Sky TV in Spain. UK TV in Spain. Costa Blanca Satellite TV, Installations, The Sat & PC Guy

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

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

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 Spain

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

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 Spain 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 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, Five * Five USA - change of frequencies for reception on Sky boxes. Channel Five in Spain.

2011-11-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

Channel Five and its sister channels Five* and Five USA has today changed frequency.

It is no longer available on its old frequency of 12442 H.

The Channel Fives are now located on the new frequency of 10965 H 22000 5/6

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

This new Channel Five frequency has a very good strong signal here in Spain and the Costa Blanca, and should be easily available on an 80cm satellite dish. If you can receive True Movies (sky channel 321), then you should be able to receive Channel Five on its new frequency. If you cannot receive Channel Five, and you are receiving a "no signal is being received" message, then either your satellite dish may need to be realigned, or it may be too small toreceive Chanel Five on the new frequency..

Sky boxes should will automatically change to the new Channel Five frequency, and users need to do nothing.

Freesat boxes: this does not affect Freesta users at the moment, but you will have to performa Freesat channel scan on the 8th December 2011 to inlcude the Five channels into your Freesat channel list.

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

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

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 also 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 Spain

No mention of Five HD joining Freesat soon.

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

2011-11-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

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

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 Spain.

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

2011-07-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

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

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

But even if you do not want to subscribe to Sky TV in Spain, then there are number of free TV channels available in Spain 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 Spain.

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

2011-07-10T09:59:00.001-07:00

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 Spain."

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 Blancav

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

2011-06-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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?

2011-06-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

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

How to get ITV2 on Sky in Spain?

2011-06-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

ITV2 is on Sky channel 118.

It is on Sky channel 118 no matter what country you are in.

The only issue is where in Spain are you located and what size satellite dish you have installed.

In many areas of Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, you may well need a 2.4m Portuguese Famaval satellite dish to ensure reception of ITV2.

ITV2 is only available on one frequency and one frequency only.
Frequency 10758
Polarisation V
Symbol Rate 22000
FEC 5/6
ITV2 is available free to air, with no sky viewing card.

There is also ITV2 HD available.
Frequency 11758
Polarisation H
Symbol Rate 29500
FEC 3/4
And will be availble on your Sky channel list.
ITV2 HD requires a Sky HD subscription.

The Sat and PC Guy. Sky TV in SPain, Freesat TV in Spain. UK TV in Spain. UK 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

How do I tune Sky HD in Spain

2011-06-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Your Sky HD box will automatically tune to the frequencies used for Sky TV and Sky HD TV in Spain.

The Sky TV frequency settings for Spain are the same as you your use if you were watching Sky TV in the UK, or France, or Germany, or Portugal.

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 rception.

There are some extra frequency settings for "fringe reception" areas like Spain and Portugal.

Sky Default Transponder Frequency Settings for Sky TV digboxes Costa Blanca Spain
Used for helping boot the Sky box up

For reception of stronger signals and alternate regional variations of ITV1 and C4

The Sat and PC Guy. Sky TV in SPain, Freesat TV in Spain. UK TV in Spain. UK 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

Can I use a Sky box in Spain?

2011-06-14T09:10:00.001-07:00

Use of a Sky box outside the UK

If you have paid for a Sky box, and that box is not part of any Sky UK discount installation agreement, or subject to the 12 month new installation discount agreement telephone connection stipulation, or part of Sky multiroom, then the Sky box is yours and not Skys. You can do with it what you want and take it wherever you want. The are no restrictions on "non discounted" Sky boxes in or out of the UK, as they are not Skys property. They are your property.

There are restrictions on those boxes that are discounted by Sky, via their discounted UK installations, and on the cards themselves. But no restrictions on buying a nondiscounted Sky box.

Sky (UK, Italy, Germany etc) are one of the few that actually allow you to own your Sky box. Other broadcsaters, like Spains D+ rent the boxes, and there is a small charge in your monthly sub for this. So D+ boxes remain D+, not the clients. Which is why D+ receivers are hard to come by in other countries.

Changes to BBC1HD and BBCHD frequencies June 2011

2011-06-06T05:51:00.001-07:00

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

Sky Atlantic reception Costa Blanca Spain

2011-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sky Atlantic is available on Sky channel 108.
Sky Atlantic is availabel to Sky subscribers only.
Sky Atlantic is available in Spain.
Sky Atlantic is NOT available to Freesat or Freesatfromsky (or Freeview as some satellite instrallers incorrectly call it!)

Sky Atlantic frequency (for Standard definition) is:
Frequency: 12285
Polarisation: V
Symbol Rate: 27500
FEC: 2/3

Sky Atlantic frequency (for high definition) is:
Frequency: 12343
Polarisation: H
Symbol Rate: 29500
FEC: 3/4

Both Sky Atlantic SD and Sky Atlantic HD are on "south beam" satellite footprint, and so shoul dbe available to Sky users in Spain on small satellite dishes. An 80 cm satellite dish should be enough to be able to receive Sky Atlantic in Spain.

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

Sky channel numbers changing

2011-01-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

A few changes to some of the Sky pay channels on the 1st February 2011.

