Doctor Who and Fawlty Towers will be made available to Europeans armed with an iPad from later this year, as the BBC begins the process of introducing its international iPlayer to overseas audiences.
Diehard BBC fans living in western Europe will have to pay somewhere under $10 (£6) a month – the fee is still to be decided – in return for a mix of contemporary and archive content on the Apple tablet, all of which will be in English.
Click for more information on BBC IPlayer in Spain and Europe
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What do I need to get Freesat in Spain?
What do I need to get Freesat TV in Spain?
You will require two things to get Freesat TV in Spain:
A satellite dish
A Freesat receiver
Satellite Dishes for Freesat in Spain
The size of satellite dish you need for Freesat in Spain depends on where you are located in Spain and what channels you want to be able to watch in Spain.
In many areas a 1.8m satellite dish or a 2.4m satellite dish is required to receive the main UK TV channels along the Costa Blanca.
You can go for a smaller satellite dish, but your reception of the main UK TV channels, like BBC and ITV, will be limited.
Freesat Receivers in Spain
Freesat is only available on Freesat branded receivers.
Freesat is not available on Sky receivers.
Freesat receivers and Sky receivers use their own software.
The channels that you receive on Freesat receivers are "free to air" channels, ie channels you can receive for free with no viewing card or subscription.
A Sky box without a sky card gets the same free to air channels as a Freesat receiver does.
The best types of Freesat receivers to use in Spain are the Humax Foxsat Freesat range. These come in HD, and HD+ versions, the difference being the latter has a hard drive to allow recording of programmes.
Confusion
To confuse things, Freesat is actually the name of the EPG Programme Guide used on Freesat receivers. This EPG can actually be received on a small satellite dish, like an 80cm or 1m dish. I have even got the Freesat on a old Sky minidish here in Valencia!
But when I ask the Freesat EPG to go to a channel like BBC, then the BBC signal is on a different frequency (and satellite) to the EPG, which is not available on an 80cm dish.
So actually you can say that Freesat is available on a small 80cm dish in Spain, but the channels on Freesat still need a "big Portuguese" satellite dish to be able to receive those channels.
This simple confusion about what Freesat actually was and would provide in Spain, was even made by some "cowboy" satellite installers, jumping on the "bandwagon" for the launch of Freesat. They advertise that Freesat and UK TV would be available on a small 80cm satellite dish for most of Spain. Well as you can see, and as they found out, they were wrong, its just the Freesat EPG that is available on a small 80cm satellite dish, not the main UK channels.
I went to a number of people who had a "Freesat TV" satellite system installed, who were diappointed not to receive all the main UK TV hcannels on their small 80cm satellite dish, and who could no longer contact thier "satellite installer" as they had "done a runner" knowing that they had not got their facts straight about Freesat.
Freesat vs Freeview
Freesat allows access to the UK free to air channels via satellite.
Freeview is a TV system in the UK that provides free to air UK TV channels via a TV aerial.
Freeview is a UK ONLY service.
Freeview is not available in Spain - dispite some comapnies saying Freeview is available in Spain, adn even using the word "freeview" in their company name or in their advertising.
Many of these same companies also say you can get Freeview channels on Freesat. Which is incorrect. Some of the channels on Freeview in the UK are PAY channesl on satellite, and require a Sky satellite monthly subscription to watch them.
Similarly, a UK Freeview box, connected to a TV aerial in SPain will receive the SPanish Digital TV channels, and not the UK digital channels. Simplyy becasue we are in Spain, and the UK TV channels are not available via the terrestrial broadcasts system (ie TV aetrial on the roof) in Spain.
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You will require two things to get Freesat TV in Spain:
A satellite dish
A Freesat receiver
Satellite Dishes for Freesat in Spain
The size of satellite dish you need for Freesat in Spain depends on where you are located in Spain and what channels you want to be able to watch in Spain.
In many areas a 1.8m satellite dish or a 2.4m satellite dish is required to receive the main UK TV channels along the Costa Blanca.
You can go for a smaller satellite dish, but your reception of the main UK TV channels, like BBC and ITV, will be limited.
