UK TV Costa Blanca Spain, British SatelliteTV in Spain, Costa Blanca Satellite TV

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

2012-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Discovery Max: New channel to TDT in Spain 12th January 2012

2012-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Discovery Max: New channel to TDT in Spain 12th January 2012

Discovery Networks will launch "Discovery Max" on the 12th January 2012, as 1745.

Discovery Max will be available for free, on Spains TDT Digital TV service.

Discovery Max replaces the current channel of Veo.

Discovery Max will will include content from Discovery Networks channels, including American Chopper, Born Survivor with Bear Grylls, Mythbusters, Deadliest Catch, Ink Inc, Destroyed in Seconds and more.

As many of these channels originalted in the USA or the UK, it can be expected that many of these programmes will be offered with the original English audio soundtrack.

The new Discovery Max channel is currently available, prior to launch, but is showing test transmission using a showreel of the programmes it will be showing.

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

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 Costa Blanca

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

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

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

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

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

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

No mention of Five HD joining Freesat soon.

Channel 4 HD - change of frequencies for reception on Sky HD and Freesat HD Costa Blanca

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

Channel 4 HD - change of frequencies for reception on Sky HD and Freesat HD Costa Blanca

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 the Costa Blanca and Valencia areas of Spain.

Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain

2011-07-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Channel 5 on Freesat in Costa Blanca Spain

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

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

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

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

In many cases you will not 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

Free UK TV channels available in Costa Blanca on a small satellite dish

2011-07-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2011-07-10T10:07:00.001-07:00

"I have no signal quality on my Sky dish in Costa Blanca 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 Blanca

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

2011-06-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

Changes to BBC1HD and BBCHD frequencies June 2011

2011-06-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

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

Live SPorts on BBC Sport Red Button service for June 2011

2011-06-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

BBC Sports Interactive Streams - Live Sport in June 2011
Wednesday 1 June

Tennis

1000-1900 Live coverage of the French Open from Roland Garros, Paris.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 2 June

Tennis

1000-1900 Live coverage of the French Open from Roland Garros, Paris.

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka Not available on Freeview

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 3 June

Tennis

1000-1900 Live coverage of the French Open from Roland Garros, Paris.

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka Not available on Freeview

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 4 June

Triathlon

0900-1120 Live coverage of the World Series Triathlon Men's Race from Madrid.

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Motorcycling

1150-1500 Live coverage of the 125cc, MotoGP & Moto2 Qualifying races from Catalunya, Spain.Moto2 delayed on Freeview - available 1630-1730

Rugby Union

1400-1650 Live coverage of Wales v Barbarians with alternative commentaries

Athletics

1800-2000 Live coverage of the Diamond League Athletics from Eugene, USA.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 5 June

Motorcycling

0950-1205 Live coverage of the 125cc and Moto2 Qualifying races from Catalunya, Spain.

1400-1430 Post-race analysis, interviews & debate presented by Matt Roberts.

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Triathlon

1330-1550 Live coverage of the World Series Triathlon Women's Race from Madrid. Not available on Freeview

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday 6 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Tennis

1230-2000 live coverage of the Aegon Lawn Tennis Tournament from Queen's Club London.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 7 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Tennis

1230-2000 live coverage of the Aegon Lawn Tennis Tournament from Queen's Club London.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 8 June

Tennis

1230-2000 live coverage of the Aegon Lawn Tennis Tournament from Queen's Club London.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 9 June

Tennis

1230-2000 live coverage of the Aegon Lawn Tennis Tournament from Queen's Club London.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 10 June

Tennis

1230-2000 live coverage of the Aegon Lawn Tennis Tournament from Queen's Club London. 1230-1450 & 1640-1850 on Freeview

Formula One

1455-1635Live coverage of the 1st practice session from the Canadian Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

1855-2035 Live coverage of the 2nd practice session from the Canadian Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 11 June

Motorcycling

1250-1605 Live coverage of the 125cc, MotoGP & Moto2 Qualifying races from Silverstone.Moto2 delayed on Freeview - available 1605-1705

Formula One

1455-1605 Live coverage of the 3rd practice session from the Canadian Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

1715-1915 Live coverage of the qualifying session from the Canadian Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

Athletics

2000-2200 Live coverage of the Diamond League Athletics from New York.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 12 June

Motorcycling

1105-1215 Live coverage of the 125cc race from Silverstone.

1430-1525 Live coverage of the Moto2 race from Silverstone.

Formula One

1700-2015 Live coverage of the Canadian Grand Prix with audio options, Onboard camera, rolling highlights. Limited options on Freeview

2015-2115 Post-race analysis and debate hosted by Jake Humphrey.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 14 June

Horse Racing

1715-1800 Extended live coverage of the last races of the day from Royal Ascot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 15 June

Horse Racing

1715-1800 Extended live coverage of the last races of the day from Royal Ascot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 16 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Horse Racing

1715-1800 Extended live coverage of the last races of the day from Royal Ascot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 17 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Horse Racing

1715-1800 Extended live coverage of the last races of the day from Royal Ascot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 18 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Triathlon

1325-1545 Live coverage of the Men's Triathlon from Kitzbuhel, Austria

Horse Racing

1715-1800 Extended live coverage of the last races of the day from Royal Ascot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 19 June

Rowing

0920-1320 Live World Cup rowing from Hamburg, Germany

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Triathlon

1130-1250 Live coverage of the Women's Triathlon from Kitzbuhel, Austria. Delayed coverage on Freeview from 1330-1450

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday 20 June

Cricket

1045-1830 Live TMS commentary with graphics scorecard, photos and stats of the 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka. Not available on Freeview

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 21 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 22 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 23 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 24 June

Formula One

0855-1035 Live coverage of the 1st practice session from the German Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

1255-1435 Live coverage of the 2nd practice session from the Canadian Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

Motorcycling

0955-1105 Live coverage of the 125cc, MotoGP & Moto2 Qualifying races from Assen. Freeview coverage to be confirmed

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches. Freeview coverage to be confirmed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 25 June

Formula One

0855-1035 Live coverage of the 3rd practice session from the German Grand Prix with 5Live commentary.

