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Satellite changes at 28.2° East
The Astra 2F satellite has now entered service at 28.2° East, transponders 57, 59, 61, 63 qnd 68 have already been transfered to Astra 2F.
The remaining transponders will be transfered to Astra 2E after it launches in September of 2013, the transfer of BBC services is expected to occur during the summer. No transfer date has been announced. Astra 1N will remain at 28.2° East until Astra 2E enters service.
What will all these changes entail for those currently viewing TV via Sky or Freesat? If you live within the intended reception area of the new satellites (the British Isles), then your viewing will not be affected and you will continue to receive all the services you currently have.
Viewers outside the British Isles in mainland Europe, may have to upgrade their dish to receive the new satellites, Astra 2E is expected to have identical coverage to that of Astra 2F.
Astra 2F Reception Reports Map by www.astra2.org & the Astra 2 Forum
https://maps.******.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=204957311454637204711.0004d126e21814cdbf26 b&msa=0
Comparing the UK Spotbeams on Astra 2F & Astra 1N
How will these changes affect viewers overseas?
There have been many rumours doing their rounds on the Internet, that overseas viewers will lose all their channels once these changes are complete. For viewers in some areas of Europe, this may be true, this depends on which spotbeam Sky decide to use for their channels. There is no reason for Sky to opt for the UK spotbeam, their channels are encrypted and there are no copyright issues. There are many expats who have legal subscriptions registered to a UK address, there are many British or Irish pubs and bars that have Sky Sports, these are all income for Sky.
It seems unlikely that Sky would want to lose this income, at this time there are no answers and no guarentees of future reception.
As for the main terrestrial broadcasters, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, these are using the UK spotbeam on Astra 2F and Astra 1N (to be replaced by Astra 2E). If you can already receive signals from the Astra 2F satellite, then little is likely to change over the coming years.
Many free-to-air channels currently use Eutelsat 28A at 28.5° east, launched in 2001 it has an expected life span of twelve years, there is currently no information on whether this satellite is to be replaced. There is currently a dispute between SES and Eutelsat over the use of this satellite position.
No Astra 2F reception, what options are available?
If you have previously received TV and radio via satellite and have now lost reception, there are still some options available.
Firstly, more information and reception reports from Astra 2F are being gathered all the time. These reports are helping to give some idea of Astra 2F's coverage and signal strength outside the British Isles. If you receive Astra 2F, please send in your report, you will help this site help many others.
If you wish to continue viewing by satellite, then a larger dish may be required to ensure reception in the future. Astra 2E is expected to be identical in its coverage to Astra 2F.
See:
https://maps.******.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=204957311454637204711.0004d126e21814cdbf26 b&msa=0
Watching British TV Online
All the main terrestrial PSB channels are available as live Internet streams, so wherever you live, even outside Europe, viewing is still possible.
Please remember, that that British broadcasters are under no obligation to provide any domestic services to viewers overseas.
All the main British broadcasters restrict their content to UK only IP addresses, this is due to copyright issues, they only have the rights for UK audiences.
Listed below are free services, though you will require a UK IP address to access official websites.
BBC TV on BBC iPlayer
The BBC broadcasts all of its television channels (with the exception of HD channels), on live Internet streams.
These broadcasts are only a few seconds behind the terrestrial and satellite broadcasts.
The quality is not perfect, though it is quite watchable either on your computer screen, or through you television via a HDMI, SCART or other A/V cables.
Most computers have some option to connect to external devices, see you computers and TV's user manuals for more information.
Video On Demand (VOD) content can be viewed in HD quality on BBC iPlayer.
NOTE: All live BBC streams and VOD content are restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
BBC live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
ITV
All of ITV's channels are available as live streams, all the channels are restricted to UK IP addresses only. Picture quality is quite good even on a large screen.
The ITV website uses Microsoft Silverlight as opposed to Flash (used by BBC iPlayer) and Windows Media.
Despite Silverlight being used some users, particularly Linux users have experienced difficulties with the service.
The service works best in Internet Explorer and Firefox, it does not currently work on the Safari browser.
You can watch ITV's channel on Windows, Apple and Linux.
To install Silverlight click
NOTE: All live ITV streams and VOD content are restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
ITV live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
ITV and ITV2 live streams are available at Schöener Fernsehen
Channel 4
Channel 4 does not currently stream any of its channels online, they do however offer a catchup service. Channel 4 offers a catch-up service called 4oD.