Freesat Receivers in Spain
Freesat is only available on Freesat branded receivers.
Freesat is not available on Sky receivers.
Freesat receivers and Sky receivers use their own software.
The channels that you receive on Freesat receivers are "free to air" channels, ie channels you can receive for free with no viewing card or subscription.
A Sky box without a sky card gets the same free to air channels as a Freesat receiver does.
The best types of Freesat receivers to use in Spain are the Humax Foxsat Freesat range. These come in HD, and HD+ versions, the difference being the latter has a hard drive to allow recording of programmes.
Confusion
To confuse things, Freesat is actually the name of the EPG Programme Guide used on Freesat receivers. This EPG can actually be received on a small satellite dish, like an 80cm or 1m dish. I have even got the Freesat on a old Sky minidish here in Valencia!
But when I ask the Freesat EPG to go to a channel like BBC, then the BBC signal is on a different frequency (and satellite) to the EPG, which is not available on an 80cm dish.
So actually you can say that Freesat is available on a small 80cm dish in Spain, but the channels on Freesat still need a "big Portuguese" satellite dish to be able to receive those channels.
This simple confusion about what Freesat actually was and would provide in Spain, was even made by some "cowboy" satellite installers, jumping on the "bandwagon" for the launch of Freesat. They advertise that Freesat and UK TV would be available on a small 80cm satellite dish for most of Spain. Well as you can see, and as they found out, they were wrong, its just the Freesat EPG that is available on a small 80cm satellite dish, not the main UK channels.
I went to a number of people who had a "Freesat TV" satellite system installed, who were diappointed not to receive all the main UK TV hcannels on their small 80cm satellite dish, and who could no longer contact thier "satellite installer" as they had "done a runner" knowing that they had not got their facts straight about Freesat.
Freesat vs Freeview
Freesat allows access to the UK free to air channels via satellite.
Freeview is a TV system in the UK that provides free to air UK TV channels via a TV aerial.
Freeview is a UK ONLY service.
Freeview is not available in Spain - dispite some comapnies saying Freeview is available in Spain, adn even using the word "freeview" in their company name or in their advertising.
Many of these same companies also say you can get Freeview channels on Freesat. Which is incorrect. Some of the channels on Freeview in the UK are PAY channesl on satellite, and require a Sky satellite monthly subscription to watch them.
Similarly, a UK Freeview box, connected to a TV aerial in SPain will receive the SPanish Digital TV channels, and not the UK digital channels. Simplyy becasue we are in Spain, and the UK TV channels are not available via the terrestrial broadcasts system (ie TV aetrial on the roof) in Spain.
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Monday, June 6, 2011
Why am i no longer receiving BBC HD on Sky
Why am i no longer receiving BBC HD on Sky
The BBC has changed some of the frequency parameters for its HD channels.
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9
Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D. Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update
More information on
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?64655-Why-am-i-no-longer-receiving-BBC-HD-on-Sky
http://costablancasatellite.blogspot.com/2011/06/changes-to-bbc1hd-and-bbchd-frequencies.html
The BBC has changed some of the frequency parameters for its HD channels.
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9
Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D. Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update
More information on
http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?64655-Why-am-i-no-longer-receiving-BBC-HD-on-Sky
http://costablancasatellite.blogspot.com/2011/06/changes-to-bbc1hd-and-bbchd-frequencies.html
Changes to BBC1HD and BBCHD frequencies June 2011
The BBC has changed some of the frequency parameters for its HD channels.
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9
Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D.
Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update.
Some Freesat users may have to reset their Freesat HD boxes, or perform a Freesat scan.
Users of other "generic" HD receivers, will have to rescan the BBC HD frequency, ensuring their receivers work with the new DVBS2 transmision standard.
If you are getting the "no satellite signal" being received then a simple receiver reboot may cure the problem.
More information :
BBC HD Frequency Changes June 2011
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9
Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D.
Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update.
Some Freesat users may have to reset their Freesat HD boxes, or perform a Freesat scan.
Users of other "generic" HD receivers, will have to rescan the BBC HD frequency, ensuring their receivers work with the new DVBS2 transmision standard.
