Sky TV in Ontinyent. UK TV in Ontinyent. Freesat TV in Ontinyent. Satellite TV Installers

BBC TV Channel changes - better reception of BBC TV in Ontinyent likely

2012-02-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Origianlly posted at: http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/sho...-February-2012

The BBC channels, BBC1, BB2, BBC3, BBC4, BBC1HD, BBCHD, CBBC, CBeebies, will be moving from Astra 2D to Astra 1N this coming Friday.

There will be no change of frequencies.

The BBC channels will be using the same frequencies as they currently do.

However, this will mean that reception of these BBC channels in Spain will be much better than currently.

In some areas, they should be able to be received on a small 80cm or 1m satellte dish, where are previously they may not have been available even on a 2.4m satellite dish.

If you are unable to receive these channels, then no reception of these channels may require dish realignment, a new LNB or a larger satellite dish - such as a 1m satellite dish.

This follows the recent move of the ITV and channel 4 group of channels to Astra 1N in the last few weeks.

Click here for more information and what this means for BBC TV reception in Spain and BBC TV Reception in the Costa Blanca

Receive ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Film 4, Five, on an 80cm satellite dish for 200 euros!

2012-02-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Recent changes in UK Satellite TV have meant a change in the equipment required to receive UK TV via satellite in Spain.

From February 2012, it is now possible to receive the following channels on a small 80cm satellite dish without any subscription or viewing card.

ITV1
ITV1 HD
ITV2
ITV3
ITV4
Channel 4
Channel 4 HD
E4
More 4
Film4
Five
Five USA
Five * (Five Star)

and many more

For 200 euros, you will receive the satellite dish (either 80cm or 100cm depending on your exact location), single output LNB, FTA satellite receiver and "reasonable" amount of cabling.

For more information and more channels available on this satellite TV system, please see : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/uk_tv_channels_available_on_small_dish_costa_blanca_spain.php

More UK TV satellite changes - affecting Disney, Irish RTE, and ITV1HD

2012-02-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

This morning there have been a number of changes to some channels, affecting Rte, Disney channels, Nickelodeon channels, and some ITV1 HD regions.

These channels have moved from the Astra 2D satellite to the Astra 1 satellite.

For more information see our news forum:

More UK TV satellite changes - affecting Disney, Irish RTE, and ITV1HD

Changes to ITV1 and Channel 4 - now available on a small satellite dish

2012-02-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

This morning there have been a number of changes to some channels, affecting ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, MOre4, and Film4.

For more information see our news forum:

http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?99581-Changes-to-ITV1-and-Channel-4-now-available-on-a-small-satellite-dish

Some frequently asked questions about receiving UK TV and Sky TV in Ontinyent, Spain

2012-02-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

A few questions and answers about how to recieve UK TV in Spain, and how to resolve some problems with reeciving UK TV in Spain.

What are the best Sky frequency codes to use?

Can I use a Freeview box in Spain?

Can I use a Sky box in Spain?

Satellite signal fade at night in Spain and loss of satellite TV channels at night

Will my Freeview box work in Spain?

Can I get Spanish TV on Freesat in Spain?

Can I take my uk sky card to Spain and use it in my box there?

Which High Definition (HD) channels can I receive for FREE by Sky HD and Freesat HD?

Does a Sky HD digibox or a Freesat HD set top box improve reception in Spain?

New TDT Channel. UK Satellite TV Changes. UK TV in Ontinyent Information

2012-01-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Sat and PC Guy has been installing and maintaining satellite and television systems for the Costa Blanca North for over 7 years. We cover between Calpe to Valencia and inland to Alcoy and Ontinyente. We are able to supply and install a range of dishes, from 80cm to 2.4 meter satellite dishes, and digital satellite receivers, from Sky Digiboxes and the award winning Sky+ Digital Recorder, to Freesat, High Definition and generic receivers.

New TDT Channel – Discovery MAX

TDT provides a large number of Spanish digital channels via a TV aerial. It is the Spanish equivalent of the UKs “Freeview” service. There are no UK TV channels available on TDT. However, on many of the imported programmes from the UK and USA, the dubbed Spanish audio can be changed into the programmes original English audio.

In January 2012, a new channel was launched on TDT. Discovery Max is a documentary and entertainment channel that is now available for free on TDT. Discovery Max shows many of the popular programmes that are available on the Discovery satellite channel, via the Sky or Digital+ subscription service.

