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December 3rd, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Great news! So happy to have these extra channels on Freesat!
Gordon S ValentineQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Three great channels.Nice one Freesat
KevQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Putting Sky News on Freesat (and not having to go to ‘Non-Freesat’ to see it) is good news and very much long overdue. After all, you can see SNs on nearly every hotel TV around the world, why not on Freesat?
BBC Worldservice instead of Chinese news, next?
VanninQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
I honestly never thought this day would happen, still can’t believe Sky have finally put their services on their most rivelled platform! Now that they’ve finally arrived have lets hope it’s a start of Sky taking freesat more sensibly and professionally as they do with every other rival platform.
I do wonder if a BBC deal was brokered in return for Olympic or iPlayer carriage but then again as Sky was paying for those Olympic feeds then they’d just have told the beeb to walk if conditions were attached!! Glad, if this decision is commercial, they’ve finally made this choice and realised the value of being across all FTA platforms in the UK.
People mentioned that these channels just act as barker channels for Sky, full of self-promotion which they are. There’s probably the odd one or two programmes I’ll watch on Pick TV, Challenge is more for nostalgic value, as far as the ads for Sky’s own platform go, that’s just wallpaper material!
NeilQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 4:14 pm
They act as an ad platform for sky but most FS owners will just record and bypass their ads. I suspect thats why they didnt come before and also why they didnt let people record FSFS.
SLQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Great news that these channels finally joined freesat
And not gonna be greedy YET
But I do hope UKTV read these posts cos it must have give pick tv . Challenge tv . Sky news a boost in ratings today
Great work freesat keep up the work and happy christmas
DaveQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@8, FSFS?
Keith (original)Quote
December 3rd, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Sorry @5. Oops!
Keith (original)Quote
December 3rd, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Not appeared on my goodmans set top box gess I’ll have to do a scan and loose all the none freesat channels I v put on frustrating tho it is
MartinQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 6:01 pm
more reasons to get freesat this christmas time they’d better be quick cause with only 3 weeks to go if they havent got a dish cause i dont know when installers are stopping taking orders for pre christmas installations. also I saw a montage trailer and managed to identify a couple of movies that are on the bbc this christmas cant give times they are on though.
1. Shrek forever after
2. Disneys Alice in wonderland starring Johnny Depp
Ian VallenderQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
I have a Humax Foxsat recorder, I have just tried the three new channel numbers, but nothing happens, why have I not got these new channels, can anyone help please?
Martin PughQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@8
FreeSat From Sky. They didnt allow people to record because they disabled the PVR functionality.
SLQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
HELP!!!!!! I have just done a manual re-tune and I now have hundreds of channel, but 101, 102, 103, etc, have all gone and the numbers are in the five thousands, eg; ITV1 HD is at 5063, and there is every single ITV/BBC regional variation, many of the channels are duplicated, some up to 10 times. I just want my old channels back starting at 101 for BBC1….. PLEASE HELP.
Martin PughQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
If you just wait awhile they will appear overnight.
Kevin McFarlaneQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
@ 11 if you re tune your freesat channels on humax they will come straight on
Or will come on overnight
@ 13 I think you have tuned in non freesat mode
I did that last year and I got thousands of channels aswell
You have to only re tune freesat channels
Great for these new channels joining freesat not sure why the + 1
Are not on like it’s not like freesat is short of space like freeview
DaveQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Thanks Dave, yes that’s what I did. I had done a manual tune, rather than an automatic one, I have just done another automatic tune using my post code and now all is well in this North Wales home. (Plus I now have Sky news). Thanks again Dave.
Martin PughQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Personally, I think freesat should have refused to have these substandard barker channels on the platform.
PaulQuote
December 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Why?
Its a very shortsighted comment to be fair.
They add something to the platform which will increase numbers which in-turn be something other broadcasters will see and realize they are missing out and join aswell.
Fact is this, Sky now realize Freesat is not something to try and just ignore because the numbers are getting bigger and faster that Freeview did. So they have used common sense and now have their FTA channels on Freesat.
We get 3 new channels and it will turn the heads of more broadcasters, like UKTV!
So no, they shouldn’t ‘refuse’
ianQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 5:44 am
These channels are absolute dross. 30 year old game shows and cops with cameras.
They are just adverts for sky. Sky will never be doing freesat any favours. In fact, sky tried to prevent freesat starting. So why would freesat hand them 3 barker channels now?
PaulQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 6:44 am
Perhaps a good reason not to have Sky then!! I think most Freesat viewers who are Sky defectors won’t be tempted back by these channels alone, no different than anyone watching via Freeview either. It is good to have them though as adds a bit of extra choice, the gameshows on Challenge to me are just a bit of novelty, reminds me of being a kid watching Bullseye!!
I notice too that Pick and Challenge have DVB subtitles flagged on the EPG too for some programmes but none yet being transmit. Sky News also doesn’t yet have subtitles but looks like Sky are doing the job properly and will be adding MHEG DVB subtitles. I wonder if they’ll bring the +1′s in time too as it will give the channels more exposure?