1210-1415 Live coverage of the qualifying session from the German Grand Prix with 5Live commentary. Audio options not available on Freeview

Motorcycling

1050-1220 Live coverage of the 125cc & Moto2 races from Assen. 1110-1220 on Freeview

1320-1505 Live coverage of the MotoGP race from Assen.

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches. 1215-1330 & 1510-1600 on Freeview

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 26 June

Formula One

1200-1530 Live coverage of the German Grand Prix with audio options, Onboard camera, rolling highlights. Limited options on Freeview

1530-1630 Post-race analysis and debate hosted by Jake Humphrey.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday 27 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches. No Freeview coverage from 1640-1910

Football

1645-1900 Live coverage of the Women's World Cup match between England and Mexico

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 28 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 29 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 30 June

Tennis

1200-2100 Live coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with a choice of matches.

BBC Sport "Red Button" Interactive Sports Service

This service is normally only available on a Sky receiver by pressing the Red Button when on BBC1 or BBC2 (or by selecting the “Streams” on a generic receiver). However, if you are able to receive BBC News, which should be available on a small 80cm dish, press the Red Button Red or Text type in the page number 3001 press select, which is the page number for BBC Sports Interactive. If the system is working you will be looking at the BBC Sports Interactive service.

To watch the BBC Sports Interactive service stream on Sky boxes

BBC News (Sky channel 503)
Red Button
3001
Select

or

BBC News (Sky Channel 503)
Red Button
Sports
Sports Multiscreen

To watch the BBC Sports Interactive service stream on Non Sky Boxes

Select from the channel lists
Stream-0
Stream-1
Stream-2
Stream-3
Stream-4
Stream-5
Stream-6

These streams are available on satellite frequency 12441 polarisation v symbol rate 27500

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

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

2010-10-18T14:55:00.001-07:00

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

Sky Sports on Freesat - options being considered

2010-07-19T05:19:00.001-07:00

Freesat is looking to take advantage of Ofcom’s Wholesale Must Offer rules, offering a pay-TV package, even though many of its set-top boxes don’t feature the necessary conditional access smart card slot.

Managing director Emma Scott told The Guardian that the option of offering subscribers the ability to sign up for Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 was currently being discussed at board level. However, no final decision has been made, and there are concerns that any pay offer might run counter to the Freesat brand

In order to offer pay-TV services, however, Freesat would require the approval of the BBC Trust, and the move would also run counter to its brand name.

Freesat, launched by the BBC and ITV as a joint venture in May 2008, has built a customer base of 1.25 million, ahead of expectations, and is projected to reach 2 million by the end of switchover in 2012. It offers more than 150 channels, high definition and access to the BBC iPlayer.

More than half its customers are former Sky homes, followed by Freeview homes upgrading, with the majority opting for high-definition boxes.

"There is a real gap in the market for people who love and want free television," Scott said.

The British TV market is currently delicately poised, with half consisting of free-to-air homes and half of pay-TV subscribers, principally through BSkyB and Virgin Media. Freesat is financed by a £10.7m annual budget, which comes from shareholders and revenue.

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

Film4 HD to launch on July 20 - on Virgin Media ONLY

2010-07-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Virgin Media has announced that Film4 HD will become available on its cable TV platform on July 20.

Launching on position 429 on Virgin Media's electronic programming guide, Film4 HD will offer a daily lineup of British, American and foreign films in high definition, alongside interviews and exclusive programming.

The channel will also carry movies produced by Film4, such as Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky, Ken Loach's Looking For Eric and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

While announcing Film4 HD in March, Virgin Media's director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose said: "Channel 4 has a great track record in delivering innovative and compelling content and we're delighted to bring some of their very best films and most popular programmes to our customers in stunning HD.

"As more and more households become HD-ready, we're lining up content that makes the most of high definition and are making HD available to all our of customers for no extra fee."

Channel 4 head of VOD and channel development Sarah Rose added: "We're really excited to be launching Film4 HD and showcasing some fantastic British films to millions of viewers in high definition.

"There's a growing appetite for HD and our lineup of Channel 4 HD, E4 HD and now Film4 HD provides a great choice of HD content for viewers."

For the Film4 HD launch, Virgin Media has rearranged the Film4 bouquet of channels on its EPG, which runs as follows:

428 Film4
429 Film4 HD
430 Film4 +1

In May, Channel 4 confirmed plans to increase the development and financing budget at Film4 by 20% to help the division back more British filmmaking talent.

Source: _http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/news/a243471/film4-hd-to-launch-on-july-20.html

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

ITV TV Frequencies for Sky and Freesat Receivers.

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

ITV Channel Frequency settings for Sky TV and Freesat TV.

Reception of the frequencies on Astra 2D are the ones that require a "big dish".

There are some ITV1 regions that require a Sky card to view. These regions of ITV1 are NOT available on Freesat.