Comedy Central move from channel 126 to 112,
Universal will relocate from 130 to 113
Syfy will shift to channel 114 from 129,
FX will upgrade to 124 from 164
MTV will move to 126 from 350

Also, a few rebrands:
Sky1 at channel 106,
Sky Living (formerly the Living channel) at 107
Sky Atlantic channel at 108

And if you have Sky HD packages, then you will find that some (not all) of the HD channels will be where their SD channels are....
so Sky 1 HD will be on 106, and Sky1 SD will be on 170, Sky Sports 1 HD will be on 401, and Sky Sports 1 SD will be on 408.

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

Sky Price increases for January VAT increase.

2010-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

As expected, due to the change in UK VAT rates in January, Sky have announced their prices to take this into account.

One "mix" pack - £19.50 (was £19)
Each extra pack - £1 (no change)
Sky Sports pack - £20.25 (was £20)
Single Sky Sports - £12.25 (was £12)
Sky Movies pack - £16 (no change)
Sky World - £52 (was £51)
HD - £10.25 (was £10)
Multiroom - £10.25 (was £10)
ESPN - £9 / £12 (no change)

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

Sky to shuffle entertainment channel numbers in 2011

2010-10-25T04:33:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Sky has plans to reshuffle its entertainment channel lineup from next year, including the rebranding of Living TV and arrival of new channel Sky Atlantic.

From early 2011, Sky Atlantic will launch exclusively on Sky to host content from the satellite broadcaster's recent multi-million pound deal with US studio HBO.

After acquiring The Living TV Group from Virgin Media in June, Sky has announced that the Living channel will be rebranded as Sky Living from next year.

The two channels plus Sky1 will appear side-by-side on the front page of Sky's electronic programme guide (EPG).

Sky 1 will continue on channel 106, Sky Living (the former Living) will move up the guide to 107 while the new Sky Atlantic will take 108. The slots are currently occupied by Sky 1 and sister channels Sky 2 and Sky 3.

Sky1, Sky Living and Sky Atlantic will be available to all existing Sky customers at no extra charge as part of the basic subscription package.

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

Sky HD channels - over 50 available with more to come.

2010-10-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of HD channel available on a SkyHD box.

In addition, BBC One HD will start on the 3rd November - and ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD are expected next month also (Novebmer 2010)

140 - Channel 4 HD
143 - BBC HD
170 - Sky1 HD
171 - Channel 5 HD
178 - ITV1 HD
193 - FX HD
211 - Bio HD
214 - Syfy HD
215 - E4 HD
217 - Sky 3D

220 - Universal Channel HD
222 - Comedy Central HD
224 - Living HD
225 - ITV2 HD
244 - Sky Arts 1 HD
256 - Sky Arts 2 HD
273 - Luxury Life HD
283 - Good Food HD
313 - Sky Movies Premiere HD
314 - Sky Movies Showcase HD

332 - Sky Movies Comedy HD
333 - Sky Movies Action/Adventure HD
334 - Sky Movies Family HD
335 - Sky Movies Crime/Thriller HD
336 - Sky Movies Drama/Romance HD
337 - Sky Movies Sci-fi/Horror HD
338 - Sky Movies Modern Greats HD
339 - Sky Movies Indie HD
345 - MGM HD
346 - Sky Movies Classics HD

384 - MTVN HD
408 - Sky Sports HD1
409 - Sky Sports HD2
412 - Eurosport HD
418 - Sky Sports HD3
431 - ESPN America HD
442 - ESPN HD
452 - Rush HD
454 - Sky Sports HD4
455 - Sky Sports News HD

517 - Sky News HD
536 - Discovery HD
543 - Nat Geo HD
544 - Nat Geo Wild HD
545 - History HD
555 - Crime & Investigation Network HD
559 - Eden HD
631 - Disney Cinemagic HD
632 - Nickelodeon HD
633 - Disney XD HD

752 - Sky Box Office HD1
753 - Sky Box Office HD2

Note that BBC One HD, BBC HD adn ITV1 HD are all available for free with no viewing card.
ITV1, C4 HD and Five HD are available with a viewing crd, and no subscription.
All other channels require the extra £10 per month Sky HD subscription

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

Lost BBC Channel Islands on Sky 988 in Spain???

2010-10-18T14:56:00.001-07:00

If in the last few days, you have lost your reception of BBC Channel Islands on Sky 988, and other BBC 1 regions in Spain then please read the following link

Changes to BBC1 TV frequencies - Sky Channel 988 Channel Islands in Spain

The BBC, not Sky, have been reallocating their channel to different satellite transponder frequencies.

This means that some channel you used to watch with full all day reception may now only be avilable for part of the dat.

One example is BBC1 Channel Islands on Sky channel 988.

Before today, Monday 18 October, this was regarded as being one of the strongest BBC regions for watching BBC1 TV in the Costa blanca and Spain. After todays changes, it is now one of the weakest satellite TV channels!

However, one of the benefits is that now, expats in weak signal areas like Spain, can now watch increease reception of BBC2 - using the BBC2 Wales and BBC2 Northern Ireland variations on Sky Channel 991 and 992

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

Important changes to BBC TV frequencies this weekend

2010-10-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

Important changes to BBC TV frequencies this weekend

There are some important changes happening on the BBC frequencies:

BBC1 West (Bristol)
BBC1 Channel Islands
BBC1 East (West) (Cambridge)

are all leaving their current frequency, and moving to the frequency currently used by BBC2 England - 10773 H
This means that their reception will be as per BBC2 England.
This means that BBC Channel Islands will no longer be recognised as being the strongest BBC1 region.