On another note; TP57, 59, 63 and 68 (10964H, 10994H, 11053H and 11127V) have all migrated over to 2F overnight, expect the expats to start complaining!
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 6:47 am
Hi I agree with Ian they are great channels for freesat
More and more people will consider freesat now
There’s only about 4 channels I would watch on $ky
And they may one day appear hopefully
DaveQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 9:09 am
The only reason $ky are putting on these 3 channels is because it’s good for their bottom line, no other reason. They don’t do anything that’s not going to increase their already huge profits and anyone who thinks that the non stop $ky ads will have no effect is sadly mistaken. Advertising works why do you think they do it. Having said that I suspect the BBC has brokered this deal in return for allowing the iplayer on $ky so it’s a win win for $ky and in return we have 3 SD barekr channels which we had anyway in non Freesat mode but $ky get iplayer and more converts. Interesting thought- wonder if $ky is actually paying the Freesat EPG fees or is it a secret free b. Sadly we will never know.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 9:32 am
I take your point Richard and yes advertising does work but can’t see those who’ve actively decided to leave Sky and buy FS to all go back. Also, these channels are at the end of the entertainment LCN’s so not a great place, for now that is. I guess Sky potentially didn’t want their services to be any further down as one day if UKTV do bring their FTA services along Pick and Challenge will be sandwiched between them and the rest so then not too bad a location.
I think overall though it’s a better choice having these channels, even if full of Sky ads, rather than freesat being deprived of services still available on DTT and reduces considerably the disparancy between the two platforms.
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 9:32 am
Now my Humax box has added the new channels but all of channel 5 stations plus 4seven and 4HD are coming up no signal. Any ideas anyone.
Keith LynwoodQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:05 am
Are you abroad?? All the above have just moved from Astra 1N to 2F overnight with a much tighter UK spot beam.
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:05 am
I found out recently that the series “Fringe” was one of the best of it’s era but I never heard of it before I got ISP on demand TV (YouView) recently. Thank you Warner on demand for a great show. .My point being Sky hoovers up all the good American shows and we are left with the camp home made stuff like Merlin and cheap to make parlor games so we don’t get to see any of the more recent good US material that the BBC and ITV used to show in their heyday. None of this more recent stuff is on Freesat sadly and they need to do something about that pretty soon or people will drift back to Sky once their finances improve.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:09 am
Thanks Neil , yes I am in Spain. Near Barcelona , is there anything I can do ?
Keith LynwoodQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Astra 2F spotbeam maps here:
http://www.astra2.org/maps2f.html
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:13 am
BIG DISH!!!!!
adminQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Reading on the grapevine from those abroad, Barcelona looks like to be outside of the official footprint and a no-go even with 1.5-2mtr dishes. What size is your current dish?
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 11:03 am
I wouldn’t be so sure, many countries have been outside the beams on all spots for years and providing you have a suitably sized dish, you can receive.
adminQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 11:35 am
Here in Mallorca (south of Barcelona) we have not noticed any difference since the change over. Still getting a good signal with no break up except in very bad weather. We have a 1.8m dish.
Martin PageQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Good news for 1.8m dish vendors then but tough luck if you live in an apartment complex or town/village center. 1.8m is what they used to use for C band in the old days before DTH. That is a seriously large dish.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Here are reception reports for the Astra 2F UK spot beam and dish sizes used.
http://robssatellitetv.webs.com/astra2freceptionmaps.htm
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
I still didnt have the new channels this morning on my Humax. Is there any way of forcing the update without having to do a Freesat retune (I dont want to lose all my scheduled recordings)
My Sony Freesat tv can be put on standby and you wait for a click and it then updates.
My Humax did find Channel AKA or whatever its called when it was added last week, not sure how long it took though
swjodukQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I spotted a 3mtr dish in someone’s garden in Tenerife whilst away a few weeks back, next to the swimming pool with a nice hedge around the edges to make a feature of it! Expats go a long way to ensure British PSB services, sadly it seems even 3mtr dishes now in the Canaries will soon no longer get the UK spotbeam services.
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Here in the south of France today, I’ve lost CH 4HD and 4Seven, and now have bad breakup on all five family channels. Strange thing is, its only my two Humax HD Freesat boxes that have the problem. All my Samsung TVs with in-built sat tuners are fine. I guess Samsungs tuners are better than Humax’s.
FroggieQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
freesat hasn’t “handed” anything to anyone. Sky are paying for their EPG slot exactly the same as any other can broadcaster can choose to do. freesat have to operate in a Fair, Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) manner, and denying a company access to the platform because they choose to advertise a service hardly complies with the FRAND principles. As an obvious example of FRAND, freesat carries both slapper-on-a-sofa and religious channels.
@35 – if you were recording something last night, like the American football on BBC HD, the add channels wuoldn’t have happened. You can wait for the auto-update at 3am tonight or do a freesat tune in the menu if you are desperate to see what the complaining here is all about.