10758 V 22000 5/6
ITV 1 London
ITV 2
CITV (07-19)
ITV 4
ITV 1 Granada
ITV 1 Anglia North
ITV 1 Central West

10832 H 22000 5/6
ITV 4 +1
ITV 1 Wales
ITV 1 Westcountry West
ITV 1 Westcountry South West
ITV 1 Border England

10891 H 22000 5/6
ITV 1 Border Scotland
ITV 1 Tyne Tees North
Men & Motors
ITV 1 Meridian South
ITV 1 Meridian South East
ITV 1 Anglia South
ITV 1 Yorkshire West
ITV 2 +1

10906 V 22000 5/6
Channel Islands ITV
STV North
STV West
STV East Ulster TV
ITV 3
ITV 3 +1 (19-07)
(STV - Scottish TV)

12402 V 27500 2/3
ITV1 Anglia West
ITV1 Central SW
ITV1 Meridian North
ITV1 Meridian SE
ITV1 Tyne Tees South
ITV1 Yorkshire East

(Sky card required for these ITV1 regions)

11973 V 27500 2/3
ITV 1 Central South
ITV 1 Central East
ITV1 HD

(Sky card required for these ITV1 regions)

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

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

TDT via satellite - interesting survey results

2010-05-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

A recent survey saw that an overwhelming 98% responded that they wanted a Satellite DTT as in other countries.

Many of the current problems of TDT reception are due to grey areas, where TDT signals are either very weak or nonexistant. In Spain 1.5% of the population live in these TDT grey areas, which rises to over 35% if you count areas bloccked by buildings. A total of more than 2 million households would receive NO TV in a position today and another 3.5 million million have pixilation, Fadding or white noise along the coast.

This could be solved by TDT by satellite

According to the latest survey on satellite DTT, 97.7% of Internet users who responded to the consultation want access to TDT channels via satellite for free, as in most European countries, such as France, Italy and the UK (Freesat).

Unlike in Spain, the governments of these countries have opted for open models in the distribution of DTT by the alternative pathway of the satellite, making it easier for all who want access to this modality.

The result is that any French citizen, English or Italian has only to approach a distributor (dealer or supermarket) to buy the receiver and the corresponding card (if required - not in the UK, but in France - TNTSAT) for a price of around 100 euros.

Another difference is that in these cases the package is available by satellite is the same as the land based transmitters and includes the HD channels and pay channels.

In Spain access to satellite DTT is much more restricted because we have to go to an installer approved by Abertis and meet certain requirements and procedures, which lengthen the process and make it expensive: The installer goes to the user's home (which should be in shaded area) to check that there is no possibility of receiving the TDT signal and draws up a report submitted by Abertis. Abertis gives its approval and delivery to the user keys that can unlock the receiver and the card (also approved by Abertis). Once these unlocked, the installer returns the address of the user to proceed to the final installation. The average cost of a satellite installation of DTT in Spain is around 400 euros.

In addition, each receptor is only for a TV and its reception capacity is limited to two transponders on Hispasat.

The survey, which was attended by 8545 Internet users, giving results very clear about how you should distribute satellite DTT in Spain:

- 8348 people, 97.69% of participants want a cheap satellite DTT and free access, as in other countries.

- 1.33% DTT Satellite wants a free access, no matter the price.

- 0.44% The states that do not need satellite DTT in Spain.

- 0.41% is satisfied as currently distributed by Abertis.

And the 0.12% estimated that DTT is not necessary as some satellite channels are available in packages of payment.

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

Facebook "Videos" virus and scam

2010-05-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Facebook "Videos" virus and scam

Thousands of Facebook users are reporting that they have been hit by a malware attack posing as a video of young bikini-clad women on a beach.

The messages are posted on the walls of Facebook members, seemingly from their friends and associates on the site, with a thumbnail which appears to be an image of a young woman's bottom in a bikini.

The messages read:

, this is hilarious! lol Distracting Beach Babes [HQ] Length: 5:32

The "Distracting Beach Babes" scam appears to be the latest incarnation of the widespread "Sexiest Video Ever" assault.

The "Sexiest Video Ever" messages reads:

, this is without doubt the sexiest video ever!

accompanied by what appears to be a video with the title "Candid Camera Prank [HQ]". The message has what appears to be a movie thumbnail of a woman on a bicycle wearing a short skirt, and the video's length is given as 3:17.

See the Facebook Sexiest Video Ever attack and how it works on the video below

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

Sony SET TV on TDT

2010-04-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sony Entertainment TV SET has been replaced by AXN on Spains TDT service.

This is the reason why you can no longer get SET on TDT and are getting a "scrambled" or "encrypted" message.

http://satandpcguy.com/forum/sony-set-to-be-replaced-by-axn-t2136.html

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

Loss of UK TV BBC ITV Astra 2d signals in Spain in the mornings

2010-03-07T14:46:00.001-08:00

Well its that time of the year again when you may be experiencing some signal loss on yur Sky UK satellite TV systems.

For about 10 minutes a day, there will be a temporary loss of the UK TV channel frequencies via the Astra 2D satellite for about 10 or 15 minutes a day.

This will normally be happening at around 11 am CET.

This is beacuse the Astra 2D satellite, that carries BBC and ITV channels, is directly in line with the sun. It is assumed that he suns energy swamps the signals from the "weaker beamed" Astra 2D satellite, resulting in a loss of BBC ITV Channel 4 channels in Spain for this short amount of time.