You may need to perform a channel scan on your TDT receiver or Digital TV to be able to watch Discovery Max.

UK Satellite TV Changes

In December a number of UK satellite TV channels changed their frequencies. This included the ITV1 Central South and East regions, and the Channel Five group of channels. If you used to access these channels via your Sky boxes “Other Channels” list, then you may find these stored channels no longer work. You will need to add these channels using their new frequency to your Sky boxes “other channels” list.

ITV1 Central South – frequency 11053 H 22 5/6
Channel Fives – frequency 10963 H 22 5/6

The new frequencies for these channels are on a slightly “weaker beam” than previously, and if you are unable to receive them it may mean your satellite dish is either too small to receive their signal, or your satellite dish needs to be realigned properly.

Also, in December 2011, users of Freesat boxes will have noticed that they can now receive Channel Five, Five* and Five USA. These channels used to be only available with a Sky card, but now they are available on Freesat receivers also – from Freesat channel 128 to 131.

Whether you require a satellite system installing, your existing system upgraded or serviced, or more information contact The Sat and PC Guy on 96 281 9796 / 620 130 292.

We also have a popular internet discussion forum at www.satandpcguy.com/forum where you can seek answers and advice for your satellite and TV in Spain questions and problems.

Channel Five Reception in Ontinyent Costa Blanca and Spain - confusion by installers not knowing the correct situation

2011-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I received an email from someone, that included an email from another satellite dish installer based here on the Costa Blanca in Spain.

The text of this emails is as follows:

Due to broadcast frequency changes made by Channel 5, the signal for Channel 5 in standard definition is now similar to that for BBC 2 England, this means:

On small dishes (less than 1.8 mts) there will be no signal.

Unless you already have a Sky HD digibox or upgrade to a Sky HD box , in which case Channel 5 HD is still available.

Upgrading to HD - if you have a 2.4 dish this will also give you BBC1 and BBC HD which will stay on. Please contact us for more information on this.

On larger dishes (1.8 & 2.4 mts) you can now only receive Channel 5 in the morning.

Sorry this is bad news but this change is made by the broadcaster not "COMPANY NAME REMOVED". I will let you know if there is any more news.

This information is incorrect in so many ways.

Due to broadcast frequency changes made by Channel 5, the signal for Channel 5 in standard definition is now similar to that for BBC 2 England, this means on small dishes (less than 1.8 mts) there will be no signal.

This is incorrect.
The recent frequency changes made by Channel Five mean that smaller satellite dishes, even 80cm satellite dishes are still able to receive Channel Five.

The frequency changes for channel Five are NOT on a similar satellite or reception to BBC2 England. In fact they are similar to what they used to be.

If you are unable to receive any of the channel five channel on their new frequency on your 1.8m dish then you have serious problems with your satellite installation, a s these channels are easily available on an 80cm satellite dish here in most of Spain.

On larger dishes (1.8 & 2.4 mts) you can now only receive Channel 5 in the morning.

One of the 4 or 5 regional versions of Five will still be unavailable on 2.4m dishes past mid afternoon. But there are still the other regional versions that you can add to your sky box "other channels" list. You can add these by searching for the channels using frequency 10965 h 22 5/6.

The channel five channels on this frequency do NOT require a 2.4m dish and should be available 24/7 even on a smaller 80cm satellite dish in Spain.

To say Channel Five will only be available in the mornings only even on 2.4m satellite dishes is totally incorrect.

Unless you already have a Sky HD digibox or upgrade to a Sky HD box , in which case Channel 5 HD is still available.

There is no need to upgrade to Sky HD and receive Channel Five HD.
Unless you want to watch Five HD. All channels fives are available using a standard definition Sky box, like the Pace 2600 or Sky+ boxes.

Personally, I would not be surprised if this is a "cash in" scheme from this company to try and get people to buy a Sky HD box from them, by falsely claiming there is no other way to receive Channel Five 24/7 on small 80cm or big 2.4m satellite dishes.

This is shocking that a satellite installation company would send this email to its clients, with this misleading information in what can only be an attempt into tricking people into buying a SkyHD box from them.

There is no need to buy a Sky HD box if you have lost reception of Channel Five.

You can still receive Channel Five on a normal standard definition Sky box.