Sensible Paul.Quote
December 4th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Absolutely spot on. I am sick of people pandering to sky. They will use every underhand, aggressive, morally bankrupt and legally questionable tactic in the book to actually destroy competitors. It is about time that platforms with the ability to do so use the same aggressive tactics back at sky.
IMO freesat should deny them these channels and, for that matter, BT should deny them their new sports channels.
PaulQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
@38 not that desperate, it was just bugging me that my Humax hadn’t found the new channels itself.
It is possible I was recording something.
Are the updates always at 3am?
swjodukQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Just checked, was recording Motorsport UK at 3am
swjodukQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Ano maybe a little off topic
Hi admin or anyone else who can answer Is it only the Samsung box that can get YouTube on it
And love the new channels many more to follow next year
Thanks
DaveQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Changing the subject very slightly and something that might potentially please a few people;
RT HD’s test now confirms a launch date of 16th Dec, unsure if this includes the Freesat platform but it was rumoured that they couldn’t launch on Sky until the new year.
NeilQuote
December 4th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Thanks to freesat for there work in getting new channels
Hope the haven’t forgot though that there’s only 3 weeks left for there PROMIS
Of 4OD and demand 5 ………
Dave WQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 12:11 am
Yes, provided your Humax is in standby.
Sensible Paul.Quote
December 5th, 2012 at 12:14 am
Sky normally lock their platform down over the Xmas and new year period, so if for any reason it’s not done on the 16th it could well be into January. Anyone know the lockdown start and stop dates this year?
Sensible Paul.Quote
December 5th, 2012 at 2:06 am
Ah! Of course – thanks.
Keith (original)Quote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:03 am
Hello
I have a big problem and perhaps someone out there know the reason.
I am stationed over here in Germany and receive FreeSat with 100% signal strength and quality on all channels. Ever the “smaller” once.
But since yesterday or so I can not get channel 5, ITV HD and some other channels. The rest of the channels I still pick up at 100%
I have done a rescan (now picking up SkyNews …) but still missing channel5 & co.
What has happened?
Thanks for your help.
Tom
TomQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@Tom, those channels have moved to the new ASTRA 2F bird and are now on a tighter footprint, check the links below.
http://robssatellitetv.webs.com/astra2f.htm
http://robssatellitetv.webs.com/astra2freceptionmaps.htm
mike65Quote
December 5th, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Hi are the +1 coming soon
JulieQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Not that we know of, although these things are often only announced a few days in advance.
RoscoQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
The RT HD test is now carrying the info “starting December 16th”. Any info on a FS launch?
RoscoQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
@48 – Tom. I am experiencing the same problem, being currently living in west part of Denmark. All channels are 100% (including ITV HD), but missing fx 5*, 5*+1, C4 HD, etc.
Any suggestions or comments from other users?
RastiQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
As responded to by mike65, these channels have moved to the new 2F beam and unfortunately are now on a narrow beam your dish isn’t picking up. Others like BBC and ITV will follow, though no timescale has been given. Sadly it means you most likely need a larger dish.
adminQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Hey
and thanks for the info. I am currently using a 4ft disk. I am getting all the other channels at 100% even when it is raining cats&dogs or in heavy snow with big, dark clouds. So for the current sat the setup must be very good. Over the last 18month I have had only 1 day when I could not watch. That day we had thunder&lightning and rain that gave a the worst flooding in 15years.
I will check to see if the position of the dish might has to be changed.
Do you know if all the channels, once they have gone to 2F will stay there?
Is there anyone who know how big the dish to be to pick up a signal from 2F?
Thanks for all your help
Tom
TomQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:34 pm
What sized dish are you using Rasti?
Bigger dish – probably something around 1.1m from the map Im compiling from the info provided by the users on the satellites.co.uk forum.
Hope you dont mind if I post the link admin:
http://tinyurl.com/axdvvqe
.
RoscoQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Those channels have changed beam which is why you can’t get them, it isn’t anything to do with your dish alignment, just that the footprint has much more UK focused. The beam they were on was a temporary one whilst the new bird was put in position, so you’ve actually been spoilt for access over the past year or so.
Only the main UK broadcasters will move to the narrow beam, but this will increase as 2E joins the party next year.
There are a number of links above that may help you understand the dish requirements; it is still very early days.
adminQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:37 pm
No probs, great map, very handy.
adminQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Yes the channels will stay there. There will be numerous other changes over the next year or so as a second new satellite (2E) goes into service. You will eventually lose all the BBC ITV & C4 channels with your existing kit as the the existing satellites are taken out of service
The Sky pay channels are expected to stay on european beams
RoscoQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Hey
just had a look at my receiver. I have a freesat Huwai HD model and in my manual setup the receiver only mentions the 28.2E
I am sorry to say but I don’t quite know how to test if my 4foot dish is the right size.
Is the 28.2F in the same position as the 28.2F? So would I have to change the dish positions?
Oh, one more question. I am not to concerned about channel5, 5* and all the rest. I am just worried that the BBC channels, ITV channels and channel 4 might move away.
Tom
TomQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Hey
one more thing Rosco. You are saying
“eventually lose all the BBC ITV & C4 channels with your existing kit as the the existing satellites are taken out of service ”
Does that mean I have to get a new receiver or does that mean I have to try and reposition my dish?