This happens twice a year. There are two times in the year when the sun, Astra 2d and the earth are in alignment and the sun causes this drop out in signal. It happens early March and in October.

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 Five, Fiver and Five USA in Spain?

2010-03-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

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

Freeview vs Freesat vs Freesatfromsky vs Sky

2010-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

I was asked this question earlier and I thought it may be good for here also...

"Please excuse my ignorance - but is freeview the same as freesat?"

FREEVIEW
"Freeview" is the brand name of a UK Digital TV service ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK. it is available via TV aerials on the houses, and is only transmitted from TV transmitters in the UK. you will need either a freeview "set top box" or a TV with freeview built in.

Freeview is not available in spain.

Freeview channels are listed at http://www.freeview.co.uk/

There are channels on freeview that you have to pay for on freesat!

Spain has its own version of "Freeview" called TDT - 30ish digital Spanish TV channels via a TV aerial...many programmes you can change the programmes into their original audio...not always English as a few German programmes have cropped up...you will need a TDT "set top box" or a TV with TDT built in.

FREESAT
You have "Freesat" receivers - they only have about 100 channels on their EPG at the moment. they receive "free to air" channels. Freesat receivers will have the Freesat logo on them.

Freesat Channel List

FREESATFROMSKY
You have Sky receivers and a £20 "freesatfromsky" card, - many more channels than Freesat. They receive "free to air" channels and Five, Five US and Fiver, Sky Three, Liverpool FC TV and Viva TV ("known as "free to view" channels)

Freesat From Sky Channel List

SKY TV SUBSCRITPION

If you have a sky receivers and want to pay monthly used for Free to air, free to veiw and subscription channels...

Sky Channel List

Note that many installers are using generic receivers (sometimes called Free To Air receivers) and calling them Freesat or Freeview receivers which may be confusing people. Official Freesat and Sky receivers have a full 7 day programme guide...generic FTA receivers only have now and next programme infomation.

Genuine Freesat recivers have the Freesat logo on them:

Note that reception of Freesat Sky and other UK TV channels depends on your location and dish size

REBROADCASTING
Be wary of:

- companies offering BBC and ITV on a small dish - these can only be legitimatly received direct from the Astra 2D satellite for free via a minimun of 1.4m dish (some areas 1.8m)

- companies offering BBC and ITV for a monthly subscription - BBC and ITV are free on satellite and do not need a subscription

- companies offering "Freesat" with only 20 or 64 channels - by satellite you will recieve over 100 free tv channels, not 20 or 64. the BBC have over 15 regional variations on satellite alone

- companies offering Sky Sports for less than £36 per month or ESPN sports for less than £14 per month - the costs of legitimate subscriptions to these channels.

- companies showing other countries sports channels like Showtime

- companies saying they get BBC and ITV from a satellite (like Hotbird) other than Astra 2 - BBC and ITV are only broadcast on one "satellite constellation (those satellites at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees)

as these companies will more than likely be a rebroadcasting servies whos signal may be terminated just like Telemicro.

PETAL DISHES
Some companies are jumping on the rebroadcsat switch-off bandwagon and offering inferior and poor quality "petal" satellite dishes. In my and many other installers opinion these "fortecstar" petal satellite dishes are a waste of money - one installer said that the 2.4 petal dish performed as good as a 1.4m solid dish and "avoid if you can".

If in doubt, try and find out how long the company has been installing for - check past issues of local newspapers, as since the problems with Telemicro lots of new installation companies have appeared on the scene, and offering poor dishes and receivers in an effort to make money for themselves out of the situation. Be wary of companies using just a mobile phone number, a free hotmail and gmail email addresses and free websites.

ADVANTAGES OF TRUE SATELLITE INSTALLATIONS

With a Sky or Freesat receiver you can get BBC interactive, Sky Active and a full 7 day programme guide. you may need a big dish, youo may pay more for the installation, but at least the signal is pretty much gaurenteed as it it a digital signal direct from the satellite and is not reliant on a third party.

Pure digital broadcasting, not reliant on second or third or fourth generation signals as the signals gets past from one rebroadcast transmitter to another. many ex rebroadcasting clients have commented on how ggod the signal direct fromt he satellite is compared to that of a rebroadcasted signal.

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

TDT in Spain - The Spanish TV version of UK Freeview

2010-02-13T02:49:00.000-08:00

UK Freeview TV in Spain

You will not be able to receive FREEVIEW in Spain. It is impossible to get Freeview in Spain. Freeview is only available in the UK, and is only able to be received in the UK via a TV aerial. The nearest Freeview transmitter is in Cornwall, and that transmitters signal is not powerful enough to reach Spain.

UK Freeview TV in Spain

Digital Terrestrial TV in Spain - TDT

There are no UK channels available on Spain's TDT Digital Terrestrial service. TDT only has Spanish TV channels, however, on the many UK and USA imports, you are able to change the Spanish language / soundtrack to that programmes original (probably English) language / soundtrack.

Spanish TDT Channels

Depending on your locating on the Costa Blanca Spain, TDT can provide around 30 digital TV channels.

Here is a list of the channels that are available form most TDT transmitters in Spain.

La2 and Teledeporte show some UK Premiership FA and Carling Cup football, and sometimes some 3pm Saturday matches.

Sony Entertainment TV, K33/300, TV3, Disney Channel, La1, Antenna3, Neox, Nova, Quatro, La Sexta, Cinco all have the ability to transmit in English (or original language!).

