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 Andalucía, 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.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
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!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
New channels coming to Freesat - Pick, Challenge and Sky News
Challange, Pick TV and Sky News will be launching on Freesat Monday 3rd December.
They are expected to be on the following Freesat channel numbers.
144 - Pick TV
145 - Challenge
202 - Sky News
Pick and Challenge have only this year been "free to air" and not requiring a Sky card to view.
All three channels have been available to Freesat users in "non freesat mode".
But it now looks like these three channels will now be avilable in Freesat mode.
They are expected to be on the following Freesat channel numbers.
144 - Pick TV
145 - Challenge
202 - Sky News
Pick and Challenge have only this year been "free to air" and not requiring a Sky card to view.
All three channels have been available to Freesat users in "non freesat mode".
But it now looks like these three channels will now be avilable in Freesat mode.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Astra 2F. UK TV channels movement this coming week?
 |
| The Astra 2F satellite |
"Thank you for your interest in ASTRA 2F. Services are currently being transferred to ASTRA 2F. BBC (Trp 2.061) has been migrated to Astra 2F whereas Channel 5 (Tp 2.057), ITV (2.059 & 2.063) and Channel 4 (Tp 2.068) will move to Astra 2F next Tuesday. This will then mark the completion of the transfer".
No mention of any of the other BBC or ITV or C4 frequencies / transponders....
What does this mean?
The first paragraph DOES NOT say BBC ITV C4 will all be moved to 2F by Tuesday.
It says one frequency has, and a further 4 frequencies will move on Tuesday.
I say "No mention of any of the other BBC or ITV or C4 frequencies / transponders".
So not all frequencies are moving.
For information:
The BBC transponder mentioned - (Trp 2.061) - is the 11023 carrying the two HD channels.
There is no mention of the other 4 bbc transponders (45,46,47,48) that carry the other bbc channels.
The ITV transponders mentioned - (59 and 63) - carry some ITV1, itv1+1 and iTV1hd regional variations.
There is no mention of the other 5 ITV transponders, (44,49,53,54,56) that carry the other ITV1 regions, and other ITV channels.
The C4 transponder mentioned - (68) - carries 4seven and C4HD.
There is no mention of the other 2 C4 transponder (41 42) that carries the other c4 channels.
Monday, November 26, 2012
EU Law: confused if you entitled to receive ALL UK TV channels in other EU countries?
With all the talk of new satellite signals, and potential loss of UK satellite TV channels in Spain, once again, there is talk that restricting TV signals from one EU country to another is against EU rule / law.
The “rule” often quoted is the “Television Without Frontiers” Directive.
Unfortunately, many people (and installers!) take the title too literally.
And this “Television Without Frontiers” Directive was actually never
The “rule” often quoted is the “Television Without Frontiers” Directive.
Unfortunately, many people (and installers!) take the title too literally.
And this “Television Without Frontiers” Directive was actually never
law – however its updated version “Audio Visual Media Service” Directive is.
The directive provides guidance as to how to standardize the rules regulations and governing of European broadcasters. For example, how many minutes of adverts are allowed in an hour, rules on product placement and rules on violence on TV during hours when children may be watching.
There is nothing in this EU Directive that states that people should be able to watch all of their own language television channels in any member state. Perhaps they are getting confused with the section that states that EU countries cannot block transmission from other EU countries?
However, there is a rule under the EUs Freedom of Information, which says that all EU members should have the right to access news and information in any EU country in their own language. It could be argued that this particular rule is actually complied by the UK by channels like BBC World News, and Sky News International, which are available for free around the EU, on “small” satellite dishes.
The directive provides guidance as to how to standardize the rules regulations and governing of European broadcasters. For example, how many minutes of adverts are allowed in an hour, rules on product placement and rules on violence on TV during hours when children may be watching.
There is nothing in this EU Directive that states that people should be able to watch all of their own language television channels in any member state. Perhaps they are getting confused with the section that states that EU countries cannot block transmission from other EU countries?
However, there is a rule under the EUs Freedom of Information, which says that all EU members should have the right to access news and information in any EU country in their own language. It could be argued that this particular rule is actually complied by the UK by channels like BBC World News, and Sky News International, which are available for free around the EU, on “small” satellite dishes.
So, despite what you may hear or be told, there is no EU rule or law that states all EU countries TV channels must be available for free, with easy reception, to all other EU countries.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
SES Astra say Astra 2F is now in position and ready for operations
SES Astra say Astra 2F is now in position and ready for operations
According to a press reelease today, the ASTRA 2F satellite has successfully completed its in-orbit testing and is now fully operational and in commercial service at the orbital neighborhood of 28.2/28.5 degrees East.