BBC1 Manchester
BBC1 Leeds
BBC 1 Tunbridge Wells

are all leaving their current frequency, and moving to the frequency currently used by BBC RAdio 5 Live and BBC1&2 Scotland - 10.802 H
This means that their reception will again be as per / similar to BBC2 England.

BBC1 Wales and BBC2 Wales

will be moving from their current frequency to 10.788v - moving from a weaker horizontal to a stronger vertical frequency. So these Wales regions reception will be as per most BBC1 regions ie - almost 24/7 on most big dishes. Meaning some areas will have 24/7 reception of a BBC2 region.

BBC1 Northern Ireland and BBC2 Northern Ireland

will be moving from their current frequency to 10.817v - moving from a weaker horizontal to a stronger vertical frequency. So these Northern Ireland regions reception will be as per most BBC1 regions ie - almost 24/7 on most big dishes. Meaning some areas will have 24/7 reception of a BBC2 region.

Why the changes?
The BBC have had to have a move around to amke space for the BBC1 HD channel.
This will be starting on Wednesday 3rd November.
The BBC had to make space for this channel, which will be on the same frequency as BBCHD channel.
The BBCHD channel will continue to operate showing "the best of the BBC in HD", and the BBC1 HD channel will be a simulcast of BBC1 London.

It will mean that if you watch BBC1 Channel Islands, then you will find that its reception has changed.

It will also mean that you should now have much better coverage of BBC2, either via BBC2 England (reception not changing), BBC2 Northern Ireland, and BBC2 Wales. The latter two regions have almost the same schedules as BBC2 England, with some minor changes for regional programmes.

Freesat and Sky boxes will automatically update themselves on Monday 18th October 2010 with these new frequencies.

Those with Non Sky or Freesat boxes will have to rescan the channels to make sure your boxes have the new BBC1 and BBC2 frequencies.

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

UK Free to air channels receivable in Spain on a small satellite dish

2010-08-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

UK Free to air channels receivable in Spain on a small satellite dish

News Channels

BBC Alba
BBC Parliament
BBC News
Euro News
Sky News
Bloomberg
Al Jazeera English
CNN
France 24
SC4 digital
SC4 2
Russia Today

Sports Channels

BBC Sports streams (7 channels)

Action / Movie Channels

CBS Drama
CBS Action
CBS Reality +1
Zone Horror
Zone Horror +1
True Movies
True Movies 2
Movies for men
Movies for men +1
Movies for men 2
Movies for men 2+1
Film 24,

Other / General Channels

Food Network
Food network +1
Body in Balance
Paranormal
Contoversial TV
God Channel
God Europe
Fashion TV
Sky Travel
Horse & Country
Luxe TV & Luxe TV HD
True Entertainment
Wedding TV
wedding TV+1
QVC
Audi Channel
Channel M

Childrens Channels

Pop
Pop Girl
Pop Girl +1
Tiny Pop
Kixx

Music Channels

OMusic TV
NME
Bliss
Flava
Flaunt
Chart Show TV
The Vault
Scuzz
Clubland TV

Note that not all channels may be available 24/7 in some areas of the Costa Blanca.
These are Free to Air (FTA) satellite TV channels, and require now viewing card to watch.
Free to Air (FTA) satellite TV channels can be viewed on just about ANY digital satellite TV receiver, and is not limited to Sky or Freesat receivers.

In addition:
With a Sky receiver and a freesatfromsky viewing card (also incorrectly known as a freesat card, or freeview card), it is possible to get
some ITV1 regions
ITV HD*
Channel 4
Channel 4+1
Channel 4 HD*
Five
Fiver
Fiver +1
Five USA
Five USA+1
Five HD*
on a small satellite dish on the Costa Blanca / Costa Azahar in Spain.

A small satellite dish may be an 80cm dish to a 1m dish - location depending.

* ITVHD C4HD Five HD require a Sky HD box and a sky viewing card - either a freesatfromsky card or a Sky subscription card

Channels lists correct at July 2010

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

BSkyB Has Been Opposing The ‘Sky’ In ‘Skype’

2010-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Under a lengthy “risks” section in its IPO filing, Skype warns its trademark applications are being opposed in Europe and several other countries - in one case, by pay-TV platform bskyb (NYSE: BSY), which says it owns the mark for the “ Sky” in “ Skype”...

The judgement could mean Skype having to pay license fees to bskyb in order to go on using its name and logo here, Skype concedes.

News Corp (NSDQ: NWS). owns 39 percent of bskyb, which is one of the world’s most successful pay-TV operators, and has asked for clearance from European and UK antitrust authorities to buy the remainder.

bskyb owns Sky trademarks for a number of purposes. It has been opposing several Skype applications since 2006, records show.

Here’s the passage…

“In particular, in the European Union, India, Norway and Brazil, our applications in respect of the Skype name are being opposed by bskyb plc., a British satellite broadcaster, Internet service and telephony service provider, or by one of its affiliates. These oppositions are based on bskyb’s claimed rights with respect to the mark “ Sky.”

“To date, we have successfully defended these oppositions in Switzerland and Turkey and to date have received a positive decision in Brazil. However, on July 6, 2010, we received a negative first instance decision from the European Union trademark registry (OHIM) on bskyb’s opposition proceeding against the Skype bubble logo trademark application.