TDT Channels in Spain

The big Spanish analogue TV system is slowly switched off across the country, total shutdown is expected to be the 31st March. Many main Spanish TV channels like TVE will only be available omn digital TV systems. However some smaller more local TV stations will continue to be available on analogue TV systems, but for who long....

For more information visit
http://www.satandpcguy.com/
or
www.satandpcguy.com/forum

UK TV In Spain Frequently Asked Questions

2010-01-28T04:03:00.000-08:00

Can I receive Freesat in Spain?
Can I watch Sky TV in Spain?

These and many more questions are always being asked as people try to decide what is the best way to receive UK TV channels in Spain on the various satellite and digital terrestrial services.

With this in mind, we have created a number of pages which tries to answer all your UK TV in Spain questions.

Frequently Asked Questions - UK TV in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions - Freesat TV In Spain

Frequently Asked Questions - Freeview TV in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions - Sky TV in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions - TDT in Spain

If a specific question is not answered on these pages then you can always try our forum - http://www.satandpcguy.com/forum/

What UK TV Channels are available on small dish in the Costa Blanca of Spain

2010-01-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

UK TV Channels Available on Small Dish Costa Blanca Spain

Here is list (correct as at December 2009) of the UK TV channels that you should be able to receive on the Costa Blanca area of Spain on a small satellite dish. These can be received on most (if not all) digital satellite receivers, including Sky TV and Freesat TV digiboxes, and also other "generic" decoders like Darkboxes or Manhatten satellite receivers. This is because all these UK TV channels are available for free - meaning that they do not require a Sky viewing card to watch them.

These UK TV channels are available on a small satellite dish, about 80cm to 1m satellite dish) as these channels are on the Astra 2A south beam frequencies, the Astra 2B south beam frequencies and the pan European Eurobird 1 beam frequencies.

Popular Channels
S4C
CBS Reality
CBS Reality +1
CBS Action
CBS Drama
Film24
Information TV
BBC Alba
Travel Channel
Travel Channel+1
Food Network
Food Network+1

Movie Channels
Zone Horror
Zone Horror+1
True Movies
True Movies 2
Movies 4 Men
Movies 4 Men+1
Movies 4 Men2
Movies 4 Men2+1

Music Channels
Chart Show TV
The Vault
Flava
OMusic TV
Channel AKA
Starz TV
Bliss
Skuzz
Flaunt
NME TV
Clubland

News Channels
Sky News
Bloomberg
BBC News
BBC Parliament
CNN
S4C2
Euronews
CCTV-9
Russia Today
France 24
Al Jazeera
Press TV
NHK World TV

Children's Channels
POP
Tiny POP
Tiny POP+1
POPGirl
POPGirl+1
Kix!

Other Channels

Luxe TV

Body in Balance

Rural TV

Horse and Country

Fitness TV

My Channel

BEN

AIT International

True Ent

BET

BET+1

propeller

OHTV

Controversial TV

Unexplained TV

NTAI

Channel M

HiTV

OBE

Sumo TV

Fashion TV

wedding tv

wedding tv asia

Renault TV

Religion Channels

God Channel

GOD Europe

Wonderful

TBN Europe

DAYSTAR

revelation

UCB TV

Inspiration

Loveworld TV

EWTN

Gospel Channel

Genesis

Failth

KICC TV

DBN

Radio Station Channels

BBC Radio 1

BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 3

BBC Radio 4

Classic FM

Absolute

Capital

Planet Rock

Heart

Galaxy

XFM

Choice FM

BBC World Service

BBC Radio Scotland

BBC Radio Wales

BBC Radio Ulster

BBC Radio Asian

BBC Radio 6 Music

BBC Radio 7

BBC Radio 1Xtra

RTE Radoi 1Xtra

Gold

LBC

Kiss

Magic

NME

Caroline

Absolute 80's

Jazz FM

BBC Sports Interactive Service Streams

To watch the BBC Sports Interactive service stream on Sky boxes

BBC News

Red Button

3001

Select

or

BBC News

Red Button

Sports

Sports Multiscreen

To watch the BBC Sports Interactive service stream on Non Sky Boxes

Select from the channel lists

Stream-0
Stream-1
Stream-2
Stream-3
Stream-4
Stream-5
Stream-6

These streams are available on frequency 12441 polarisation v symbol rate 27500

For more information visit

TV on small satellite dish Costa Blanca Spain.php
http://www.satandpcguy.com/
or
www.satandpcguy.com/forum

How to get UK Freeview in English on the Costa Blanca, Spain

2010-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

How to get UK Freeview in English on the Costa Blanca, Spain

You cannot receive Freeview on the Costa Blanca, Spain.

"Freeview" is the brand name of a UK Digital Terrestrial TV service.

It is transmitted from TV transmitters in the UK - ir terrestrial transmitters.

The nearest Freeview transmitter to Spain is in Cornwall, and its signal is not strong enough to be received in Spain. In fact it is was strong enough, then it may be that they would only need on TV transmitter mast in the UK!

However, many channels available on Freeview are also available on satellite - for free. These channels include: BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, Five.

There are also channels that are available for free on the Freeview system that you have to pay for, via a Sky TV subscription and viewing card, on satellite - like Dave, UK History.

You cannot use a Freeview receiver / digibox to receive Freesat TV or Sky TV. Freeview receivers are not compatiable with satellite signals and as such, Freesat TV and Sky TV receivers are not compatiable with Freeview terrestrial siganls (although there may be some combined Freesat Freeview receivers available.)