NOTE: All Channel 4 VOD content (4oD) is restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
Channel 4 live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
Channel 4 and Film4 live streams are available at Schöener Fernsehen
Channel 5
Channel 5 does not currently stream any of its channels online, they do offer a free catchup service Demand 5.
NOTE: All Channel 5 VOD content (4oD) is restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
Channel 4 live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
Listening to British Radio Online
Listening to British radio online is somewhat easier than watching TV, very few stations restrict their service to the UK.
BBC Radio on BBC iPlayer
All of the BBC's national, local and regional stations along with the BBC World Service, are available to listen to live on the internet (rights permitting), with appropriate media player software.
The easiest way to listen to BBC Radio, is with BBC iPlayer.
Visit the BBC Radio Website for information on reception and programming.
UK Radio Player
Radioplayer is an online audio player which gives you access to live, on demand and podcast radio from hundreds of stations in the UK.
Radioplayer is a not for profit company founded by the BBC, Global Radio, Guardian Media Group, Absolute Radio and RadioCentre to serve radio and its audiences by making listening easy.
See: Radioplayer for more information.
TuneIn
TuneIn is a another option available to radio listerners worldwide, listen to the world through live local and global radio from wherever you are. Whether you want music, sports, news or current events, TuneIn offers over 70,000 stations and 2 million podcasts for you to choose from, bringing you to where you want to be. All the
All the BBC's stations along with many commercial, local and community stations are available at this site.
See: United Kingdom Radio Stations
Internet Radios
Internet or wi-fi radios look much like any other radio, they can be connected to your home wireless network (WiFi)to give you access to thousands of internet radio stations including those from the United Kingdom.
You can access podcasts from BBC and commercial stations, just as you might use listen again on BBC iPlayer or UK Radio Player on your computer.
There are quite a few models available, prices range from around £75 - £150, not cheap, though they are an excellent solution for those with no satellite access.
See: Streaming
See: Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
See: Geoblocking
Current Satellites
Astra 2A
Astra 2A was launched in 1998, it has two spotbeams, both of which transmit on horizontal and vertical polarisation, "2A North" and "2A South". The South beam covers almost all of Europe, with the North beam covering only Northern Europe at a high power.
The body-stabilized Boeing 601 satellite is the best-selling large spacecraft model in the world. Eighty-one orders for the spacecraft had been received by January 2002.
The satellite has an expected lifespan of 15 years.
Astra 2B (No longer in service at 28.2° East)
Astra 2B is no longer in service at 28.2° East. All channels from Astra 2B have been transfered to the pan-European spotbeam of Astra 1N, until Astra 2E enters service later in the year.
Astra 2D (No longer in service at 28.2° East)
Astra 2D was launched from the Guiana Space Centre in December 2000. Astra 2D, was the first spin-stabilized satellite in the SES fleet, is a Boeing 376HP, for high-power, satellite..
The Boeing 376 is one of the most popular spacecraft models. The satellite has an expected lifespan of 12 years.
Astra 2D was the most difficult of the three to receive outside the British Isles, due to it's single UK spotbeam. Weak reception had been a problem for many overseas viewers for many years.
All frequencies from Astra 2D have been currently transfered to Astra 1N, soon to be moved to Astra 2F.
The New Satellites
In November 2009, Astrium was selected by SES to deliver three new communications satellites for it's satellite position at 28.2° east. The satellites, to be designated Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G, are scheduled for launch between 2012 and 2014. These satellites will be built on a Eurostar E3000 platform (the same model as Astra 1N), the latest version of Astrium’s Eurostar series which has proven to be highly reliable in commercial service. The design life of each satellite is 15 years.
Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Astra 2G will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° east.
Astra 2E, 2F and 2G will each have 55 Ku-band transponders at 130W RF power, they will have three deployable antennas with diameter up to 2.6m and one top-floor steerable 1.3m antenna.
The three antennas will be used for the tree spotbeams, two pan-european and one UK spotbeam.
Astra 2E
The Astra 2E satellite is due to launch on September 15, 2013 and will be located at 28.2° east.
Astra 2E will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° East.
The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland.
With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe’s largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality.
The BBC have confirmed their plans to move their services from Astra 1N to Astra 2E in 2013.
