Satellite TV Update

[Deanscroft]

Further News
Test transmissions from the new 2E satellite ceased on 18th November which is when it was expected to move to its permanent position at 28.2 east but it didn`t. Its just sat there doing nothing. Perhaps its broken!!!! We can but hope.

 

[El Gordo]

What is this about channel 5 disappearing?

When did this happen ?

Was certainly still there at the beginning of November

Depends on your reception/size of dish etc.

We lost all the channel 5's when they shifted to the temporary satellite, so expect to lose all the others when they move to the new one.

 

[Deanscroft]

It really is a case of where you are and how big a dish you have. Generally speaking a normal (1.2M) dish in the Port is not big enough to get Ch5 but it would appear that you only have to go out as far as Son Toni and it then works.

 

[fil6699]

for some reason we get channel 5 after Midnight and we are not far out at all

 

[alcanadakid]

We seem to have all the channels here in Alcanada...... Is that tempting fate?

 

[debz1]

We lost Ch 5 in the summer but it's back again now in Pinaret ....at the moment!

 

[Deanscroft]

Good News for Christmas Viewing
Without actually admitting that anything is wrong SES (the Company that own and operate the Astra satellites) have stated that they do not expect the new Astra 2E satellite to be able to accept the transfer of TV channels from Astra 1N (ie the main UK channels) until February next year.

 

[El Gordo]

Good News for Christmas Viewing
Without actually admitting that anything is wrong SES (the Company that own and operate the Astra satellites) have stated that they do not expect the new Astra 2E satellite to be able to accept the transfer of TV channels from Astra 1N (ie the main UK channels) until February next year.

I know I shouldn't say it but.....GREAT.

Maybe we will have some TV for the dark nights of January!!!

 

[Deanscroft]

AND NOW THE BAD NEWS
It is now confirmed that the transfer of channels from Astra satellite 1N to the new 2E will start in early February and take several weeks (no hint as to just how many weeks several is). SES the operating company have also confirmed that all UK channels at present on the UK beam of 1N will move onto the Spot-beam of 2E. The list of channels affected includes BBC1,2,3,4,Alba, CBeebies, CBBC, Parliament, BBC Radio 1,2,3,4,5,6, ITV1,2,3,4, Ch4, Film4, More4, E4. For those of us who have already lost Ch5 these channels will now also disappear. Those of you who can still get Ch5 - keep your fingers crossed!.

 

[Nick]

This sounds ridiculous considering the amount of expats in Spain and its Balearic Islands. Surely there is a simple remedy to receiving these channels? Is it down to the size of the satellite dish?

 

[Deanscroft]

In short - Yes!

 

[Nick]

We might be okay then!!

 

[Sparky]

I was sent this info today in an email.

ASTRA 2E Now on the move! Only 10 days to blackout of BBC and ITV.

THE SATELLITE IS NOW MOVING INTO POSITION AND WILL TAKE APPROX 10 DAYS THEN THE CHANNELS WILL BEGIN TO BE MOVED TO THE NORTHERN BEAM.


This means that it will cut Off BBC; ITV Ch4, Ch5, Irish Channels Etc In Southern Spain And Portugal.

 

[Deanscroft]

Not quite - the satellite is now moving from its test position and will take approx ten days to reach its permanent position alongside the rest of the Astra fleet. Once there it is available to start taking over the transmissions presently coming from Astra 1N. SES ( the operating company) have stated that this changeover will start in early February and take several weeks.

 

[JMD40]

Do we have any correct information from the SAT companies as to whether there will be a solution to this problem once it starts to kick in. Will a larger dish, or re-alighnment of the dish be enough to ensure the reception of these channels.... BBC and ITV on freeview or is it a defo. no more english tv?
Concerned about offering SAT TV in the properties and when the summer arrives the channels will not be available. Does anyone know what will defo. be available? or what will defo not available?

 

[sws97sdg]

I have been reading this with interest and as rental places was mentioned I thought I would say that I for one am not all that interested in watching British TV while on holiday, or at least would like the option to watch spanish tv as well.
How is spanish tv received, do you just need an ariel or do you need a dish? Why do most rental places not offer both.
I am considering doing the opposite and having a dish here to watch spanish tv, anyone else doing that, I will start a new thread to ask advice.

 

[Deanscroft]

I regret that there is no definite answer to this until it actually happens. There are allot of TV companies around who will happily sell you a big dish for around 2000€. Equally there are also allot of internet Companies who want to tell you that the only way forward is internet tv but at the moment it is all speculation. The best guess at the moment is that if you don´t have Ch5 now then in a few weeks time you will loose all mainstream UK TV and a bigger dish is needed. If you can at the moment get CH5 sometimes then perhaps re-alignment of the dish, new top quality cable with no joints, better connections etc might just be enough to sort it. If at the moment you can get CH5 then sit back and wait (and possibly gloat a little).
With regard to Spanish TV - you only need a dish (and a subscription) if you want to watch Canal (the Spanish equiv´to Sky). For ordinary Spanish TV you just need an digital aerial and a digital TV or decoder.

 

[sws97sdg]

Thanks Deanscroft, that is interesting, if it has to be a digital tv that may explain it as most tv's in rental places mainly seem to be analogue or older style ones!

 

[JMD40]

Its worth noting that with the spanish tv, many of the programmes can also be viewed in their original language by going under menu.... considering the number of American programmes, it could be enough to satisfy most people!
I am moving soon and am unsure whether to bother removing my Sky dish, I have lost channel 5 in Pollensa town, and paying out for the installation.
Lets hold tight and see.

 

[Deanscroft]

SES the operating company have announced that Satellite 2E has today reach its permanent position and as of today is operational. Over the next few weeks all programming for Sky, Ch4, ITV and BBC will be moved on to the new UK beam.