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British TV Abroad |
| Reception
of the English language services (Sky Digital) from the four
satellites positioned at 28.2° east is possible in most parts of Europe. However, the
coverage areas or "Footprints" differs from satellite to satellite. In
most cases these differences will not be noticed by the viewer. The
real problems begin on the edges of the coverage areas and beyond. |
| For most expats, it is the British
terrestrial TV channels (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV 1, Channel Four and
Five) that are the greatest lose and the greatest joy when living
abroad. |
| It is not just about watching your
favourite programmes from Auntie Beeb, or catching up with the goings
on in Coronation street. No, for most of us it is our connection with
"Home", we are no longer outsiders when visiting Britain. We are just
as well informed and up to date with all the latest news and gossip
as those we are visiting! |
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BBC
TV & Radio in Europe |
| All
domestic BBC TV and Radio services are Free To Air (FTA), they are not
encrypted, this means they can be viewed on any digital satellite
receiver within the reception area of the satellite. No subscription,
or viewing card is required. |
| However,
due to copyright issues, the BBC broadcasts on the Astra 2D satellite.
In contrast to the other four co-positioned satellites at 28.2° east,
Astra 2D has a tight spot beam (Footprint) centered on the British
Isles. |
| The
official SES Astra reception map is somewhat on the conservative side,
it does though give a good indication of the satellites intended
reception area. See the Footprints page for detailed reception maps. |
| Most of Europe is outside the Astra 2D "Footprint",
confirmed reports however, tell another more positive story, as do some of the unofficial
reception maps. The BBC and ITV have been received from Cyprus in the
east to the Canary Islands in the west. There seem to be hot spot and
cold spots, In the Canaries a 2.4m Channel Master dish can be used,
wile in central Italy a 3.0m dish is required! |
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ITV1 - Channel Four - Five in Europe |
| ITV1,
Channel Four and Five all broadcast on Digital satellite from
the satellites at 28.2° east, unlike the BBC services they are all
encrypted in NDS Videoguard which is the Conditional Access System
(CAS) used by Sky Digital. To watch these channels you must use a Sky
Digital receiver and a valid card. |
| There are
no NDS Videoguard Conditional Access Modules (CAMs) available for use
in non Sky Digital receivers, there are reports of a Videoguard CAM
for use in Scandinavia for Viasat's services. These are not compatible
with the system used by Sky Digital in the British Isles. |
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Viewing Cards |
| You can
purchase Sky's freesat offer directly from Sky by calling 0870 606
1111, or from 12 November 2004 at most electrical retailers including
Comet, John Lewis, Hughes, Bennets, and independent electrical and
satellite specialists. |
| The viewing
cards only open up for ITV1, Channel Four and Five. |
| ITV may
broadcast Free To Air like the BBC and ITV3, when their contract with Sky Digital runs out in
2004, Channel Four and Five have no plans to abandon encryption, and
have both recently signed new deals for carriage on the Sky Digital
platform. |
| Channel
Four and Five both broadcast on the Astra 2A satellite, using the
satellites "North Beam", this is receivable in most of Europe, however
viewers in the south of Europe can expect reception problems with
these two channels. |
| See the
Footprints page for reception maps of all the satellites positioned at
28.2° east. |
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Sky Digital in Europe |
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What is Sky Digital? |
| With over
7 million subscribers, Sky is the UK’s most popular digital satellite
entertainment service provider. Using advanced satellite technology,
sky delivers more than 200 channels to the British and Irish
markets. |
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What is on the Sky Digital platform? |
| There is
something for everyone on Sky, general entertainment, news,
documentaries, films, Adult entertainment and plenty of sport. There
are a number of packages and prices to choose from, for more detailed
information visit SKY DIGITAL . |
| Most of
the Sky Digital channels are easily received in most of Europe, though
you may encounter problems with particular channels depending on your
location. |
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What equipment is needed for Sky Digital? |
| A Sky
Digital receiver is required, a subscription and a card are required,
most of the channels are encrypted in NDS Videoguard. Those that are
Free To Air (FTA) including the BBC, can be viewed on any digital
receiver. You will also be able to use Sky's state of the art
Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), this contains an extensive programme
guide, and options for programme reminders, series links and auto
viewing of selected programmes allowing the receiver to change channel
and switch its self on and off in standby mode. |
| There are
a number of models on the market, some are better than others for
overseas reception, being more sensitive to weaker signals. See the
Reception Help page for the best models. |
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Subscribing to Sky Digital |
| Please
bare in mind that Sky Digital must not sell their programme packages
outside the British Isles. Sky does however, turn somewhat of a "blind
eye" to overseas subscribers who provide an important source of
revenue for the company. You will require a UK bank account and a UK
address to take out a Sky subscription. |
| There has
been much said on the subject of calling Sky's customer services from
abroad, in the past they seem to have switched off customers cards,
this does not seem to be the case at present. If you can find someone
in Britain to call for you, do so, if not, call at your own (very
little) risk! |
| If you
require any assistance in choosing a package, signing up or just
need general information, call Sky on +44(0)8705 800 874 (+44(0)818
719 819 in the Republic of Ireland) or email
[email protected]. You can
also order online just CLICK HERE . |
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www.astra2d.co.uk |
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