In Spain, you do have a digital terrestrial TV service, called Television Digital Terrstrial - TDT.
It delivers up to 30 digital TV channels. These are Spanish TV channels. There are no UK TV channels available on TDT. However, you can, in many cases, changed the imported American and UK programmes from their dubbed Spanish audio soundtrack into their original English lanaguage audio soundtrack.

I am sure I saw the latest ITV1 "I'm A Celebrety Get Me Out OF Here" with Ant and Dec on Siete, a Digital TV channel available in Spain. What is the Spanish translation of "Why eye man!"?

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

No more TTon4 onthe Costa Blanca?

2010-01-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Are you asking where has TTon4 gone?
Has your TTon4 Channel 4 disappeared!
Are you missing your TTon4 Channel 4 programmes!

Unfortunately, from the 13th January 2010, the Channel Four test channel TTon4 is no longer available to viewers in the Costa Blanca Spain area.

TTon4 was used by many to view Channel 4 without a Sky viewing card, and best of all, it could also be viewed on a small satellite dish, where are the normal Channel 4 channels required a big 1.8 or 2.4m satellite dish, or a Sky viewing card.

If you have a new white Sky viewing card, then all is not lost. You should still be able to watch Channel 4, by using th other version on the same frequency. These versions are the Irish versions of Channel 4, so not all programmes will be exactly scheduled as the UK version of Channel 4.

You can add these Irish Sky viewing card versions of Channel 4 to yur Sky box as follows:
Press Services
Press 4
Press 4
Type in the Channel 4 frequency of 12480, polarisation V, Symbol Rate 27.5 and and FEC of 2/3.
Press Find Channels
This should bring up a list of channels on this frequency.
Navigate to the first "Channel 4", and press the YELLOW button.
This places a tick next to the channel.
Press Select and you will see the Channel List updated.
Press Select.
Pres the Sky button.

To view this added channel Press Services, and navigate to your "other channels" list and select "Channel 4" from the list.

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 Default Transponder Settings Costa Blanca Spain

2010-01-09T01:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a Sky Digibox will crash and display the message "No Satellite Signal is Being Received".

This normally happens when there has been a power cut. When the power is restored, the box just gives the "no signal" message. For short power cuts, an interruptible power supply (UPS or SAI) should prevent this.

When a Sky digibox is turned on it tries to download information from a specific default frequency from the satellite. The digibox must have this information to start to work.

The default transponder frequency setting that the decoder is initially set on (11778) is one of the weaker signals in Spain and the Costa Blanca. So should you experience one of Spain frequent power cuts during this period, your digibox may be unable to boot up.

Therefore, to assist the digibox to receive the bare minimum information it requires boot up the default frequency must be changed to another frequency to enable the initial information download.

1 Physically unplug your box from the mains supply for (at least) ten seconds.

2 Plug the box back into the mains

3 Wait two minutes

4 Turn the box on with the remote - until the box shows a green light, not a red one.

5 Press the Services Button.

6 Press, in succession but without pausing, 4, 0, 1 and Select You should now be in the Installer's Menu.

7 Press 2 - Default Transponder

8 Select the Frequency (GHz) box line and type in 12129 (the default is 11778). If this doesn't work, you can also try 12441, 12051 or 12207.

9 Scroll down and select Polarization. This should show V. (There are only two choices, V and H; if necessary, change by pressing the right key (to the right of Select) on your remote.

10 Scroll down to Save New Settings and press Select. This will bring you back to the Installers Menu.

11 If the process has been done correctly you should see the current date and time at the top left of the screen. This means the box has managed to located a signal from the satellite and the information download has started.

12 Press Back Up Three Times. Your screen should now display "Searching For Listings".

13 Wait a couple of minutes for channel 998 to "come in". (On some small satellite dish systems, the actual channel may not "come in" but then programme information banner at the bottom will be populated with the programme information - once this is populated then your channels should all be available)

The process is now complete, and you should be able to select the channel of your choice.

You do not have to do this process for Freesat or Generic receivers, just Sky receiver.

If you want to see how this process works, you can watch a video of the operation

www.satandpcguy.com/Site/sky_satellite_default_transponder_frequency_settings_costa_blanca_spain.htm

For more information visit

http://www.satandpcguy.com/
or
www.satandpcguy.com/forum

UK TV (Satellite) Options for the Costa Blanca Spain

2009-12-13T03:05:00.000-08:00

Freeview Freesat Freesatfromsky Sky UK TV Satellite Systems for Costa Blanca In Spain

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The Various systems
Freeview
TDT
Freesat
Freesatfromsky
Sky
Sky+
SkyHD
Generic
Digital+
BBC Prime
MBC / Dubai One / Fox Movies / Arabic

2. Channels

Whats On A Sky Freetoview Card

3. Dishes

Big Dishes
Dish Sizes
What Can You Get On an 80cm Dish
Community Installs

4. Rebroadcasting

How to spot a rebroadcaster

5. Advantages of Satellite

Interactive News and Sport

6. Default Transponder Settings for Spain

Resetting your Sky Receiver after powercut
Additional Channels

7. Auto Standby

8. Sky Programme Guide (EPG)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1 The Various systems

FREEVIEW TV COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

"Freeview" is the brand name of a UK Digital TV service ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK. it is available via tv aerials on the houses, and is only transmitted from TV transmitters in the UK. you will need either a Freeview "set top box" or a TV with Freeview built in.