See the full press release here
See Astra 2F reception reports for Spain on our reception report maps here
See Astra 2F predicted signal reception maps here
|
| The Astra 2F satellite |
According to a press reelease today, the ASTRA 2F satellite has successfully completed its in-orbit testing and is now fully operational and in commercial service at the orbital neighborhood of 28.2/28.5 degrees East.
See the full press release here
See Astra 2F reception reports for Spain on our reception report maps here
See Astra 2F predicted signal reception maps here
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The US Grand Prix - Formula One - Live on Sky SPorts F1, Highlights on BBC
Formula One 2012 – Austin, Texas, USA – Live coverage on Sky Sports F1, Highlights on BBC
The 2012 Formula One season continues this weekend with round 19 from Austin, Texas..
It is the first time a grand prix has been held at the newly-built Circuit of the Americas, with many people eager to see how the drivers cope on a new track in what is the penultimate race of the 2012 season.
Only the Brazilian Grand Prix remains following this race, and events here could set up a fascinating finale in Sao Paulo.
Round 19 Coverage:
The action gets underway on Friday afternoon with Practice 1 at 3pm, followed by the second practice session at 7pm.
Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live – the BBC will make available a short highlights packages on the BBC Sport website later on Friday.
At 11pm on Friday evening, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz will host the F1 Show.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 2.45pm for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 5pm, session starts at 6pm..
Jake Humphrey will present TV highlights of qualifying on BBC Two at 9pm.
Sunday morning sees live coverage of the United States Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 5.30pm, race starts at 7pm, and there will be an extensive highlights programme on BBC One from 10.25pm.
Friday 16 November
2.45pm – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
6.45pm – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
11pm – The F1 Show: Unites States – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 17 November
2.45pm – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
5pm – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
9pm – Qualifying – Highlights – BBC One
Sunday 18 November
5.30pm – United States Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
10.25pm – United States Prix – Highlights – BBC One
The 2012 Formula One season continues this weekend with round 19 from Austin, Texas..
It is the first time a grand prix has been held at the newly-built Circuit of the Americas, with many people eager to see how the drivers cope on a new track in what is the penultimate race of the 2012 season.
Only the Brazilian Grand Prix remains following this race, and events here could set up a fascinating finale in Sao Paulo.
Round 19 Coverage:
The action gets underway on Friday afternoon with Practice 1 at 3pm, followed by the second practice session at 7pm.
Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live – the BBC will make available a short highlights packages on the BBC Sport website later on Friday.
At 11pm on Friday evening, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz will host the F1 Show.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 2.45pm for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 5pm, session starts at 6pm..
Jake Humphrey will present TV highlights of qualifying on BBC Two at 9pm.
Sunday morning sees live coverage of the United States Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 5.30pm, race starts at 7pm, and there will be an extensive highlights programme on BBC One from 10.25pm.
Friday 16 November
2.45pm – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
6.45pm – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
11pm – The F1 Show: Unites States – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 17 November
2.45pm – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
5pm – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
9pm – Qualifying – Highlights – BBC One
Sunday 18 November
5.30pm – United States Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
10.25pm – United States Prix – Highlights – BBC One
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Which Sky+HD boxes are able to receive On Demand and BBC IPlayer services
Which Sky+HD boxes are able to receive On Demand and BBC IPlayer services
Which Sky boxes are compatible with On Demand?
A selection of On Demand TV is available on all Sky+HD boxes. Our full On Demand service is accessible from all Sky+HD boxes, except Thomson boxes and you will need to connect your Sky+HD box to your broadband router.
Sky are also in the process of updating the Sky Guide on these Sky+HD boxes to enable Catch Up TV and rebrand Anytime to On Demand. The rollout of the update is done in phases with the latest Sky+HD boxes now updated and more to be done in the next month.
To find out which Sky+HD box you have and when it will be updated, press Services on your Sky Remote, then press 0 to highlight Settings. Press 3 to highlight System Details. Note down the version Number 2nd line from the top of the screen.
If you have a version beginning with 4F31, then you have an Amstrad DRX890 or DRX895. You should already have the new Sky Guide.
If you have a version beginning with 4F30, then you have a Amstrad DRX780. You will receive the new Sky Guide in the next few weeks.
If you have a version beginning with 9730, then you have a Samsung. Subject to final testing, you will receive the new Sky Guide by the end of November.
If you have a version beginning with 9F30, then you have a Pace. Subject to final testing, you will receive the new Sky Guide by the end of November.
If you have a version beginning with 4E30, then you have a Thomson. Unfortunately, we are not updating this box with the new Sky Guide.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Formula One 2012 - Live on BBC Sport & Sky Sports F1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Round 18 Coverage:
The action gets underway on Friday morning with Practice 1 at 9am, followed by the second practice session at 1pm. The BBC and Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live.