Tom
TomQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
No – the new satellites are replacing the existing ones – and with the BBC ITV C4 & C5 channels guaranteed to be transmitted on the new tighter beams that have just gone into service – you will need a bigger dish outside the main transmission area – possibly a MUCH bigger dish if you want to continue to watch them. Its early days yet but have a look at the map link I posted a few posts up the thread.
RoscoQuote
December 5th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Hey
and thanks for the quick replay.
What can I say: I am not happy !!!
I thought a 1.2m dish would be OK. The next step up would be a 1.6m dish but for that size I would need planning permission to put it on top of my house.
Oh by the way, I never said where I live. I live in Braunschweig (that’s near Hannover in the northern part of Germany). Close to (what used to be) the East-West German border.
Unfortunately there is no report on your website near my location.
I think I am just not clever to work out how to change the setup on my Huawai so that I can test if I do have a 28.2F reception or not.
Thanks very much for your help.
Tom
TomQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 5:51 am
Hi Tom,
see if you can receive “Granada ITV”, if you can, all you need to do is to SLIGHTLY ADJUST the LNB “Skew” which may bring in Channel 5 and Co which have moved thus far, you only need to move the LNB a few millimetres at a time and then check see if Channel 5 kicks in, you may not even need a new dish. Check that you are receiving Granada before you start this project.
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/LNB_skew.htm
If you have a Freesat receiver, go into “Non Freesat” mode and look/scan for ITV Granada. (Granada ITV has also moved to 2F and I get it no problem without any adjustment on my dish, I have lost Channel 5 though but I cannot get on the roof at the moment!!)
Hope it helps.
wolfmanQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 7:34 am
Have no idea what Huawai is, but it doesn’t sound like you even have a freesat receiver, just a generic free to air receiver.
In any case, as said by myself and Rosco a few times, it is a change in the broadcasting beam causing you a problem, nothing specifically to do with your dish other than the fact it is now too small for the new beam footprint. There is little point testing for 2F, as you are clearly not getting it, so fine tuning isn’t likely to resolve it.
adminQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 9:17 am
Have no idea what Huawai is, but it doesn’t sound like you even have a freesat receiver, just a generic free to air receiver.
Huawei is a massive Chinese manufacturer of internet and coms equipment that the US government were very concerned about recently.They make the YouView PVR’s and Routers for TalkTalk possibly also for BT. You may not know the name now but you soon will. It would be good for Freesat to have them make Freesat boxes.
http://www.huawei.com/uk/
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 11:22 am
No immediate plans for launch on freesat; in fact, I asked this morning and the channel team at freesat didn’t know about it, so are on the case now
adminQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Since 4/12/12 I have not been able to receive Channel 5, 5* and 5 USA. No other channels are affected?
Len ParsonsQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 11:34 am
Read the countless posts above yours.
adminQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Hey
sorry I was of course wrong. THe hardware I use is Humas Freesat HD (on the back there label saying foxsat HD).
Sorry my mistake.
But I don’t know how to test if I can receive the new sat.
Usually radio stations are easier to pick up than TV stations. Are there any radio stations on the new sat that are not on the n version?
Best regards Tom
TomQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Hi Tom,
go here:
http://www.humaxdigital.com/freesat/support_manual.asp
and download the manual for the Humax Foxsat HD receiver and switch to “Manual Scan” via the menu, click on the menu button and look for the sat symbol on the left and then for manual scan, it will download all available channels assuming you are getting a signal, do this when the weather is clear and around midday is the best time.
You will automatically switch to “Non Freesat mode” and if you want to get back to “Freesat Mode”, click on the top icon in the menu window and then go to the right and select “Freesat” with the arrow keys.
see post #64 also!!!!!!.
WolfmanQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@ Tom & Admin & Rosco
I am stationed in West Denmark (Aarhus). My dish is 1.2m and I am using Humax HD receiver. The position is much similar to Tom.
In Copenhagen 2m dish is necessary but in my part of land this is supposed to be sufficient diameter.
@ Wolfman (post 64 and 71)
It seems to be very reasonable explanation and certainly I will give it a try.
RastiQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Which channels have moved to 2F and have presumably tighter beam? Where could I find the list of these channels?
RastiQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
google robs satellite tv there is list on that site
r.crichtonQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Rasti sorry former post from my phone see here for list of channels transferred to 2F
http://robssatellitetv.webs.com/astra2f.htm
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Hello Rasti,
good to hear that you can pick the signal up.
I am not sure if I have to change any of the dish-setup. Perhaps the tilt of the dish or the lmb.
Do any of you outside the UK have to change the dish- & lmb-setup to pick up the f-sat?
I have never had any problems (even when it is raining “cats&dogs”) having a 100% quality& strength signal of the n-sat.
I don’t want to change any of my dish-setup now, as we have lots of snow and gray sky. Not the best of time to look for a weak sat-signal.
I am still hoping that it will be possible to pick up 2F in Braunschweig/Germany.