If you are getting the "no satellite signal" being received then a simple receiver reboot may cure the problem.
More information :
BBC HD Frequency Changes June 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Important changes to TDT "Spanish Freeview" frequencies - Teledeporte
These changes affect most Spanish TV reception across Spain and is part of Phase 2 of the digital switch over in Spain.
All channels on frequency / multiplex 66 have been moved and transferred over to new frequencies.
This has affected the following Spanish digital TV channels:
Teledeporte
Intereconomía
Veo7 TV
A rescan on your TDT set top box will need to be performed to make sure you can continue to receive these Spanish TV channels.
In some cases a call for a TV engineer / TV installer will be required, as your existing system may not be able to receive Teledeportes new frequency. This is especially true for community TV systems, where individual amplifier modules are installed.
Phase 2 of Spain’s digital switch over is aimed to free up the digital TV frequency spectrum between from 62 to 69. This is so these frequencies can be sold off to other telecoms companies, like mobile phone operators.
It is also worth noting that Teledeporte is now labelled as TDP.
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All channels on frequency / multiplex 66 have been moved and transferred over to new frequencies.
This has affected the following Spanish digital TV channels:
Teledeporte
Intereconomía
Veo7 TV
A rescan on your TDT set top box will need to be performed to make sure you can continue to receive these Spanish TV channels.
In some cases a call for a TV engineer / TV installer will be required, as your existing system may not be able to receive Teledeportes new frequency. This is especially true for community TV systems, where individual amplifier modules are installed.
Phase 2 of Spain’s digital switch over is aimed to free up the digital TV frequency spectrum between from 62 to 69. This is so these frequencies can be sold off to other telecoms companies, like mobile phone operators.
It is also worth noting that Teledeporte is now labelled as TDP.
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
Changes to BBC HD channels on satellite on 6th June
Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D.
Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update.
Some Freesat users may have to reset their Freesat HD boxes, or perform a Freesat scan.
Users of other "generic" HD receivers, will have to rescan the BBC HD frequency, ensuring their receivers work with the new DVBS2 transmision standard.
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Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update.
Some Freesat users may have to reset their Freesat HD boxes, or perform a Freesat scan.
Users of other "generic" HD receivers, will have to rescan the BBC HD frequency, ensuring their receivers work with the new DVBS2 transmision standard.
One of the BBC's principles is to ensure that we use the spectrum we have available to us in the most efficient way possible. This means that from time to time, as technology develops, we make changes to the way our services are broadcast to ensure we are making best use of this scarce resource.Source: bbc.co.uk/blogs
We will shortly be making such a change to the satellite transponder that carries BBC One HD & BBC HD. The signal on this transponder is currently broadcast using a modulation scheme called "DVB-S". On 6 June we will be upgrading to a newer "DVB-S2" scheme. This is a more efficient way of operating the transponder and it creates more capacity from the same amount of spectrum. More spectral bang for our buck, if you like.
The change will mean different things to different people:
If you watch TV using Freeview or Virgin Media or can't currently view HD channels you will not be affected.
If you have Sky, you will not notice the change and won't have to do anything on or after 6 June.
If you have Freesat you may need to put your HD box or TV into standby for 30 seconds and then restart to continue to receive the two BBC HD channels. If the channels are still unavailable then carry out a 'freesat channel retune' or a 'first time installation'. Full instructions can be found in the manual for your box or TV. Further help with retuning can be found at www.freesat.co.uk.
If you have any other kind of satellite receiver, you will need to check that it is capable of receiving a DVB-S2 signal. If it can, then you can use the following parameters to tune manually into the services carried:
Satellite: Astra 2D tp.50
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
MBC launch HD channels on Nilesat 201
MBC Media Group started broadcasting a test of seven of its existing programs in high definition televisions (HDTVs). Among them there are also a popular movie channel MBC2 and MBC Action in HD.
MBC to launch HD programmes began using a new transponder on the satellite Nilesat 201 at the orbital position 7 degrees west.