“We intend to appeal this decision by submitting a notice of appeal to the OHIM Board of Appeal, and if necessary to the General Court at the Court of Justice of the European Community.

“If these oppositions to our application for trademark registration are ultimately successful, it will be more difficult for us to prevent third parties from using the Skype brand without our permission, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, a successful opposition to our application in one or more countries might encourage bskyb or other third parties to make additional oppositions or commence trademark infringement proceedings.

“In addition, if bskyb or other third parties were to pursue litigation to prevent our use of the Skype name or logo, defending against that litigation could be costly and time consuming even if we were ultimately to prevail. If we were not ultimately to prevail in any such litigation to prevent our use of the Skype name or logo, we could be precluded from using the Skype name or logo in one or more jurisdictions without obtaining a license from bskyb or such other third parties, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.”

The Name Inspector, a company name analyst blog, says this on the definition of Skype…

“On the Skype forum, an employee reveals that the name was derived from the expression Sky peer-to-peer...

“Some people might interpret Skype as a more conventional blend of Sky with something that rhymes with Skype, like hype–or pipe, ripe, type, wipe.”

Source: PaidContent

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

Good Food HD, Eden HD coming to Sky

2010-08-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

UKTV has confirmed plans to launch high definition versions of the Good Food and Eden channels exclusively on Sky.

Launching on August 31, Good Food HD will broadcast a HD simulcast of the channel's schedule every day on digital satellite from 5am to 11pm.

Eden HD, which will launch in early October, will run a HD simulcast of the main channel from 9am to 3am. Both channels will be available to the 2.9 million Sky+ HD subscribers.

Marking the HD channel debuts, UKTV has commissioned a raft of new content for Eden and Good Food.

Good Food controller Richard Kingsbury has ordered a total of 267 hours of content for the channel, including the UK premiere of series two of Good Chef Bad Chef.

The channel will also air Top Chef Masters, which is presented by food critic Jay Rayner, and Neven's Home Chef. It will further broadcast "high octane" new show Man v Food, which is aimed at the 16 to 34-year-old audience.

The programmes will join Good Food's existing autumn/winter lineup of Ronnie Corbett's Supper Club, series four of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Jimmy's Food Factory.

Eden will add new programmes Great Rift and South Pacific to its schedule, which includes popular BBC shows such as Life, Wild China and Planet Earth.

"I'm delighted that we are able to give fans our viewers an enhanced viewing experience of Good Food and Eden," said UKTV joint acting chief executive Keith Porritt.

"Both channels have an enviable schedule which viewers can now enjoy in the stunning picture quality that HD offers - whether that is home grown commissions such as Ronnie Corbett's Supper Club or the best of the BBC's natural history programming including Wild China and Planet Earth."

Sky's director of product management Hilary Perchard added: "We are pleased to welcome UKTV's first two high definition channels to Sky's ever-expanding HD stable.

"With these new additions, Sky continues to lead the way in high definition, with Sky+ HD customers enjoying the most comprehensive selection on high-quality content available.

"Across the schedule, we offer an unrivalled selection of HD that caters to the interests and passions of millions of customers."

According to reports, Virgin Media is considering a sale of its 50% stake in UKTV, with Sky and BBC Worldwide among the leading suitors

soruce:digitalspy

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

Sky Sports faces schedule clash over Ryder Cup and London derby

2010-07-30T15:42:00.001-07:00

Sky is set to screen the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea and the final day of the Ryder Cup at the same time.

Sports fans who have Sky Sports as part of their digital TV packages face a tough decision on October 3rd 2010.

The bundle provider is set to broadcast both the final day of golf's Ryder Cup - in which Europe's best take on the US - and the north London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea.

With a scheduled kick-off time of 16:00 BST, the Premier League clash will get underway during what could be the deciding moments at the Celtic Manor golf course, leaving fans to choose which of the two sporting contests to watch.

Head of the PGA Sandy Jones refused to criticise Sky's decision to screen both major events.

"I don't think our audience will be affected. Sky do a good job for all of us," he was quoted by the Telegraph as saying.

Earlier this week, Sky revealed that the Ryder Cup will be one of the first events to be shown on its forthcoming 3D channel, which launches on October 1st.

Source: Cable

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

Sky Sports - new season of Sports advert campaign - Sky tv in Spain

2010-07-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

BSkyB has struck back at BT's attempt to lure sports fans to its TV service at heavily discounted prices, recruiting Eric Cantona for one of its biggest advertising campaigns of the year.

The "no compromise" campaign, which starts with TV advertising breaking today, features Cantona appearing to walk right through famous moments in sport such as Liverpool's comeback to win the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005.

"Anything can happen in sport," says Cantona at the end of the TV ad. "The only certainty is you'll get all of Sky Sports on Sky."

As rivals including BT and Virgin Media aim to break Sky's stranglehold on football subscribers, following Ofcom's order in March that the latter had to drop the wholesale rate it sells Sky Sports 1 and 2 to rivals, the satellite broadcaster is aiming to position its overall sports offering as the best in the market.

"You'll only get all of Sky Sports with Sky," runs a voiceover, which ends by pointing out that Sky offers four sports channels as well as Sky Sports News, which is becoming a premium subscription channel like the other Sky Sports services.