I mentioned this in a previous blog
http://costablancasatellite.blogspot.com/2011/11/lost-channel-five-in-spain-no-satellite.html

And now you only need a Sky card to watch Five HD, as all the other Channel Five channels, including 5* and Five USA are now free to air and no longer require a Sky card to view.

Channel Five, Channel 5 +1, 5 USA and 5* to join freesat, and be free to air in Ontinyent

2011-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Channel 5 have announced that Channel 5 +1, 5 USA and 5* (plus their +1 timeshift channels) will all be joining the Freesat platform in December.

Channel 5+1 will launch on Freesat on EPG channel number 128 on Tuesday 6th December.
Presumably it will alos launch on the Sky EPG.

5* and 5 USA, as well as their relative +1 services, will also launch on Freesat on Thursday 8th December. The relevent Freesat EPG channel numbers wil be as follows:

129: 5 USA
130: 5 USA +1
131: 5*
132: 5* +1

So it looks like the fives will be available free to air, with no sky card on a small dish for the foreseeable future. So that means ITV1, C4 and Channel Fives will be available on a small 80-cm satellite dish in Ontinyent

No mention of Five HD joining Freesat soon.

Channel 4 HD - change of frequencies for reception on Sky HD and Freesat HD in Ontinyent

2011-11-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Channel 4 HD - change of frequencies for reception on Sky HD and Freesat HD in Ontinyent

Channel 4 HD has today changed frequency.

It is no longer available on its old frequency of 12606 V.

Channel 4 HDs new frequency is now 11123 V 22000 2/3

This new frequency for C4HD is on the new Astra 1N satellite.

This new Channel 4 HD frequency has a very good strong signal here in Spain and the Costa Blanca, and should be easily available on an 80cm satellite dish.

Sky HD boxes will automatcially change to the new Channel 4 HD frequency, and users need to do nothing.

Freesat HD boxes should also change to the new C4 HD frequency, but in some cases a Freesat scan may be required.

Any other receivers will need to be manually updated, via the installation menu, for the new C4 HD frequency on Astra 1N.

Channel 4 HD is a free to air HD channel from Channel 4. It is available for free on any digital satellite receiver, including a Freesat HD receiver and a Sky HD receiver. No viewing card is required for Channel 4 HD. In many cases channel 4 HD can be received on a small satellite dish in Ontinyent.

UK TV Satellites - Astra 2A, Astra 2B, Astra 2C, Astra 1N, Eurobird 1 - and reception in Ontinyent. UK TV in Ontinyent

2011-11-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

UK Satellite TV is provided by FIVE satellites.

Four of these satellites are operated by SES Astra of Belgium, and one, Eurobird, is operated by Eutelsat.

SES Astra operate Astra 2a, Astra 2b, Astra 2d and Astra 1N.

Eutelsat operate Eurobird 1.

These satellites provide the UK And Europe with the UK satellite TV channels, such as the BBC, ITV and those provided on the Freesat and Sky satellite platforms.

These five satellites are located at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees east of south.

Each of these satellites operate a number of "beams". Each of these beams have different reception characteristics, especially in fringe reception areas like Spain and the Costa Blanca. This is the reason why channels like Sky News can be reepived in Spain on a smller satellite dish than channels like BBC TV Channels, as these channels are distributed across these different beams.

There are a number of "siganl reception maps" or "footprints" for these beams, but they have to be treated with some caution. Many of them are the theoretical reecption, and are different to the actual reception.

Changes to the BBC Sports stream frequencies - loss of BBC News and Sports streams in Ontinyent

2011-09-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

As part of the BBCs process to close down one of their satellite transponder frequencies in a bid to save money, the BBC Sports streams have changed frequencies.

As mentioned on http://costablancasatellite.blogspot.com/2011/09/have-you-lost-bbc-news-bbc-alba-and-bbc.html , BBC News, BBC Alba and BBC Parliament have moved to another frequency.

The BBC Sports streams have now moved onto this vacated frequency.

Sky box and Freesat box users will not have to do anything, as your boxes will automatically update tot he new frequencies.

Users of non Sky and Non freesat "generic" or free to air boxes will have to performa scan of the new frequency for the BBC SPorts Streams.

The new frequency for the BBC Sports stream is 11954 h 27.5 2/3.

They are currently showing as channels with the names of "6711 6712 6713 6714 6715".