Unfortunately, the signal from this satellite can not be receive on small (like 80cm or 1m) satellite dishes in Spain, unlike those channels on Nilesat 101 which can.
DVB-S2 contains multiple MBC station MBC1 HD HD MBC2, MBC4 HD, MBC Drama, HD, HD MBC Action, MBC Max HD news television Al Arabiya HD. Package operates on the frequency 12.188 GHz, pol H SR 27500, FEC 3 / 4, DVB-S2/8PSK. All stations are due to restrictions on broadcasting rights Conax encrypted system. For high-definition versions of their programs by selling the MBC network to deliver the equipment market. The viewer gets a fee for access to an attractive package of entertainment channel MBC.
The current version of the MBC in SD resolution remain FTA.
So maybe in the future, HD version of the MBC channels will be available on Badr at 26 east, which is available over most of Spain on an 80cm satellite dish.
These MBCs can be seen as an alternate to Sky TV in Spain. The SD versions of these MBC channels are free to air, show many programmes in English, and have a wide range of movies, action and drama programems from both the UK and USA.
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MBC to launch HD programmes began using a new transponder on the satellite Nilesat 201 at the orbital position 7 degrees west.
Unfortunately, the signal from this satellite can not be receive on small (like 80cm or 1m) satellite dishes in Spain, unlike those channels on Nilesat 101 which can.
DVB-S2 contains multiple MBC station MBC1 HD HD MBC2, MBC4 HD, MBC Drama, HD, HD MBC Action, MBC Max HD news television Al Arabiya HD. Package operates on the frequency 12.188 GHz, pol H SR 27500, FEC 3 / 4, DVB-S2/8PSK. All stations are due to restrictions on broadcasting rights Conax encrypted system. For high-definition versions of their programs by selling the MBC network to deliver the equipment market. The viewer gets a fee for access to an attractive package of entertainment channel MBC.
The current version of the MBC in SD resolution remain FTA.
So maybe in the future, HD version of the MBC channels will be available on Badr at 26 east, which is available over most of Spain on an 80cm satellite dish.
These MBCs can be seen as an alternate to Sky TV in Spain. The SD versions of these MBC channels are free to air, show many programmes in English, and have a wide range of movies, action and drama programems from both the UK and USA.
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Sunday, May 29, 2011
Performing a Sky digibox system software update in Spain
Performing a Sky digibox system software update in Spain
In most cases you will not have to do a manual Sky digibox system software update, as the Sky boxes will automaticlly update the software when ever new software becomes avaialble from Sky.
You may have to perform a manual Sky digibox system software update if your Sky digibox has not been powered on or getting a signal from the satellite for about 6 months.
Ideally the best time of the day to do this is first thing in the morning - when signals strengths are the best, and you are able to receive the 11778 main default transponder frequency, as this is the frequency where the software updates are located.
1) Put the box into Standby mode. (red light mode)
2) Disconnect the power to the receiver
3) Locate the button on the front of the Receiver, named "Back Up". ( ON THE RECEIVER NOT ON THE REMOTE!)
4) Press and hold down the "Back Up" button.
5) WHILE HOLDING IT DOWN, reconnect the power to the receiver (do not release the back-up button yet).
6) About 20 seconds after reconnecting power, all four coloured lights will illuminate on the front of the receiver. If the TV is switched to Sky a message will also appear on screen.. "Updating System Software".
7) Only after the four lights illuminate and the message appears should you release the back-up button.
8) After about 10 minutes the receiver will return to "standby" (i.e.. red LED only).
9) Leave the receiver in standby for 1 minute as it carries out a self check.
10) Switch receiver out of standby (green LED illuminates).
11) The receiver will take a few minutes "Searching For Listings".
You may have to assists the receiver in booting up by using the "Changing Default Transponder" method
12) Your digibox should now be operating on the latest available version of software.
Do not unplug your Skybox from the mains supply or satellite dish during the software upgrade or permanent damage could be done and your box rendered unusable
Do not attempt a firmware upgrade if your Sky Digibox already has the latest firmware version - it will make no difference!