BSkyB's campaign comes weeks after BT launched a major TV and print campaign featuring footballers including Michael Owen and the actor Kris Marshall, who stars in the regular "BT Family" ads, offering Sky Sports 1 and 2 at a steep discount.

Sky's TV campaign, which will run across the channels including ITV1 and Channel 4, will be supported by a large-scale campaign of press, billboard and digital advertising from 19 July.

Four billboards attempt to drive home Sky's superiority over rivals with big pictures of Cantona and lines including "The unmissable should be just that", "Compromise is not an option" and "What's the point of greatness if you cannot watch it?"

"[Fans] don't want to miss a moment of the sports they love, which is why we believe customers will respond to the authenticity of Sky Sports, a brand which has won the trust of sports fans following over two decades of ground-breaking coverage," said David Murdin, Sky's director of marketing for sport and news.

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

Five HD launched on Sky HD - Reception on Costa Blanca Spain

2010-07-13T05:28:00.001-07:00

Five HD launched on Sky HD today.

The RTL-owned channel had previously shunned the offer of capacity on the UK terrestrial platform Freeview HD. Five, the last of the UK legacy broadcasters to launch a high definition channel, will broadcast a simulcast of its main channel featuring a mix of US drama and UK-originated series.

Charles Constable, Five’s Director of Strategy, said: “We broadcast so many high quality series shot in HD, such as Don’t Stop Believing and our line-up of great US dramas, so our schedule is really suited to fantastic picture quality. Five HD is a great addition to our channel portfolio.”

Five will be showing some moves in HD during July, not many are actually in HD but will be upscaled.
July:

Romeo Must Die 15/07/10 (HD)
Superman 2 18/07/10 (HD)
The Wedding Singer 18/07/10 (Upscaled)
Finding Nemo 18/07/10 (HD)
Not Another Teen Movie 18/07/10 (Upscaled)
The Jackal 19/07/10 (Upscaled)
Quicksand 22/07/10 (Upscaled)
Police Academy 3: Back in Training 24/07/10 (Upscaled)
The Karate Kid, Part II 25/07/10 (Upscaled)
Moulin Rouge! 25/07/10 (Upscaled)
Panic Room 26/07/10 (Upscaled)
Flatliners 26/07/10 (Upscaled)

Five HD recption in Costa Blanca Spain should be good, as it is transmitted on frequency 12266 H - on Astra 2a south beam.

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

Five HD launched on Sky HD today.

Channel 4, E4 More4 Film4 TV Frequencies for Sky and Freesat Receivers.

2010-07-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Channel Four (4) frequency settings for Sky TV and Freesat TV.

Reception of the Channel 4 TV frequencies on Astra 2D on the Costa Blanca are the ones that require a "big dish". Even then not all of the channels will be available 24/7

These are the Channel 4 and sister channels frequency settings used by Sky TV and Freesat TV receivers.

10714 H 22000 5/6

Channel 4 London
Channel 4 South & East
Channel 4 Midlands
Channel 4 North
Channel 4 Northern Ireland
Channel 4 Scotland
Film 4
Film 4 +1
More 4 UK +1

10729 V 22000 5/6

E4 UK +1
E4 UK
Channel 4 London +1
Channel 4 South & East +1
Channel 4 Midlands +1
Channel 4 North +1
Channel 4 Northern Ireland +1
Channel 4 Scotland +1
More 4 UK

12480 V 27500 2/3

Channel 4
Channel 4 +1
More4
More4 +1
E4
E4+1
(Requires a Sky card to view)
(E4 and More4 on this frequency require a Sky subscription to view)

11798 V 29500 3/4
Channel 4 HD
(Requires a Sky card to view)

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

Sky TV In Spain

2010-06-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

UK / British Satellite Television in Spain Sky In Spain Sky TV in Spain

In order to receive satellite television you will require a satellite dish, a Low Noise Block (LNB) and a digital decoder. The satellite dish collects the signals and reflects them to the LNB which collects the signals and sends then down the cable to the digital decoder which then turns those signals into pictures and sounds. Many channels are available for free and there are also Pay TV channels that require a viewing card and a monthly subscription.

Sky In Spain

The UKs main pay / subscription satellite TV service, Sky, also operates on the satellites at Astra 28degrees. These channels are broadcast with encryption, and can only be viewed by the use of a Sky subscription card. The amount of channels that are “unblocked” will depend on the subscription charge you pay.
As far as I know, it is NOT illegal to use a Sky viewing cards or watch Sky subscription TV channels outside of the UK. However, you are breaking the terms and conditions of you Sky contract, which states that the Sky viewing card is only for use within the UK only. This is Sky’s method of ensuring that their contracts with the film, sports and other TV program makers is satisfied, as a Sky card can only be issued to a UK address.

Sometimes best to ask a family member or a friend in the UK to order a Sky card at their address on your behalf. The Sky contract that is received will need to be signed by the name of the person you have used. Once the contract has been received by Sky they will then issue the Sky card to the UK address. The card will need to be put in its Digibox, and then you and your UK contact will have to contact Sky to get the card activated, they will require the information from the sky receiver on the system details screen (Services, 4, 6)

For more information please visit:

Sky TV in Spain - Costa Blanca Satellite TV Installations

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

HD Channels on Sky and Freesat HD boxes

2010-06-20T00:42:00.000-07:00

HD channels soon to be or expected to launch soon on the Sky satellite and Freesat platforms.