Freeview is not available in Spain.
However, a Freeview box may work OK in Spain, as it is able to receive the digital TV signals from Spains own version of Freeview, called TDT

http://www.freeview.co.uk/home

There are channels on Freeview that you have to pay for on Sky - like Dave, UK History.

This said, you will know if an installer knows what he is talking about, as they should know that Freeview is not available in Spain, and shld not really be advertising the service here in Spain, as Freeview cannot be received in Spain.

TDT (Television Digital Terrestrial)

Spain has its own version of "Freeview" called Television Digital Terrestrial (TDT). Approx 30 digital spanish tv channels via a TV aerial...many chnnels / programmes you can change the programmes into their original audio...not always english as a few German programmes have cropped up...you will need a TDT "set top box" or a TV with TDT built in.

Your exisiting tv aerial may be ok for this but it may need to be reconfigured, and you may also require some signal amplifiers. You can use a UK freeview set top box to get TDT, but there are some limitations - language change options may be limited to english, welsh and gaelic, TDT uses frequency 69, UK freeview set top boxes may not be able to scan this frequency.

TDT (Spains Freeview) In Spain

http://www.tdt.es/ for more information and a signal / postcode check
http://www.tdt1.com/ for more information

FREESAT TV COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

Freesat, a satellite version of Freeview, was launched in May 2008. Using an official Freesat receiver, you can watch the about 100 free satellite TV channels.

All BBC channels, ITV1,2,3,4, C4, E4, More4, Film4 anf FIVE are all free to watch on satellite.

But some free channels the availability is limited due to signal strengths - so for example channel FIVE on Freesat will only be available at the same times as BBC2 as they share a frequency. FIVE with a Sky card (see below) is available 24/7 as this Sky FIVE is transmitted on a different frequency.

Official "Freesat" receivers currently only have about 100 TV channels on their EPG at the moment - but on some Freesat receivers you can manually add other channels not on the EPG using a "non-freesat mode".

They can only receive "free to air" channels. Freesat receivers will have the Freesat logo on them.

Freesat TV Channel Guide

Some Freesat boxes have two modes

In Freesat mode the Freesat channels are in the Freesat EPG - the ones that have been officailly added to the EPG and where new cahnnels are updated automatically.

In nonfreesatmode you can manually add other free channels into an other channel list - the nonfreesatmode channels list- by manually scanning the individual frequencies.

To scan for channels, go to the menu and select Setup > Manual Tune.

To switch back to Freesat mode after playing with the other channels, go to: Menu > STB Mode > Freesat

It is handy being able to switch between Freesat and Non-Freesat channels, for situations where a channel is not yet part of Freesat, or is a Freesat-only channel. Note that when scanning for non-Freesat channels, the numbering sequence will be a bit odd, and also they can't be accessed via the Freesat Electronic Programme Guide.

Freesat Receivers

There are

basic Freesat receivers - Grundigs, Bush and Humax have had good CB reports

HD Freesat receivers - the best being the Humax Foxsat Freesat HD receiver

Freesat+ - Humax Foxsat HDR+ with inbuilt hard disk

Freesat HD receivers will get you BBC HD channel and ITV HD Red button service. C4HD has not yet confirmed if or when it will be available on Freesat.

Most come with a HDMI cable so that you can connect it directly to your HD TV - as long as it has a HDMI connection - and start watching HD TV straight away. (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/hd and http://www.itv.com/hd)

The Humax Freesat+ receiver is available December 2008 for around £300 It will have a 320GB hard drive that can store up to 80 hours of HD programming, or up to 200 hours of standard definition shows.

The Humax Freesat receivers are generally regarded to be the best performing Freesat receivers for the Costa Blanca in Spain.
FREESATFROMSKY TV COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

Freesatfromsky uses official Sky receivers and allows the viewing of many more free channels than Freesat. With a "Freesatfromsky" viewing card you can receive the FTA channels and Five, Five US and Fiver, Sky Three, Setanta Sports News.

The "Freesatfromsky" viewing cards are available in the UK for £20 (and some dealers may still be supplying them), and are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they dont know you are using one here in spain.....

Freesatfromsky TV Channel Guide List

SKY TV COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

Yes you can view Sky TV in Spain,......
If you have a Sky receiver and want to pay monthly used for Free to air, free to view and subscription channels...Again the viewing cards are subject to the same terms and conditions as a Sky subscription contract - including the "must not be used outside the uk". your viewing card can be disabled if Sky find out that you are using it outside the UK but if they dont know you are using one here in spain.....

Sky TV Channel Guide List

The Pace 2600 CI Sky Digibox is generally accepted as the best receiver for the weaker signals areas like the Costa Blanca. The Pace 2600 is closely followed by the Pace 430N. These ceased production about 5 years ago, and can only be bought as "reconditioned" units - or from Ebay.

The best of the latests batch of Sky receivers is the Thomson, followed by the Amstrad. Avoid the Pace 440 and Pace 445 - i have found these to be very poor performers.

SKY+ COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

Skys award winning PVR. Pause Live TV, recording with no tapes, watch one channel whilst recording another channel, series linking.

Available with ANY sky TV subscription package (from £17per month), or with no Sky TV subscription package for £10 per month - for the extra £7 best get atleast 1 sky mix!

SKY HD COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

A Sky HD receiver will incorportate all the recording functoins of the Sky+, but with the added ability to watch High Definition (HD) channels. BBC HD and C4 HD are available to watch without any subscription. For the other 30ish HD channels, you will need to pay an extra £10 per month for Skys HD Channels.