This process by the BBC will mean that users of Sky boxes and Freesat boxes, who used to use the BBC News channel and the Red Button 3001 process to access the BBC Sports Multiscreen streams on a small satellite dish, will no longer be able to receive these BBC Sports stream, as you will no longer have access to a BBC channel on your small satellite dish to launch the Red Button application.

UPDATE:

At the moment (30/9/11) you can add the BBC Streams from the new BBC Sports stream frequency of 11954H.

Services
4
4
input frequency of 11954 H
find channels
press yellow next to the channel labelled as "6711 6712 6713 6714 6715" which will place a tick next to those channels.
Save

These stored channels will appear in the the Sky box's "other channels" list.

However, there will be video, but no audio.

So the current workaround is:

In the services menu, go to 4 systms set up,
then language and subtitles,
and change the Favourite language to anything other than English,

You can currently get audio on the new "streams", and its still fine on most of the other channels also

BBC News frequency changes affecting reception on Sky TV and Freesat TV in Ontinyente

2011-09-18T04:33:00.000-07:00

During this week - commencing 19 September 2011

BBC News will move to new frequency 10803 H 22000-5/6
BBC Alba will move to new frequency 10818 V 22000-5/6
BBC Parliament will move to new frequency 10788 V 22000-5/6

BBC News will be moving to a weaker satellite beam, and this beam may not be available 24/7 even on the big 2.4m Portuguese satellite dishes in Spain.

More information on

http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?78664-BBC-News-Alba-and-Parliament-Red-Button-frequency-changes-in-September-and-October

Sky Sports on Sky TV in Ontinyent Free Weekend September 24 to 26

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sky Sports are giving non-Sky Sports customers a whole weekend of world-class sport for free.

From 6am on Saturday September 24 to 6am on Monday 26, even if you don't have a Sky Sports subscription you can watch all the sporting action on all five Sky Sports channels including Sky Sports News.

And for those of you who have the HD box and an HD package with Sky or Virgin Media, you can feast your eyes on all the weekend's action in stunning HD on Sky Sports HD1, HD2, HD3 & HD4 as well as Sky Sports News HD

More information at http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/showthread.php?82282-Sky-Sports-Free-Weekend-September-24-to-26

BBC Astra Satellite Frequency Changes in September and October 2011 - may affect your Sky TV / BBC TV reception in Ontinyente

2011-09-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

The BBC is making some changes to BBC News, BBC Parliament and BBC Alba.

These channels will be moving from their present transponder / frequency (11954/H/27500), which is available nice and easy for expats as it is a wide European beam, to transponders / frequencies on the narrow beam Astra 2D.

This will mean that expats wanting to watch these three channels, BBC News, BBC Parliament and BBC Alba, and who cannot receive the narrow beam Astra 2 transmissions where domestic BBC, ITV, Channel4 and Channel 5 are to be found, will be affected, as they will no longer be able tor recevie these channels.

The changes are due to BBC cost cutting and the corporation will also be cutting the number of Red Button streams, thus releasing a whole wide band transponder, and saving the BBC an estimated £5m a year, by no longer renting that transponder.

This will also mean that those people who use a Sky box, and the BBC News Red Button service to access the BBC Sports Red Button serives, will no longer have access to a BBC channel to launch the red button appplication, and so they will lose access to the sports on those "bbc streams.

Channels changes on Sky Freesat and Generic receivers in Spain (True Movies)

2011-08-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

There have been some new frequencies for some UK TV channels that may affect how you watch UK TV in Ontinyent.

Bliss
Chart Show
Dance Nation
Flava
Kix!
NME
Pop
Pop Girl / +1
Scuzz
The Vault
Tiny Pop / +1
True Ent
True Movies 1
True Movies 2

The new frequency for these channels will be 11307V 27500 2/3

It is thought that one reason for this change is the fact that their old frequency was prone to interference from DECT / wireless phones, BT homehubs, some wireless internet routers and some home equipment. Some of the channel even run adverts saying if you are having interferance and channel drop outs, then move your DECT / wireless phone or internet roouter away from the satellite receiver and cabling.

If you use a Sky box or a freesat box then the changes will be done automatically.

If you are using a non sky or non freesat receiver - a generic receiver - then, should you wish to still receive these channels then you will need to perform a rescan of the new frequency.

Free UK TV channels available in Ontinyent on a small satellite dish

2011-07-17T02:56:00.000-07:00

You do not always need a big Portuguese 2.4m satellite dish to receive some UK TV channels in Ontinyent.