We had tears today of my son (4Years) when I told him that we might not receive CBees & co. in the summer.
Best regards Tom
TomQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
@ Tom #76
Hi Tom,
It will be indeed a lot of tears from my daughter (4 yrs old) also. However, I guess Wolfman’s suggestion seems to be very reasonable for me.
I might try to adjust LNB during the weekend, there is quite cold, some snow but sky is clear at the moment.
However, it would be excellent if someone could prove Wolfman’s guidance.
I have to say that I do not have problems with all other channels, even if the weather is pretty terrible, cloudy and windy and my dish is “flying” like a flag in that wind. I am still getting 100% from other channels.
Channels which are “missing” CH5, CH4 HD, 4seven, CH5+1, 5USA, 5USA+1, 5* and 5*+1. So, all of them which are on F2. Otherwise perfect quality on others. Rob’s satellite website is confirming that 1.2m dish should be sufficient for reception at my place. Thus I have to consider Wolfman’s suggestions.
Would be nice to hear from others if it works.
RastiQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Hi Rasti,
I would also be interested as I cannot test my own theory out because I cannot get on the roof due to snow.
I am receiving Granada ITV (85% strength and 100% quality) no problem which is transmitting from 2F so I reckon that all I need is a small adjustment to the LNB/Dish.
I am in the Bavarian Alps with a 90CM Dish 0.2db LNB. Humax Foxsat HD and Sky HD receivers.
Regards Wolfman
WolfmanQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
@ Wolfman #78
I might give it a try on Sunday. If weather is good enough. I just hope I will not screw it up completely. This is definitely not my DIY area…
I guess in Bavarian Alps you are “out of beam” more than I am.
I have looked on some calculations and in my area LNB skew is supposed to be -4.1 degrees.
I did not tested Granada ITV reception, yet. My seetings are for central London and thus I have to make manual tuning.
RastiQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
You dont want want to believe all you read on Robs site. For starters in extreme fringe reception conditions, signal strengths can vary greatly over just a few miles due to side lobes. You cant generalise that just because the town 50 miles away gets a signal on a 1.2m dish you will be able to as well – you might need something MUCH bigger if you are in a reception hole. This is evident with 2F in the Canary Islands – for starters we didnt expect them to have any signal at all, but big enough dishes are getting reasonable levels – but one island is getting good H polarity and weak V, whilst the adjacent island has the polarities the other way round!
The other thing to remember is that many of the early reports are from enthusiasts who maintain their dishes, regularly tweak them up to peak the signals, and dont mind spending a few quid on decent lnb’s. They are not using the cheapest thing the local installer has on the van. A badly maintained slightly misaligned dish may have no signal yet an apparently identical setup down the road maintained by the local sat nut could have perfect reception.
RoscoQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@ Rosco #80
I completely agree with your points and take every one of them.
Therefore I am little bit reluctant to change the dish right away to some bigger one, but indeed I am looking also for other options and advice.
RastiQuote
December 6th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
You want the easiest option? If you have reasonable speed broadband get a vpn and watch the BBC / ITV output via iplayer on your computer.
For the radio channels the free expatshield (google it) works fine – I had geolocked uk local radio channels worjking ok on my netbook when I was in Poland last summer.
RoscoQuote
December 7th, 2012 at 7:31 am
What might also be an option. I moved this year within Germany.. at my new location I haven’t set up UK TV yet.. why? Because I knew Astra 2F was coming and on Saturday (tomorrow) I’ll run a test.. I am West of Frankfurt/Mainz so my chances are good I would be able to get it with a 100 cm dish. However… I saw reports by people in Mannheim who said they wouldn’t be able to pick up any signal. So it’ll be me tomorrow to find it out.
Anyway: nowadays… you do NOT need VPN anymore to gain access to the channels anymore. Tunlr ( http://tunlr.net/faq/supported-services-players/ ) supports BBC, ITV and 4od using a DNS server change for free.. the BBC live streams do not work.. but on these ones: for interesting reasons, while BBC blocks their live streams, it seems that limitation does not apply to http://www.filmon.com/#BBC-One – which streams several major UK networks for free and they do not have a country limitation. So they were a good circumvention for me over all the time, the picture quality of course is below the usual TV quality.. but when it comes to just watching?
LinkQuote
December 8th, 2012 at 11:44 am
I’m sure Freesat must be aware of an impending launch as it’s FTA, maybe saving for a Christmas treat for us all even though we’ve had our treat this year with the Sky additions!
Interestingly it was around the 1st week of Dec last year the C5 services launched on the platform, this year at the same time we’ve had these new Sky services too!
NeilQuote
December 8th, 2012 at 11:45 am
I should have added that my post above is in response to RT HD!
NeilQuote
December 8th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@ Neil 84
Ano yes they must Waite for December as a Christmas gift
What about a good idea I have that uktv join December 2013
Dave WQuote
December 8th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Maybe that could be next year’s treat; Dave, Really and Yesterday launching 4th Dec 2013!! I think Viva and 4Music will get on board in time too, with Sky putting their channels on freesat it does send a clear message to those not yet on board.