FIVE HD
Sky HD Channel 171
Frequency 12.266 H
Date TBC - expected July 2010
Testing
Free to view - freesatfromsky card required

ESPN America HD is supposed to be coming on the 21st June 2010
Frequency 12.266 H
Date TBD - expected late June / early July 2010
Testing
Sky / ESPN HD subscription required

Hallmark HD, testing? Channel number?
Frequency 12382 H
Date TBC - expected June 28th
Testing
Sky HD subscription required

BBC One HD is confirmed for autumn 2010.
Free to air - no sky card required

Rumoured HD channels
Sky Sports News - 2010
Racing UK HD
CNN HD
Travel CHannel HD
Nickelodeon HD

* Testing - not yet available on Sky HD boxes.

This and further information can be found on our website and Satellite TV forum:

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

Nickelodeon channels have moved frequency

2010-06-06T01:13:00.001-07:00

The Nickelodeon channel have moved frequency.
It has affected:
Nickelodeon Europe
Nick Replay
Nick Toons
Nick Junior

This has meant that some people will be receiving the "no signal" message on their Sky box when wanting to watch these channels.

The new frequency for these channels is a North Beam frequency. The north beam frequency means that reception will be tricky in the afternoon, when the north beams are weakest, and that these channels will be pretty much unavailable on smaller dishes like they used to be.

This and further information can be found on our website and Satellite TV forum:

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

Some Changes to TDT – Important Sky Card Information – Sky Boxes switching off

2010-05-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Some Changes to TDT – Important Sky Card Information – Sky Boxes switching off

TDT is the Spanish Digital Television service available via your TV aerial. With TDT you can receive around 30 digital Spanish Channels. Although there are no UK or English channels on TDT, you can, in many cases, change the language of certain UK and USA imported programmes from the dubbed Spanish into English. In most cases this can be done by simply pressing the “Audio” button on the remote control.

Sony Entertainment TV no longer available

One of the TDT channels that transmitted a number of American TV imports was the Sony Entertainment Channel – SET. However, you may have noticed that in the last few weeks it is now unavailable, or you are getting a “channel scrambled” message. This is because SET is no longer being broadcasted on TDT. It has been replaced by AXN. However, AXN is the second pay channel on TDT, the first being GOL TV.

To watch these Premium TDT channels you require a Premium viewing card, and a TDT receiver or a TDT Integrated TV with the ability to read the card. Currently a monthly subscription of around 15euros is required for access to both Gol TV and AXN.

High Definition Channels on TDT

Over the coming year some more HD TDT channels will become available. I say more, as in some areas of the Valencia area it is possible to receive Canal 9 HD. Later in the year TVE, and Telecinco are expect to launch their TDT HD channels. In order to receive these TDT HD channels you will require either a TDT HD set top box, or a TV with a built in TDT HD receiver.

Important Sky Card information

As many are aware Sky TV recently replaced their viewing cards from the Blue with Yellow house cards to the all white cards. On the 1st March 2010 all the old blue yellow house cards were deactivated and no longer “unlock” any of the Sky TV channels.

The new white cards have also thrown up a few interesting surprises.
Sky card require a constant signal from the satellite to “keep the cards alive”. If the cards do not receive this “keep alive” signal over a few weeks, then the cards can “go to sleep”. If the cards have “gone to sleep” then one the encrypted channels you will see a message informing you that “This is the wrong cards for this set top box”.

The old blue Sky cards could be “woken up” by leaving them in ANY Sky digibox over a period of 24 / 48 hours, and the channels would eventually reappear. However, the new white Sky cards can only be woken up by leaving them for 24/48 hours in the Sky box that he cards were originally activated in.

Sky Boxes Switching Off Randomly

Since the beginning of March 2010, some Sky boxes have been experiencing an issue where they are switching off at random times, even if you have turned off the Autostandby feature on the Sky box.

The Autostandby feature automatically puts the Sky box into Standby mode if the box has been switched on and no remote control buttons have been touched for 4 hours – supposedly helping you save some power by not having the box turned on all the time.

However, on the Pace 430N Sky receivers, a software update from Sky has been causing the boxes to shut down at random times. You can confirm your make of Sky box by looking at the sticker that should be on the bottom of your box. By pressing Services, 4, 5 and accessing the System Details, software version 3.8.8 is the one that is causing the issues. All other Sky boxes and software versions are at the moment OK.

You can correct this problem yourself, by performing a manual software update which rolls back the software to the previous working version.
This process should be done in the morning, and only if you are getting the background music playing when you enter the Sky menu system, as the frequency for the software download may not be available on small dishes or in the afternoon, and performing it when the frequency is not there could damage your Sky box.

1 Unplug your sky box from the power
2 Press and hold the BACKUP button on the Sky box – not the remote control.
3 Still pressing the Back up button, reapply the power.
4 Keep pressing the back up button on the Sky box until RED YELOW and GREEN light glow on the front panel of the box. A “Downloading” message may also appear on the screen
5 Once these lights have appeared you can release the Back up button, as the box has now started the software download.
6 The Sky box will reboot once the download has been completed. You can confirm if the correct software has been downloaded by going once again into the System Details (Service, 4, 5) and checking that the Software version is now 3.7.6

I should better reiterate that this process should only be down if you can get the download frequency (11778) indicated by the background music on the sky menu screen, that you may also have to re add those “extra” ITV1, C4 and Five channels you have added into your Other Channels lists, and that you perform this upgrade at your own risk and I cannot be held liable if it fails and / or damages your Sky box.