In fact you can receive most of the Sky TV channels in Ontinyent on a small 80cm satellite dish.

But even if you do not want to subscribe to Sky TV in Ontinyent, then there are number of free TV channels available in Ontinyent on a small 80cm satellite dish.

In some areas some of these channels may require a 1meter satellite dish, as some of them are operating on the very edge of satelite reception in Ontinyent.

BBC Sports Interactive streams

BBC Alba
BBC Parliament
BBC News
Sky News
Bloomberg
Al Jazeera English
CNN
France 24 (in English)
CCTV 9 News
Euronews
Russia Today
NHK World TV
PCNE Chinese
Abu Dhabi TV
SC4 digital

CBS Drama
CBS Action
CBS Reality
CBS Reality +1
Horror Channel
Horror Channel+1
True Movies,
True Movies 2
Movies for men
Movies for men +1
Movies for men 2
Movies for men 2+1
Men and Movies
True Entertainment

Food Network
Food network +1
Travel Channel
Travel Channel+1
BET
BET+1
Satandpcguy
Body in Balance
Contoversial TV
TBN Europe
God Channel
God Europe
Gospel Channel
Create & Craft
Horse & Country
Bid Tv
Wedding TV
wedding TV+1
QVC

Pop,
Pop Girl,
Pop Girl +1,
Tiny Pop
Tiny Pop+1
Kix

NME TV
Dancenation TV
Bliss,
Flava,
Chart Show TV,
The Vault,
WTF
Scuzz,
Clubland TV,
propellor

BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 3
BBC Radio 4

Cream
Filth
Flirt TV
Dirty Talk TV

In addition, with a "freesatfromsky" viewing card, a non subscription white Sky card, then you can also receive ITV1, Channel 4 (Ireland), Five, Five*, Five USA, Pick TV, Sony TV, Liverpool FC TV., and with a Sky HD box, Five HD.

This list is correct as at July 2011. Channel reception can change. Reception will depend on your exact location in Spain.

Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain. Channel 5 Ontinyent.

2011-07-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain

The Freesat version of UK TV s Channel 5 is free to air, meaning you need no viewing card to watch this channel.

Channel 5 reception on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain can be difficult.

This is because the frequency used for Freesat Channel 5 is an Astra 2D horizontal frequenxcy. This is perhaps the weakest frequency for UK TV on the Costa Blanca.

This means that reception of Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain can be limited.

In many cases you will nt be able to receve Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain 24/7, even if you have the biggest 2.4m satellite dish or even a 3.1m satellite dish.

Yes even on the Famaval Portuguese 2.4m satellite dish, supposably the best perfomring satellite dish for UK TV on the Costa Blanca Spain, can struggle to recevie Channel 5 24/7.

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

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

2011-07-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

What are the free to air satellite frequency numbers for Sky TV in Ontinyent Spain?

2011-06-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

What are the free to air satellite frequency numbers for Sky TV in Ontinyent Spain? What are the frequency numbers for Sky TV in Ontinyent Spain?

A Sky HD digibox will automatically tune to the frequencies used for Sky TV and Sky HD TV in Spain.
A Freesat box will also automatically tune to the frequencies used for UK TV and UK HD TV in Spain.

The frequency numbers for Sky TV in Spain and UK TV in Spain on either a Sky box or Freesat box are exactly the same as if you your use if you were watching Sky TV in the UK.

Just because you are using your Sky box in a different country does not mean that the Sky Tv channels are using different frequencies for reception.

The Freesat box or Sky box will use whichever of the 90plus frequencies it needs to use for the channel you have selected to watch.

Here is a list of frequencies on the four satellites (Astra 2A, Astra 2B, Astra 2D and Eurobird 1) used for Freesat TV and Sky TV

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

However, due to reception of UK satellite TV being sometimes "tricky", there are some extra frequency settings for some of the "free to air" main UK TV channels. Some ITV1 regions, Channel 4 and Channel Five are available on other frequencies. Sometime you may have to manually add these channels to your Sky box. And these are really the only "secret" and extra frequencies for Sky TV.

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

Receiving Sky TV in Spain and the Valencia area of the Costa Blanca and Costa Azahar

2011-06-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Are you losing your UK satellite TV signals and Sky TV signals this summer in Ontinyent?

2011-06-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Many people think that the satellite signals are at their strongest in the summer.
Personally I notice little difference in the signals over the year.

However, there is an issue with the signal in the summer.

