spain

UK TV chanels are mainly broadcast from the Astra 2A Astra 2B Astra 2D, Astra 1N and Eurobird 1 satellites located at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees east of south. There are other Astra satellites around also - whoch tend to do more european channels (Spain D+ is on astras at 19.2). Many channels are available with a small 80cm dish, but to get the BBC and ITV and C4's, which areon 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 whats available
1.4m will get more channels (includng 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 - Big Portuguese Satellite Dishes in Spain - 1.8m, 1.9m, 2.4m Satellite 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 (dispite the properganda!)

Famaval also produce a 2.4m prime focus dishes which is identifiable with the holes around the rim of the dish, allowing extention 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 equivilent 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
Relector diameter: 1330mm x 1330mm

1.8 prime focus
Outside diameter: 1940mm x 1940mm
Relector diameter: 1790mm x 1790mm

2.4 prime focus
Outside diameter: 2470mm x 2470mm
Relector diameter: 2290mm x 2290mm

The 1.8m dish is sometimes incorrectly refered to as a 1.9m dish. As you can see from the measuements above, the reflector on a Portuguese Famaval satellite dish is actually 1.8m. Dealers use 1.9m as it sounds like you are getting more dish for your money!

What channels can i get on an 80cm dish?

A question many have asked, so here goes...

(I am using links as these will be more accurate and complete than posting all the 100's of channels here..)

using this link for free tv channels
[url="http://www.flysat.com/tv-uk.php"]http://www.flysat.com/tv-uk.php[/url]

and this link for the Sky pay channels (use the beam column)
[url="http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/skyuk.html"]http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/skyuk.html[/url]

on an 80 cm dish you should be able to pick up most of the channels on eurobird 1
on an 80 cm dish you should be able to pick up most of the channels on astra 2a and Astra 2B south beam
on an 80 cm dish you may not be able to pick up the channels on astra 2a and Astra 2b north beam
on an 80 cm dish you should be able to pick up most of the channels on astra 1N
on an 80 cm dish you will not be able to pick up of the channels on astra 2d

Community Satellite TV Installations

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 persoannly run new cable in these systems, as you cannot rely on the condition of the exisitng 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 conenction from the multiswitch to their house, and any receivers they require.

Permission must be sought for dishes to be installed on community areas, including appartment 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.

Section 4 TV 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 legitimatly received for free via a minimun 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 recieve 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.

saysthey 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 whos signal may be terminated just like Telemicro.


Section 5 Advantages of Satellite TV over Rebroadacst TV Systems

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 gaurenteed 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 fromt he satellite is compared to that of a rebroadcasted signal.

and 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
[url="http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=help.Question&id=1667"]http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page ... on&id=1667[/url]
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 broadcsted 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.

Section 6 Default Transponder Settings for Spain For Sky Boxes
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 ont 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.

What to do if you are getting the message "No Satellite signal is being received".

1.This usually means that your Digibox is blocked and you are unable to receive the signals it requires. This usually occurs after power cuts or other interruptions to the Digibox power supply.
2.Remove the power cable from the Digibox only. This can be found on the back of the Digibox, and is normally a black cable on either the extreme left or right of the Digibox. Reinsert the power cable after 30 seconds.
3.Turn on the Digibox.
4.On the Sky remote control press the SERVICES button
5.On the Sky remote control press 401 (four zero one) and then the SELECT button.
6.If the above has been done correctly you should see the Installer Setup Menu screen. If you do not see the Installer Setup Menu screen then start this process again.
7.Press "2" on your Sky remote control.
8.If done correctly should be looking at the Default Transponder screen.
9.On the Sky remote control press 12129 (one two one two nine). This will change the default FREQUENCY to 12.129.
10.Ensure that the default POLARIZATION is "V"
Ensure that the default SYMBOL RATE is "7.5"
Ensure that the default FEC is "/3"
11.On the Sky remote control press the DOWN ARROW button three times and then press SELECT. This will SAVE NEW SETTINGS and return you to the Installer Setup Menu screen.
12.On the Sky remote control press the BACK UP button until you exit all the menus.
If done correctly the time will appear on the white bar, and picture will shortly reappear try channel 501 (Sky News).

for a downloadable PDF of the Default Transponder process, or watch a video of the process in operation see
[url=http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_satellite_default_transponder_frequency_settings_costa_blanca_spain.php]NO SATELLITE SIGNAL BEING RECEIVED / HOW TO CHANGE THE DEFAULT TRANSPONDER FREQUENCY SETTINGS FOR SPAIN[/url]

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.

Section 7 Auto Standby on Sky Boxes

Sky has been deploying new receiver software, and incorportaed in to this is a new feture 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 receord things from the Sky receivers as when the reciver goes into Autostanby 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!)


Section 9 Sky Programem Guide (EPG)

Skys 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 freqency - 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 frequencys 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 eciver "default transponder". It was the fact that the Freesats 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 Fresat EPGs point to the same frequencies for the channels they use (apart from FIVE!)

Why can't Brits get Sky TV in Spain?

You can receive Sky TV in Spain.

However, due to the broadcast agreements, the channels on Sky TV do not have the correct broadcast contracts to allow their programming to be available in Spain. In fact, many of those TV programmes on the Sky channels may have already been bought for viewing in Spain by the Spanish TV broadcasters like TVE, or Cuatro, or LA Sexta or their satellite TV service Digital+.

The Spanish broadcasters will have bought the rights to show those programmes in Spain. So the channels on Sky TV would not be allowed to show them...unless they too paid for the Spanish TV rights.

These rights agreement and contracts are controlled on the Sky TV pay system by the use of satellite viewing card, or Sky cards. These cards allow the viewing with a subscription of the channels on the Sky TV system. These Sky TV cards are only issued to UK addresses.

However, many people use a friend or family members UK address to register a card that is then used in Spain.

The use of a Sky viewing card in Spain is not illegal. It is only against the terms and conditions of use of that Sky card. If the use of a Sky card in Spain was illegal then the card owner would be jailed. As it is a contractual matter between the user and Sky, should one of those partners in that agreement break the terms of the contract, like using the Sky TV card in Spain, then all Sky TV can do is to discontinue the card and cut of the Sky Pay TV channels.

"I have no signal quality on my Sky dish in Spain."

You access the signal test screen on a sky box via the services, signal test option.

This is a test screen and shows the signal strength and signal quality of a particular satellite signal.

In most cases the satellite frequency that this test screen measures is frequency 11778 v 27.5 2/3.

This is a weak satellite frequency in Spain. It is a weak Astra 2 north beam frequency. This frequency is weakest at 5pm. In many areas of Spain in the afternoon this frequency can be unavailable, even on the big 2.4m Portuguese Famaval satellite dishes.

So it is entirely possible for this signal test screen on a Sky box to show "not locked" or no signal at all, yet you are still able to receive other frequencies (and channels).

The loss of these satellite frequencies can be reduced with an accurately aligned satellite dish.




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