This and further information can be found on our website and Satellite TV forum:

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

Free Sky TV (sort of!)

2010-04-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Free Sky TV Weekend Pass

This coming weekend, the 17 and 18th April, Sky 3 will be showcasing some of the programmes on Sky pay TV channels with another "free access" weekend/

This will include some sports events (Soccer AM ,lIve rugby union (saturday afternoon)), programming from Sky movies (A few episodes of the HBO "The Pacific"), Discovery Channels, "v", Dexter, NCIS and a few other programmes from the variosu channels avaialble from a Sky subscription.

This is to showcase to non subscribers some of the offerings available on the SKy Subscription package.

Sky 3 is available for no subscription on Sky channels 108.

You will require a freesatfromsky free to view card to view this channels.

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

Advances in Televisions and Technology over the years

2010-04-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Advances in Televisions and Technology over the years

Televisions and technology has advanced a great deal in recent years.

The History of Television

Not so long ago the UK only had 4 television channels.

Now there are hundreds of channels available, available via your TV aerial, satellite, cable and Internet on digital television

Analogue vs Digital Television

Then televisions themselves changed as technology advanced.

From the old cathode ray tubes, to widescreen televisions, to plasma, LCD and now LED.

Rear Projection Television
Plasma Television
LCD Television

And then the channels again advanced.

From Widescreen, to high definition, and now to 3D, with Sky launching Europes first High Definition 3D television channel.

Widescreen Television
High Definition Television
3D Television

What more is there to come......?

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

Five HD coming to Sky HD this summer...?

2010-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Looks like Freesat TV is losing out again!!!!!

After having its Freeview HD slot pinched by the BBC for failing to measure up to Ofcom's standards for a Freeview HD channel, Five has announced that their new hi-def channel will instead be launched on Sky this summer.

Ofcom rejected Five's bid for an HD channel on the grounds that they had failed to find another broadcaster to fill the channel during the daytime (Five's original bid was for an HD simulcast of its regular channel during prime time). With no programming to fill the daytime schedule, Ofcom ruled that the channel would instead be left to be used the BBC, as is the case with all channels that are not reserved for private broadcasting companies by Ofcom.

Five's director of strategy, Charles Constable, called the move to Sky HD "an exciting opportunity", and said that Five's "programme schedule is more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster given the wide range of high quality series [it] broadcasts, such as our top-rated line-up of US dramas."

Five HD is slated to launch this summer, and will be available without additional subscription to customers with the Sky HD package.

Source: T3

So as the report says on Sky, it looks like it will only be available with a free to view card, and not on Freesat.

So FreesatHD has BBC HD, ITV HD and Luxe HD
Sky HD without a viewing card also has BBC HD, ITV HD and Luxe HD.
Sky HD with a viewing card will soon have BBC HD, ITV HD, C4 HD, Five HD and Luxe HD

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

You May Not Need A White Sky Viewing Card To View UK TV.

2010-03-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

You Do Not Need A White Sky Viewing Card To View

BBC

ITV

Channel 4 / 4+1

&

FIVE

E4/E4+1, More 4/More4+1 and Film 4/Film4+1

Here is information on how to recieve these channels for free without a Sky Viewing Card, this can be done on 99% of sky digiboxes and will take around 2 Minutes.

Some people sell this information on ebay, or on other inernet sites via ebooks, and some installers actually charge you for them to put this information into your sky receiver. Information which is freely available!

We show you, for free, information on how to get any/all regions of BBC, ITV and Channel 4. NO SKY CARD NEEDED

Extra Secret Frequency Settings for Sky and Freesat Channels

BBC TV Satellite Frequency Settings for Sky and Freesat

ITV TV Satellite Frequency Settings for Sky and Freesat

Channel 4, E4, More4 Film4 TV Satellite Frequency Settings for Sky and Freesat

Five, Fiver, Five USA TV Satellite Frequency Settings for Sky and Freesat
All of the main UK TV channels are available for fre without a Sky card.

However , due to the weaker beamed satellite signals in Spain, these "free to air" versions may not be available all day.

In fact these links above also have the frequency settings for the "strong" frequency settings for the stronger versions of ITV1, Channel 4, and Five.

How to receive ITV1 HD on your Sky HD System

Please Note: You must have the newest EPG software pictured above in order to use this guide.

How to get ITV HD on a Sky HD digibox (ITV HD frequency Settings)

Many of these "secret" additional channels will work on a Sky, Sky Plus or Sky HD reciever however PVR (Personal Video Recording) functions will not be available.

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

Have you lost Channel Five, Fiver and Five USA in Spain? "This programme is not available" messgane

2010-03-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

If you have recently lost Five, Fiver and Five USA, and are getting a message on the screen saying "This programme is not available", then I am pretty sure that you are using a blue Sky viewng card.

This old blue Sky card will need to be replaced with a new white Sky viewng card.

Since April 2009, Sky have been issuing new replacement Sky cards.

On 1st March 2010, Sky started to deactivate the old blue Sky cards.

Should you wish to continue to watch the free to air TV channels then you will need a new replacement Freesat from Sky viewing card.

You can still get Five without a viewing card, by using the frequency settings as per these instructions : http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/extra_secret_frequencies_channels_sky.php

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?