The overspill of the BBC’s services will be reduced so viewers outside the UK will find it even harder to receive them. Astra 2E will have the same UK footprint as Astra 2F, so if you can currently view channels from Astra 2F, there should be no problems receiving Astra 2E.
In February 2012, SES retired Astra 2D and BBC services moved to a new temporary home on Astra 1N. Astra 1N is due to take up its permanent position in 2013 (19°East), so the BBC’s services will move to their new permanent home on Astra 2E (28.2°East) when that becomes operational. SES expects Astra 2E to launch on July 2 2013, the BBC expect to move their services to Astra 2E during the Autumn of 2013.
The move of BBC services from 1N to their new permanent homes will have no impact on UK households. Astra 2E and 2F have the same, tighter though slightly more powerful UK spot beams which means that UK households should get a slightly stronger signal. So if you happened to be on the edge of coverage, you will hopefully get more reliable reception.
See Astra 2E http://www.astra2d.com/astra2e.html
Astra 2F
The Astra 2F satellite has now entered service at 28.2° East, transponders 57, 59, 61, 63 and 68 are active on Astra 2F.
Transponders on Astra 2F
Transponder 57, 10.964 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (Channel 5 (regions 1-5) 5 USA, 5 USA+1, 5*, 5*+1 and Channel 5 +1)
Transponder 59, 10.994 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (ITV1 regions)
Transponder 61, 11.023 H, 23000, 2/3, DVB-S2/8PSK, (BBC DSAT 8, BBC One HD)
Transponder 63, 11.053 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (ITV1 regions and ITV1 Granada HD)
Transponder 68, 11.126 V, 22000, 5/6 DVB-S/QPSK, (Channel 4 HD and 4Seven)
All transponders are on the UK Spotbeam.
See Astra 2F http://www.astra2d.com/astra2f.html
Astra 2G
The Astra 2G satellite is due to launch early in 2014 and will be located at 28.2° east.
Astra 2G will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° East.
The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland.
With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe’s largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality.
See Astra 2G http://www.astra2d.com/astra2g.html
The Astra 2F satellite has now entered service at 28.2° East, transponders 57, 59, 61, 63 qnd 68 have already been transfered to Astra 2F.
The remaining transponders will be transfered to Astra 2E after it launches in September of 2013, the transfer of BBC services is expected to occur during the summer. No transfer date has been announced. Astra 1N will remain at 28.2° East until Astra 2E enters service.
What will all these changes entail for those currently viewing TV via Sky or Freesat? If you live within the intended reception area of the new satellites (the British Isles), then your viewing will not be affected and you will continue to receive all the services you currently have.
Viewers outside the British Isles in mainland Europe, may have to upgrade their dish to receive the new satellites, Astra 2E is expected to have identical coverage to that of Astra 2F.
Astra 2F Reception Reports Map by www.astra2.org & the Astra 2 Forum
https://maps.******.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=204957311454637204711.0004d126e21814cdbf26 b&msa=0
Comparing the UK Spotbeams on Astra 2F & Astra 1N
How will these changes affect viewers overseas?
There have been many rumours doing their rounds on the Internet, that overseas viewers will lose all their channels once these changes are complete. For viewers in some areas of Europe, this may be true, this depends on which spotbeam Sky decide to use for their channels. There is no reason for Sky to opt for the UK spotbeam, their channels are encrypted and there are no copyright issues. There are many expats who have legal subscriptions registered to a UK address, there are many British or Irish pubs and bars that have Sky Sports, these are all income for Sky.
It seems unlikely that Sky would want to lose this income, at this time there are no answers and no guarentees of future reception.
As for the main terrestrial broadcasters, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, these are using the UK spotbeam on Astra 2F and Astra 1N (to be replaced by Astra 2E). If you can already receive signals from the Astra 2F satellite, then little is likely to change over the coming years.
Many free-to-air channels currently use Eutelsat 28A at 28.5° east, launched in 2001 it has an expected life span of twelve years, there is currently no information on whether this satellite is to be replaced. There is currently a dispute between SES and Eutelsat over the use of this satellite position.
No Astra 2F reception, what options are available?
If you have previously received TV and radio via satellite and have now lost reception, there are still some options available.
Firstly, more information and reception reports from Astra 2F are being gathered all the time. These reports are helping to give some idea of Astra 2F's coverage and signal strength outside the British Isles. If you receive Astra 2F, please send in your report, you will help this site help many others.