Sky Digibox Software Update
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In most cases you will not have to do a manual Sky digibox system software update, as the Sky boxes will automaticlly update the software when ever new software becomes avaialble from Sky.
You may have to perform a manual Sky digibox system software update if your Sky digibox has not been powered on or getting a signal from the satellite for about 6 months.
Ideally the best time of the day to do this is first thing in the morning - when signals strengths are the best, and you are able to receive the 11778 main default transponder frequency, as this is the frequency where the software updates are located.
1) Put the box into Standby mode. (red light mode)
2) Disconnect the power to the receiver
3) Locate the button on the front of the Receiver, named "Back Up". ( ON THE RECEIVER NOT ON THE REMOTE!)
4) Press and hold down the "Back Up" button.
5) WHILE HOLDING IT DOWN, reconnect the power to the receiver (do not release the back-up button yet).
6) About 20 seconds after reconnecting power, all four coloured lights will illuminate on the front of the receiver. If the TV is switched to Sky a message will also appear on screen.. "Updating System Software".
7) Only after the four lights illuminate and the message appears should you release the back-up button.
8) After about 10 minutes the receiver will return to "standby" (i.e.. red LED only).
9) Leave the receiver in standby for 1 minute as it carries out a self check.
10) Switch receiver out of standby (green LED illuminates).
11) The receiver will take a few minutes "Searching For Listings".
You may have to assists the receiver in booting up by using the "Changing Default Transponder" method
12) Your digibox should now be operating on the latest available version of software.
Do not unplug your Skybox from the mains supply or satellite dish during the software upgrade or permanent damage could be done and your box rendered unusable
Do not attempt a firmware upgrade if your Sky Digibox already has the latest firmware version - it will make no difference!
Sky Digibox Software Update
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Fox Movies and Fox (or Fox Series) on Nilesat frequency changes
There have been some changes to the FOX channels on Nilesat at 7 West.
Fox Movies on Nilesat is still on frequency 11766 H 27500 5/6
Fox Series - now called just FOX - has move to the new frequency.
FOX is now on frequency 11296 H 27500 3/4 FOX's new frequeny is on a satellite whose signal footprint is different to Fox Movies. This means that FOX is not available in Spain on your current dishes, but you may stil receive Fox Movies. FOX's new frequency on the new satellite means you will need a MUCH BIGGER satellite dish than you curently have.
Fox Movies and FOX (Series) remain on Arabsat at 26 east.
They are both available on frequency 11843 H 27500 5/6.
This means that both Fox Movies and FOX should be availabl on an 80cm satellite dish throughout most of the Costa Blanca and southern and eastern Spain..
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Fox Movies on Nilesat is still on frequency 11766 H 27500 5/6
Fox Series - now called just FOX - has move to the new frequency.
FOX is now on frequency 11296 H 27500 3/4 FOX's new frequeny is on a satellite whose signal footprint is different to Fox Movies. This means that FOX is not available in Spain on your current dishes, but you may stil receive Fox Movies. FOX's new frequency on the new satellite means you will need a MUCH BIGGER satellite dish than you curently have.
Fox Movies and FOX (Series) remain on Arabsat at 26 east.
They are both available on frequency 11843 H 27500 5/6.
This means that both Fox Movies and FOX should be availabl on an 80cm satellite dish throughout most of the Costa Blanca and southern and eastern Spain..
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Monday, May 9, 2011
New Free HD channel available - NHK World HD
NHK World HD has now launched onto the Freesat & Sky epg's.
It is the first free to air HD news channels to launch in the UK - as Sky NEws HD is part of the Sky HD subscription package
On Freesat NHK World HD is on epg 209 (this replaces the standard defintion (SD) version on HD boxes)
On Sky HD boxes NHK World HD is on Sky channel 518 and the standard defintion (SD) version moving from 516 to 507
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It is the first free to air HD news channels to launch in the UK - as Sky NEws HD is part of the Sky HD subscription package
On Freesat NHK World HD is on epg 209 (this replaces the standard defintion (SD) version on HD boxes)
On Sky HD boxes NHK World HD is on Sky channel 518 and the standard defintion (SD) version moving from 516 to 507
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