2010-02-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

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 Costas 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.)

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.

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.

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 "Freeivew" set top boxes do not work in Spain correctly, as they are programmed for the UK TV service and not the TDT service.

For more on TDT in Spain, installations and equipment required, and the channels available, see: http://www.satandpcguy.com/Site/tdt_spanish_digital_terrestrial_freeview_spain.php

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 subscripion 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

Sky 3D TV

2010-01-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

This week Sky TV announced the launch of 3D TV.

More information is available via this link

Sky 3D TV

Can I stop paying Sky and use my satellite receiver to get Freeview ?

2010-01-16T13:59:00.001-08:00

Can I stop paying Sky and use my satellite receiver to get Freeview ?

The simple answer is "No".

Freeview is the name of the UK digital TV system that uses hilltop terrestrial transmitters to TV aerials / antennae.

Whereas "Sky" is a satellite-to-dish TV system service.

Free-to-AIR (FTA) channels are ones that can be received without needing a Sky viewing card or a monthly subscription.

Free-to-VIEW (FTV) is a term for satellite channels that need a viewing card to watch, but not to collect a subscription, some examples of which are Fiver and Five USA

The free-to-AIR satelite service backed by the main UK TV broadcasters (BBC and ITV) is called Freesat.
The free-to-VIEW service operated by Sky is called fSfS or Freesat from Sky.

All free to air channels should be available on ALL satellite receivers.
All free to view channels are only availabe on receivers able to read /use a Sky viewing card, such as Sky digiboxes.

If you stop your Sky TV subscription, (after the 1 year minimum contractualperiod) you will still be able to watch the hundreds of free-to-air channels, and your card wil become a freesatfromsky viewing card, allowing you to watch the free to view channels also.

Some of the channels on the Freeview service are subscription only on satellite, such as Yesterday (UKTV History) , Dave, Virgin 1, and Sky Sports News.

You will need a Sky viewing card Five, Fiver, Sky Three, Viva TV, Liverpoll FC TV, and some alternate "extra" versions of ITV1 (on frequency 12408 V), Channel 4 (on frequency 12480 V) and Channel Five )on 12422 H) - the so-called "free-to-view" channels.

It is not possible to plug an aerial into a Sky Digibox to receive Freeview channels because the boxes have not been designed this way, and are only compatiable with their own system.

A sky viewing card is not needed to watch BBC services, and has not been required for some 6 years, or required for many ITV channels for about 4 years. However a Sky viewing card is required to get the correct BBC ONE BBC TWO and ITV1 regions on 101 102 and 103. This is all done by using the postcode of the address that the skyc ard is registered at.

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

TTon4 Gone?

2010-01-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Anyone know where TT on 4 (Channel 4) has gone?

It was the only British TV channel broadcasting FTA on a Europe-wide transponder (12480 MHz, 27500 MS/s, Vertical), even if it was just a test signal and availble to expats in the Costa Blanca Spain for free, with no Sky viewing card, adn available on a small satellite dish.

It ceased broadcast on the 13th January 2010, and the channel label was deleted as well which suggests its not coming back.

You can still access Channel 4 on this same satellite and frequency., but you will require a Sky viewing card.

Using your Sky remote control:
Go to services,
4
4
add channels:
12,480 V 27500 2/3
Find Channels
It will find a Channel 4 and a Channel 4 +1
Press the yellow button to put a tick next to them
Then select to save new channels........

Channel 4 & Chanel 4+1 will now be in your Services, Other channels list.

If you have a freesat from sky card you can only access the Channel 4's on that frequency setting.

If you have a subscription card, and the "variety" mix, then you can also add and watch the E4 and More4 channels

More information :
TTon4 gone?
or
The Sat and PC Guy - Costa Blanca Satellite Installations

Sky TV on the Costa Blanca, Spain

2010-01-16T09:36:00.001-08:00

What Size Satellite Dish Do I Need to Receive BBC ITV Sky TV on the Costa Blanca?

It is important to ensure that you are using the correct size satellite dish to receive the Sky TV channels you want to watch.

A Sky TV minidish, used in the UK, is pretty much useless for reception on the Costa Blanca. Many Sky TV channels can be received on an 80cm dish, but if you want to watch the main UK television channels, like BBC ITV C4, then a much bigger dish will be required.

Generally to receive the main UK television channels, like BBC ITV C4 , in the Costa Blanca area, either a 1.9m or 2.4m satellite dish is required.

With a 1.9m or 2.4m satellite dish, you should receive BBC1, ITV1. ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 for 24 hours a day.
This does depend on your exact location, and the site for the satellite dish. Trees, houses, walls, mountains can all reduce the satellite signals that the satellite dish should be receiving.

So it is entirely possible that even on a 2.4m satellite dish you may loose some Sky TV / Freesat TV channels, when the signal is weakest.

The majority of the Sky TV subscription package is available 24 hours a day in Spain.

Some channels, particularly the Sky Movies channels, may fade out during the late afternoon. These channels are on the notoriously tricky North beams.

Of course the size of satellite dish is dependent on a few things such as what channels you want to watch, what is your budget, your location, and where to site the dish.

Don't forget the the weather can affect the reception of channels - heavy cloud or rain can weaken the already weak signals - it is not always sunny in Spain. Summer haze around the coast can also weaken the signals.

For more information contact
http://www.satandpcguy.com/