If you wish to continue viewing by satellite, then a larger dish may be required to ensure reception in the future. Astra 2E is expected to be identical in its coverage to Astra 2F.
See:
https://maps.******.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=204957311454637204711.0004d126e21814cdbf26 b&msa=0
Watching British TV Online
All the main terrestrial PSB channels are available as live Internet streams, so wherever you live, even outside Europe, viewing is still possible.
Please remember, that that British broadcasters are under no obligation to provide any domestic services to viewers overseas.
All the main British broadcasters restrict their content to UK only IP addresses, this is due to copyright issues, they only have the rights for UK audiences.
Listed below are free services, though you will require a UK IP address to access official websites.
BBC TV on BBC iPlayer
The BBC broadcasts all of its television channels (with the exception of HD channels), on live Internet streams.
These broadcasts are only a few seconds behind the terrestrial and satellite broadcasts.
The quality is not perfect, though it is quite watchable either on your computer screen, or through you television via a HDMI, SCART or other A/V cables.
Most computers have some option to connect to external devices, see you computers and TV's user manuals for more information.
Video On Demand (VOD) content can be viewed in HD quality on BBC iPlayer.
NOTE: All live BBC streams and VOD content are restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
BBC live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
ITV
All of ITV's channels are available as live streams, all the channels are restricted to UK IP addresses only. Picture quality is quite good even on a large screen.
The ITV website uses Microsoft Silverlight as opposed to Flash (used by BBC iPlayer) and Windows Media.
Despite Silverlight being used some users, particularly Linux users have experienced difficulties with the service.
The service works best in Internet Explorer and Firefox, it does not currently work on the Safari browser.
You can watch ITV's channel on Windows, Apple and Linux.
To install Silverlight click
NOTE: All live ITV streams and VOD content are restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
ITV live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
ITV and ITV2 live streams are available at Schöener Fernsehen
Channel 4
Channel 4 does not currently stream any of its channels online, they do however offer a catchup service. Channel 4 offers a catch-up service called 4oD.
NOTE: All Channel 4 VOD content (4oD) is restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
Channel 4 live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
Channel 4 and Film4 live streams are available at Schöener Fernsehen
Channel 5
Channel 5 does not currently stream any of its channels online, they do offer a free catchup service Demand 5.
NOTE: All Channel 5 VOD content (4oD) is restricted to UK only IP addresses (Geoblocked).
Channel 4 live streams are carried on TVCatchup (UK only IP addresses) and on FilmOn (Worldwide)
Listening to British Radio Online
Listening to British radio online is somewhat easier than watching TV, very few stations restrict their service to the UK.
BBC Radio on BBC iPlayer
All of the BBC's national, local and regional stations along with the BBC World Service, are available to listen to live on the internet (rights permitting), with appropriate media player software.
The easiest way to listen to BBC Radio, is with BBC iPlayer.
Visit the BBC Radio Website for information on reception and programming.
UK Radio Player
Radioplayer is an online audio player which gives you access to live, on demand and podcast radio from hundreds of stations in the UK.
Radioplayer is a not for profit company founded by the BBC, Global Radio, Guardian Media Group, Absolute Radio and RadioCentre to serve radio and its audiences by making listening easy.
See: Radioplayer for more information.
TuneIn
TuneIn is a another option available to radio listerners worldwide, listen to the world through live local and global radio from wherever you are. Whether you want music, sports, news or current events, TuneIn offers over 70,000 stations and 2 million podcasts for you to choose from, bringing you to where you want to be. All the
All the BBC's stations along with many commercial, local and community stations are available at this site.
See: United Kingdom Radio Stations
Internet Radios
Internet or wi-fi radios look much like any other radio, they can be connected to your home wireless network (WiFi)to give you access to thousands of internet radio stations including those from the United Kingdom.
You can access podcasts from BBC and commercial stations, just as you might use listen again on BBC iPlayer or UK Radio Player on your computer.
There are quite a few models available, prices range from around £75 - £150, not cheap, though they are an excellent solution for those with no satellite access.
See: Streaming
See: Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
See: Geoblocking
Current Satellites
Astra 2A
Astra 2A was launched in 1998, it has two spotbeams, both of which transmit on horizontal and vertical polarisation, "2A North" and "2A South". The South beam covers almost all of Europe, with the North beam covering only Northern Europe at a high power.