NeilQuote
December 8th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Hi all,
a correction to post #64, it should read ITV Granada HD and not just ITV Granada which is an SD channel.
Sorry about that!!.
Regards Wolfman
WolfmanQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 10:44 am
On my Bush receiver the new Sky channels did not appear automatically. I had to reinstall the box in order to pick up the new channels.
Kevin Ver 1Quote
December 9th, 2012 at 10:46 am
There is a blizzard outside today, so I have to postpone adjustments of LNB skew.
RastiQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
the 3 new sky channels is NOT ON MY FREESAT!!! HELP ME!!!
sanQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
I’m in Berlin, have a dish of about 1.1m diameter with 4 LNBs (for 13.0°E, 19.2°E, 26.0°E and 28.2°E so not ideally focused on any of those positions). It was only yesterday that I noticed that I didn’t receive Channel 4 HD any more. I must add that there was quite heavy snow fall here yesterday and today. Today I checked other channels which have moved to Astra 2F with the same negative result.
By the way, I could receive Channel 4 HD already before the BBC and ITV channels moved to Astra 1N about a year ago, so it seems its signal was on a broader beam than one just covering the UK at that time.
As for ITV1 HD, I can still receive it on the frequencies remaining on Astra 1N for the moment, ie 10832 (ITV London) and 10936 MHz (ITV 1 Meridian SE and Central West).
It is now not snowing any more, but the sky is still overcast. Let’s hope there will be some reception from 2F under clear-sky conditions.
KrzysztofQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
I live in a town close to Frankfurt and I just have a 45cm satellite dish. I am still able to receive CH 4 HD, Channel 5 and all the rest. I have a got a TechniSat Multytenne (45cm). That is german technologie and quite cheap. If you live in Berlin or somewhere in the east of Germany, Spain or even further away i would recommend a TechniSat Skytenne.
Best regards
Dominic
DomQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Should the situation now be back to that of more than a year ago, one will need in Berlin a dish with a diameter of about 1.8m to receive the 28.2°E channels from the UK beam. That’s unfortunately physically impossible on the loggia of my flat (limited space between the balustrade wall and the ceiling). Perhaps a somewhat smaller dish (1.5m) would also do, but it would have to be dedicated solely to that satellite position, excluding the multifeed option. That’s at least what I had read in various forums on the internet before the wonder of reception from Astra 1N happened.
Apparently, the situation deteriorates very quickly with each kilometre further eastwards; just 20km west of central Berlin (where I live) it is already more favourable.
KrzysztofQuote
December 9th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Hi to all the posters outside of the UK, its interesting to read your comments and i hope you all find solutions to any problems you have in receiving certain UK tv channels. Good luck guys. Ps Krzysztof, my wife and i visited Berlin 3 years ago and its truly a great City.
tony sopranoQuote
December 10th, 2012 at 8:44 am
@93 Dom
This is indeed interesting comment. Could you give me some more technical details? Is there any difference in technology. I did not find out on web. I do not mind even to pay more, juts to avoid a big dish. Though I do not have a problem with space.
Could anyone confirm Dom’s experience?
RastiQuote
December 10th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Help! I cannot get these new channels on my freesat! Ive unplugged it and everything. Is there a way to do a manual update? Thank you
ceceQuote
December 10th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
They need to start reading this website then. Which proves to me the channel team sit about waiting for new channels to come to them rather than get off their @rses and try and promote Freesat as a platform to broadcast from!
SaltydawgQuote
December 10th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
A Multitenne wont be any good for you in western Denmark – its not big enough. You will need something quite a bit bigger, although exactly what size is hard to say atm – the 2F signal appears to be very very poor across Denmark. Suggestions on one forum say a 1.8m dish may work.
RoscoQuote
December 10th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
You will need to do a Freesat scan.
On my Manhattan Plaza I press Menu-System -Freesat installation and follow instructions on screen. If out of UK you will need to use a UK post code.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 11th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
freesat needs more HD channels but I am glad to see these channels also and a sports channel also
conorQuote
December 11th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
You will probably get one in the next couple of weeks or so – the RT HD test is now carrying epg info so must be close to launch.
RoscoQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 8:33 am
We need more entertainment HD channels. Where are the 4 family HD channels we were promised? SD is so 20th Century now. There is no point in broadcasting
SD when all new TV’s are HD. I blame greedy Sky for this situation as they are using HD to get an extra £10 per month per subscriber. ie If you want HD get $ky.
Every mainstream channel should be broadcasting HD on a FTA basis not behind a pay wall.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 9:53 am
Hi Richard I totally agree but I think they get paid off sky
Ano it’s dodgy . I honestly don’t think any company will beat sky even though I’ll keep telling my friends and work colleagues to go to freesat
DaveQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 10:53 am
I certainly agree with Richard, being a Freesat partner I think ITV should have launched all their HD channels on Freesat instead of behind the sky pay wall. Why should other companies consider Freesat a viable proposition for their HD channels when ITV cannot commit to the platform themselves?
RussQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Hello
and once again I have a question. I am stationed in Germany (near Hanover close to, what used to be, the East German border) and I am getting worried that my 1.1-1.2m dish will not be big enough for the 2F sat. So perhaps I might have to say good bye to freesat sometime next year. Putting a 1.8m dish up look unlikely as I had problem to put even the 1.1m dish up. That’s the price you pay for living in a flat.
Now I have tried the filmon website the other day. I wanted to watch the expendables on channel5 (as I can’t pick that channel via the sat any more) but half way through the film the download speed was just not good for a smooth viewing. Not sure if that is a one off, down to my internet or the fact that I tried the test version rather than the pay-version of filmon.
Perhaps someone has more experience of filmon and can tell us all a bit more. Like watching filmon when the Rugby internationals are on and there is high demand for it.
If all fails I would even consider getting Sky but here is the 64,000 dollar question: Does Sky stay on the 2n or will Sky move to 2F as well?
I don’t really want to move to Sky, pay lots of money just to find out sometime next year that I have to pick their signal up of the new 2f sat.
Thanks for everyone helping us poor people over here in Europe. We just want to keep watching Feesat.
Tom
TomQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Hello, Tom. If you live near Hanover, I wouldn’t be so pessimistic. I’ve read reports (relating to the times earlier than a year ago, ie before the UK beam channels moved to Astra 1N) according to which a 1.5m would be enough just west of Berlin (whereas inside Berlin 1.8m would be required), so I presume that 1.1 or 1.2m should be ok near Hanover, provided the installation is very precise and the dish and the LNB concerned is focused exactly on the 28.2-degrees position.
Actually, if you look at this map:
http://constantinmedia.com/sat/DishSizeMaps/astra-2f/uk-spotbeam.html
you’ll notice that some one succeeds in receiving signal from 2F in Hanover even with a 80cm dish (though a weak one) and some one else further eastwards, in Brunswick (Braunschweig) gets reception with a 120cm dish (with losses during heavy rain).
So don’t lose your hope and good luck to you!
Krzysztof
KrzysztofQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@Tom
Another matter that worries you:
As far as I know, it was easily possible to receive the UK Sky channels here in Berlin (so all the more so where you are located) with a 1.1m dish before the switch to Astra 1N a year ago, since they were transmitted on a broader beam than the BBC and ITV channels. So most probably even if they also move to 2F (or to 2E), the situation should be similar again next year. It is not decisive from which satellite of the 28.2°E position they are to be transmitted, but rather with which spot beam (UK or Europe; see the footprint maps here
http://www.ses.com/4628845/astra-2f )
Krzysztof
KrzysztofQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Tom
A correction: I meant the whole Sky UK package (including the freesat channels that they also include in their encrypted broadcasts).
KrzysztofQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
hi happy to see these three new channels now on freesat looking forward to many more
scottQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Hello
and thanks for all the good advice and the reassuring comments.
Actually I do live in Braunschweig (that’s how they call it over here) and I have a perfect view into the sky.
I think before I get myself and my son (4years old) all worked up, I will just wait until the spring/summer and then test the new setup.
My dish has a quite small beam and I have spend a little bit extra to get a low-noise lnb. Lets hope it will work once all or most channel have switched to 2f.
Love to hear from anyone who lives around my area (Braunschweig, Wolfenbüttel, Wolfsburg, Hannover, Celle …) who has tried 2f and got a signal or not.
Tom
TomQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Finally some definite info about the BBC channels – they will move off 1N once 2E is in service – probably summer 2013:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/Changes-to-BBC-Satellite-transponders-in-2013
RoscoQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
good news will the new satellite bring more space for new channels
scottQuote
December 12th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
I’ve seen Stargate Universe, Futurama, Star Trek Voyager on PICK TV before. Quite recently actually.
MatthewQuote
December 13th, 2012 at 9:38 am
UPDATE 11/12/12 at 22.06 – BBC 1 HD – The two channels named as “8901″ and “8911″ which are carrying test transmissions of “BBC 1 HD” which are respectively the new “BBC 1 Scotland HD” and “BBC 1 Wales HD” channels to be are now carrying now and next programme information for these two channels, these two regional versions of “BBC 1 HD” are expected to be officially launching very soon and I am thinking a 1st of January 2013 launch is probably probable! And maybe even an early pre Christmas present from the BBC of the actual regional channels actually testing? “BBC 1 Scotland HD” (8901) and “BBC 1 Wales” (8911) are on 11.023 H, SR 23.000, FEC 2/3, DVB-S2 8PSK on the Astra satellite at 28.2 degrees east, remember where you read it first, do not be fooled by the “finks” who do not “link” on the forums
UPDATE 11/12/12 at 22.06 – STV – The channel named as “10225″ which is the STV +1 channel is now carrying now and next programme information, there is a long awaited expectancy of “STV” officially launching “STV +1″ and “STV HD” soon following a resolution agreement with “ITV”, both of these channels have been testing for a very, very long time and the appearance of this now/next data albeit currently only on “STV +1″ and not “STV HD” makes me think that they are readying for said official launch of +1 and HD channel versions of “STV”, likely date for this could be the 1st of January 2013, “STV+1″ (10225) is on 10.906 V, SR 22.000, FEC 5/6, “STV HD” (3855) is on 10.936 V, SR 23.000, FEC 8/9, DVB-S2 QPSK, both are on the Astra satellite at 28.2 degrees east , remember where you read it first, do not be fooled by the “finks” who do not “link” on the forums FROM:http://robssatellitetv.webs.com/astra1n.htm
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 13th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
There is plenty of space for new channels right now – and has been since 1N went into service
RoscoQuote
December 14th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Interesting that STV+1 is now carrying EPG data, UTV HD is launching on to both DSAT platforms early 2013 so guess STV+1 and STV HD may finally arrive although long awaited!!