In the past few years this has affected both satellite TV and TDT TV in Spain.

One of the main reasons for losing your UK TV and Sky TV signals in Spain, is due to the heat and humidity.

The heat and humidity acts as a barrier and reduces the signals coming though the atmosphere.

Many afternoons this week, when the weather has been very hot and humid, I have noticed the weaker UK TV channels, those on the Astra 2D satellite horizontal frequencies like BBC2 England, have been pixilating much earlier than usual. This pixilation has been occurring at about 2pm.

However, on calmer cooler days, the channels have been performing as they should, with no pixilation at all.

So it may be worth noting that your big Portuguese satellite dish may well be perfectly aligned, and the LNB on it may be at the best skew setting, but even then there are some things, like the weather, that can still hamper reception of UK TV and Sky TV in Spain.

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

Confusion About Free UK Television in Spain - Freeview Or Freesat?

2011-06-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Confusion About Free UK Television in Spain - Freeview Or Freesat?

Many people are confused about whether they can receive free UK television in Spain. The subject of what UK channels you can receive is something we are always being asked. Terms such as free UK television in Spain, Freeview and Freesat are always cropping up so we shall explain it to you.

Many people, including satellite installers in Spain, get confused about Freeview and Freesat. If satellite TV installers are unable to get their terminology correct, then no wonder British expats on the Costa's in Spain are getting more and more confused about how to receive UK TV in Spain.

As British expats move to the warm coastal areas of southern Spain in the Mediterranean, they find it frustrating that they are not able to watch the UK television programmes such as BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5, or the other 100plus other UK TV channels, including Sports, movies and news, that are available to view for free. Although they try to watch local Spanish television channels, some feel the quality of programmes on Spanish TV is not that good as UK TV, they do not show many popular UK TV programmes like Coronation Street or Eastenders, and not all programmes are available in English, (although the switch to Digital Terrestrial Television - TDT - has meant a lot more UK and USA imported programmes are available in English.)

Receiving Freeview in Spain

Freeview is a free digital TV package that is available to people living in the UK. It is not, like many people say, available outside the UK especially Spain. You cannot receive Freeview in Spain. Freeview is a UK only digital television system that is transmitted from the land based television transmitter masts, like Emley Moor and Crystal Palace. The signals from these terrestrial transmitters are not strong enough to reach Spain.

Many UK TV channels are available on "free to air" satellite systems. British expats around Europe can watch their favourite UK TV channels for free via free to air satellite in Spain. Free to air means that there is no monthly subscription to pay, unlike the pay TV channels offered on satellite packages offered by Sky TV.

Receiving Freesat in Spain

Freesat is the name of a brand of satellite receivers designed to receive these free to air UK satellite television channels. You can also use a Sky digibox or any other digital satellite receiver to receive the free to air signals. A Sky digibox without a viewing card will still be able to receive BBC and ITV channels, and all the channels a Freesat receiver can receive.

You can receive many of the UK free to air TV channels by installing a small satellite dish and a digital satellite set top box. However, due to the frequencies used, the main UK TV channels such as BBC and ITV may not be available on these small satellite dishes, and therefore much larger satellite dishes will be required, from 1.8m to 2.4m.

It is worth noting that a Sky digibox without a Sky viewing card will receive the same channels as a standard Freesat digibox.

Both Sky digiboxes and Freesat digiboxes use the same satellite frequencies. So if you cannot receive BBC1 on a Sky box withoyour exisitng satellite dish, then you will not be able to receive BBC1 on your Freesat receiver with the same dish!

Spain does have its own version of Freeview, called Television Digital Terrestrial - TDT. Using a TDT set top box, you are able to receive around 30 digital Spanish television channels via your TV aerial on your roof. The digital aspect allows a much clearer picture than the old analogue TV system, and has the option to change the Spanish dubbing soundtrack on UK and USA imported programmes into the original version. It should also be noted that some UK "Freeview" set top boxes do not work in Spain correctly, as they are programmed for the UK TV service and not the TDT service.

So if an installer says that they are able to install a UK Freeview television system for you in Spain, ask them a few questions. As Freeview is a service received by a TV aerial, then why are they installing a satellite dish? Will you able to receive all the UK Freeview channels, like "Dave" and Sky Sports News, for free on their system, as many channels available for free on Freeview are in fact subscription only on satellite. Remember You cannot receive Freeview in Spain!

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