The body-stabilized Boeing 601 satellite is the best-selling large spacecraft model in the world. Eighty-one orders for the spacecraft had been received by January 2002.
The satellite has an expected lifespan of 15 years.
Astra 2B (No longer in service at 28.2° East)
Astra 2B is no longer in service at 28.2° East. All channels from Astra 2B have been transfered to the pan-European spotbeam of Astra 1N, until Astra 2E enters service later in the year.
Astra 2D (No longer in service at 28.2° East)
Astra 2D was launched from the Guiana Space Centre in December 2000. Astra 2D, was the first spin-stabilized satellite in the SES fleet, is a Boeing 376HP, for high-power, satellite..
The Boeing 376 is one of the most popular spacecraft models. The satellite has an expected lifespan of 12 years.
Astra 2D was the most difficult of the three to receive outside the British Isles, due to it's single UK spotbeam. Weak reception had been a problem for many overseas viewers for many years.
All frequencies from Astra 2D have been currently transfered to Astra 1N, soon to be moved to Astra 2F.
The New Satellites
In November 2009, Astrium was selected by SES to deliver three new communications satellites for it's satellite position at 28.2° east. The satellites, to be designated Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G, are scheduled for launch between 2012 and 2014. These satellites will be built on a Eurostar E3000 platform (the same model as Astra 1N), the latest version of Astrium’s Eurostar series which has proven to be highly reliable in commercial service. The design life of each satellite is 15 years.
Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Astra 2G will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° east.
Astra 2E, 2F and 2G will each have 55 Ku-band transponders at 130W RF power, they will have three deployable antennas with diameter up to 2.6m and one top-floor steerable 1.3m antenna.
The three antennas will be used for the tree spotbeams, two pan-european and one UK spotbeam.
Astra 2E
The Astra 2E satellite is due to launch on September 15, 2013 and will be located at 28.2° east.
Astra 2E will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° East.
The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland.
With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe’s largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality.
The BBC have confirmed their plans to move their services from Astra 1N to Astra 2E in 2013.
The overspill of the BBC’s services will be reduced so viewers outside the UK will find it even harder to receive them. Astra 2E will have the same UK footprint as Astra 2F, so if you can currently view channels from Astra 2F, there should be no problems receiving Astra 2E.
In February 2012, SES retired Astra 2D and BBC services moved to a new temporary home on Astra 1N. Astra 1N is due to take up its permanent position in 2013 (19°East), so the BBC’s services will move to their new permanent home on Astra 2E (28.2°East) when that becomes operational. SES expects Astra 2E to launch on July 2 2013, the BBC expect to move their services to Astra 2E during the Autumn of 2013.
The move of BBC services from 1N to their new permanent homes will have no impact on UK households. Astra 2E and 2F have the same, tighter though slightly more powerful UK spot beams which means that UK households should get a slightly stronger signal. So if you happened to be on the edge of coverage, you will hopefully get more reliable reception.
See Astra 2E http://www.astra2d.com/astra2e.html
Astra 2F
The Astra 2F satellite has now entered service at 28.2° East, transponders 57, 59, 61, 63 and 68 are active on Astra 2F.
Transponders on Astra 2F
Transponder 57, 10.964 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (Channel 5 (regions 1-5) 5 USA, 5 USA+1, 5*, 5*+1 and Channel 5 +1)
Transponder 59, 10.994 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (ITV1 regions)
Transponder 61, 11.023 H, 23000, 2/3, DVB-S2/8PSK, (BBC DSAT 8, BBC One HD)
Transponder 63, 11.053 H, 22000, 5/6, DVB-S/MPEG-2, (ITV1 regions and ITV1 Granada HD)
Transponder 68, 11.126 V, 22000, 5/6 DVB-S/QPSK, (Channel 4 HD and 4Seven)
All transponders are on the UK Spotbeam.
See Astra 2F http://www.astra2d.com/astra2f.html
Astra 2G
The Astra 2G satellite is due to launch early in 2014 and will be located at 28.2° east.
Astra 2G will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa, and will carry Ku-and Ka-band payloads at 28.2° East.
The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland.
With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe’s largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality.
See Astra 2G http://www.astra2d.com/astra2g.html
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