At 5pm on Friday evening, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz host the F1 Show on Sky Sports F1.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 9.45am for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 12pm.
The BBC will also show third practice live via the Red Button at 9.55am, and Jake Humphrey’s will present live qualifying from 12.15pm on BBC One.
Sunday afternoon sees live coverage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 11.30am, and on BBC One from 12.10pm..
Live Coverage on BBC And Sky Sports F1
Friday 2 November
8.45am – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
8.55am – 1st Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
12.45am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.55am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
5pm – The F1 Show: Abu Dhabi – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 3 November
9.45am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
9.55am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
12pm – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.15pm – Qualifying – Live – BBC One
Sunday 4 November
11.30am – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.10pm – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Live – BBC One)
The action gets underway on Friday morning with Practice 1 at 9am, followed by the second practice session at 1pm. The BBC and Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live.
At 5pm on Friday evening, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz host the F1 Show on Sky Sports F1.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 9.45am for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 12pm.
The BBC will also show third practice live via the Red Button at 9.55am, and Jake Humphrey’s will present live qualifying from 12.15pm on BBC One.
Sunday afternoon sees live coverage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 11.30am, and on BBC One from 12.10pm..
Live Coverage on BBC And Sky Sports F1
Friday 2 November
8.45am – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
8.55am – 1st Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
12.45am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.55am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
5pm – The F1 Show: Abu Dhabi – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 3 November
9.45am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
9.55am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – BBC Red Button
12pm – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.15pm – Qualifying – Live – BBC One
Sunday 4 November
11.30am – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
12.10pm – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Live – BBC One)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Formula One 2012 • India • Live coverage on Sky Sports F1, highlights on BBC Sport
The 2012 Formula One season continues this weekend with round 17 from India..
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel became the first man to win the inaugural race last year, taking the chequered flag in a comfortable victory – leading the entire race from pole position – with McLaren’s Jenson Button finishing second.
That marked the German’s eleventh race victory of 2011, and he is now seeking to win a third straight championship, which has not been achieved since compatriot Michael Schumacher did so a decade ago.
Ferrari’s two-time world-champion Fernando Alonso will be determined to stop him.
Round 17 Coverage:
The action gets underway on Friday morning with Practice 1 at 5.30am, followed by the second practice session at 9.30am.
Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live – the BBC will make available a short highlights packages on the BBC Sport website later on Friday.
At 1.30pm on Friday afternoon, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz will host the F1 Show.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 6:15am for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 8.30am.
Jake Humphrey will present TV highlights of qualifying on BBC One at 1pm.
Sunday morning sees live coverage of the Indian Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 8am, and there will be an extensive highlights programme on BBC One from 2.05pm.
Friday 26 October
5.15am – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
9.15am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
1.30pm – The F1 Show: Indian – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 27 October
6.15am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
8.30am – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
1.00pm – Qualifying – Highlights – BBC One
Sunday 28 October
8.00am – Indian Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
2.05pm – Indian Grand Prix – Highlights – BBC One
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel became the first man to win the inaugural race last year, taking the chequered flag in a comfortable victory – leading the entire race from pole position – with McLaren’s Jenson Button finishing second.
That marked the German’s eleventh race victory of 2011, and he is now seeking to win a third straight championship, which has not been achieved since compatriot Michael Schumacher did so a decade ago.
Ferrari’s two-time world-champion Fernando Alonso will be determined to stop him.
Round 17 Coverage:
The action gets underway on Friday morning with Practice 1 at 5.30am, followed by the second practice session at 9.30am.
Sky Sports F1 will show both sessions live – the BBC will make available a short highlights packages on the BBC Sport website later on Friday.
At 1.30pm on Friday afternoon, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz will host the F1 Show.
On Saturday, Sky Sports F1 will be live on air from 6:15am for the third practice session, followed by qualifying at 8.30am.
Jake Humphrey will present TV highlights of qualifying on BBC One at 1pm.
Sunday morning sees live coverage of the Indian Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 from 8am, and there will be an extensive highlights programme on BBC One from 2.05pm.
Friday 26 October
5.15am – 1st Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
9.15am – 2nd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
1.30pm – The F1 Show: Indian – Live – Sky Sports F1
Saturday 27 October
6.15am – 3rd Practice Session – Live – Sky Sports F1
8.30am – Qualifying – Live – Sky Sports F1
1.00pm – Qualifying – Highlights – BBC One
Sunday 28 October
8.00am – Indian Grand Prix – Live – Sky Sports F1
2.05pm – Indian Grand Prix – Highlights – BBC One
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