Word on the street, although not confirmed, is the BBC anticipate the EPG addition of BBC1HD Wales and Scotland either on the 7th or 15th Jan, delays being HD-SDI lines between Glasgow/Cardiff and ATOS (the BBC’s Digital Ops Centre where Compression is done).
NeilQuote
December 16th, 2012 at 11:37 am
No sign of RT HD on Freesat EPG yet although the service has gone live labelled 53148 non Freesat . Some guy catching reindeers on at the moment.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 16th, 2012 at 11:42 am
Forgot to say that makes 10 HD services available on a Freesat box although 3 are BBC1 HD’s. I haven’t counted the different ITV1 HD’s available in the 10 although I have counted STV HD.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 16th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Yep, watched a bit of RT HD this morning. PQ is fantastic on native material, all the on-screen graphics look good as well. Their twitter feed has some photos of the new studio they are showing off, assume it went live early morning Moscow time? I’d have thought it be a bit of a coup to get freesat to add to their platform (in place of the SD version for HD viewers) before Christmas.
The SD version has also gone wide-screen too but still flagged 4:3, that in itself will look better now although the HD version does look very good, nice to hear decent quality audio too as the audio bitrate on the SD version was always low and thus suffered artefacts.
NeilQuote
December 17th, 2012 at 7:29 am
That explains why the SD version is 4×3 while the HD version is 16×9. My box is set to auto not 16×9.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 17th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Hope he catches them before Christmas eve…
PhilQuote
December 17th, 2012 at 11:59 am
Hello
I wonder if anyone has any experience with watching the BBC iplayer and other on-demand services outside the UK. That’s to say 100% via the internet and not the sat.
I would like to use those services as well but I am not sure how to do it and if it is possible to watch those services in SD or even HD without the “Loading” or “please wait” symbol.
Thanks to all who can help.
Tom
TomQuote
December 18th, 2012 at 12:11 am
It’s 16:9 now.
NeilQuote
December 18th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
It wasn’t Santa.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 18th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
That’s good all we need now is a propaganda filter app.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 20th, 2012 at 6:46 am
Having watched it on and off the last few days, they do seem to like having a pop at the Americans and the west in general!
NeilQuote
December 20th, 2012 at 9:41 am
Indeed but it would be more effective if they joined the Freesat EPG.
Richard CrichtonQuote
December 21st, 2012 at 1:27 am
Watch this space I guess!!
I see Dance Nation is being re-branded Chart Show Dance on the 3rd, maybe we’ll now see this finally arrive on the platform as it’s the only CSC service missing from freesat.
NeilQuote
December 25th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
With the reference to several posts above:
I have tried today to adjust LNB skew on my 1.2m dish, however did not get the signal from Astra 2F yet. I will trying finer adjustments and if it does not help I will change to 1.5-1.6m dish.
RastiQuote
December 25th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
A 1.8 is confirmed working in Copenhagen. The new 2F must have a very deep null over parts of Scandanavia as reception is very poor in many places
RoscoQuote
December 26th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Hello Rasti
might I ask where you are located?
I am located in Braunschweig (Brunswick ; North of Germany) near Hanover.
But I have not tried to change the dish positions.
Best regards Tom
TomQuote
December 27th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
It’s about time every TV/Recorder came with Freesat HD built in as a standard equipment fit. They don’t come without freeview, no reason why they shouldn’t carry both platforms by LAW – our MP’s should push it through. I know many people with many TVs that have to have several freesat boxes ,as they get limited freeview content. ….another box running requiring yet another power supply using up valuable electricity….forget what Sky say….let them moan…but don’t let them manipulate our polititians….make it law ! …’FREE FREESAT’ for all…by default ! It’s envirnmentally friendly !
SandyQuote
December 27th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@ 132
Hi Tom
As I have written in previous posts, I am located in Denmark, near Aarhus. 1.2m dish (according to reports and beam maps) should be enough, however I need to make fine adjustments of it, incl LNB skew.
RastiQuote
January 10th, 2013 at 5:39 pm
hi there i am reading posts here that you scan boxes to get channels on freesat how do you do that i just have basic box live in scotland
rhonaQuote
January 25th, 2013 at 12:01 am
Its great that pick tv ect are freesat now but my box isnt updating at all. It normally does, i got the active channel so whats happen to pick and sky?
beeQuote