On any HD box you will get BBCHD

On a Freesat HD box you wil get BBCHD and ITVHD

On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a freesatfromskycard, C4HD

On a sky hd box you will get BBCHD and, with a sky card with hd sub, C4HD and the other subscription HD channels depending on what sky mix you are on.

More Information on Sky HD

GENERIC RECEIVERS (DARKBOX ETC)

Note that many installers are using generic receivers (sometimes called Free To Air receivers) and calling them freesat or freeview receivers which may be confusing people. official freesat and sky receivers have a full 7 day programme guide...generic FTA receivers only have now and next programme infomation.

Generic FTA receivers will get all channels in the link Freesatfromsky Channel Guide

- apart from Five, Five US and Fiver, Sky Three, Setanta Sports News.

Some generic receivers can also be modified with software to read Sky viewing cards, but the new Sky replacement white viewing cards, amny of these new cards have not been functioning correctly or to their full potential in these "generic" receivers..

Digital+

Digial+ (D+) is the Spanish satellite service. It is broadcast from two satellites - Astra 19E and Hispasat 30W.

There is a variety of channels, from entertainment, movies and Sports. Many channels and programmes on the UK Sky system are also available on D+, and in most cases the language of the programmes can be changed into English.

D+ can be received on a small satellite dish, approx 80cm. YOu will need an official D+ viewing card to watch these channels. Some, not all, TDT channels are also on D+.

http://www.plus.es

BBC Prime

BBC Prime is a BBC pay channels for expats. It does not show movies or sport, but just homegrown programmes. It does show Eastenders, and a variety of BBC and C4 programmes.

The standalone version of BBC Prime that was on Hotbird will, by March 2009, only be availble on Eurobird at 9 degrees east - so you may need your dish realigning.

You will need an official BBC Prime subscription card available from http://www.bbcprime.com.

BBC Prime is also available as part of some subscription packages.

Some generic receivers have been able to access BBC Prime by software that removes the encryption. It now appears that BBC Prime has moved to version Viaccess 2.6. Therefore for those who were watching BBC Prime without paying for it, your screen will have gone blank.

MBC / Dubai One / Fox Movies / Arabic

Or you could always point a dish to badr / Arabsat at 26 degrees and look at the MBC 2,4,Action channels,the Fox Movie Channel, the Fox Series channel and Dubai One. These channels are also acailable on the Nilesat satellites at 7west, however, I have found that the satellites at 26east have better reecption here in the Costa Blanca.

These channels show various movies dramas and action series such as

Once upon a time in mexico, One Hour Photo ,The Rookie ,TRAINING DAY ,Taxi, Ghost Whisperer , Smallville , Grey's Anatomy , Hustle, Knight Rider, and older series of TOP GEAR!!!

The channels and prgrammes are all mainly in english but with arabic subtitles.

MBC2 Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide
MBC4 Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide
MBC Max Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide
MBC Action Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide
Fox Movies Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide
Dubai One Arabsat Nilesat Programme Guide

All these channels are currently free to air, requiring a generic digital satellite receiver and at least an 80cm dish (i am not too sure how an 80cm will perform on these channels in your area tho...but fine in my area on an 80cm!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 2 Channels

The main BBC, ITV and C4 channels are free and do not require any Sky card or form of subscription (note some ITV regions do require a freesatfromsky or sky card) to view these channels.
All channels on Freesat (apart from ITV HD) are available on a sky receiver, and were also available for free before the launch of freesat using a sky or generic reciever.

Five US, Five US+1, Fiver, Fiver+1 are all only available with a freesatfromsky or sky card at the moment. No monthly payments are required.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 3 Dishes

UK TV channels are mainly broadcast from the Astra 2a, Astra 2b, astra 2d and Eurobird 1 satellites located at 28.2 to 28.5 degrees east of south. There are other Astra satellites around also - which tend to do more european channels (Spain D+ is on astras at 19.2). Many channels are available with a small 80cm dish, but to get the BBC and ITV and C4's, which areon the weaker Astra 2D satellite you will require a "big dish".

Note that reception of channels depends on your location and dish size. As a rough guide:

80cm will get you some channels - approx 50% of whats available

1.4m will get more channels (includng bbc1 and itv1,2,3,4)

1.8/2.4 will get even more channels (including bbc2 and c4)

Not all channels will be available all day.

1.8m (1.8m) and 2.4m BIG SATELLITE DISHES

There are two companies, both from Portugal, which produce what are regarded as the best quality and performing (for their price) satellite dishes for the Costa Blanca. Personally I have found that there is very little difference in the performance of both the Portuguese made 1.8m dishes (dispite the properganda!)

Famaval also produce a 2.4m prime focus dishes which is identifiable with the holes around the rim of the dish, allowing extention panels to be added if required, to make the dish a 3.1m! For whatever reason I have found this Famaval 2.4m dish not to be as prone to rusting as the Famaval 1,8m counterpart!

Other 1.8 and 2.4m prime focus dishes are available and can be cheaper, like the Fortecstar Petal Dishes. Myself and some other installers do not recommend these "petal" dishes, as we have found them not to perform as good as their equivilent Famaval dishes. I have found that dishes made in Turkey generally perform poorer than those made in Portugal. They are made from spun steel, and can be identified by the "spin circles" on the back of the dish. Some models of big dishes area actually two parts welded together - you can sometimes see the join along the dish! Some other makes of dish, like Channel Masters, do perform much better than the Portuguese dishes, and their cost reflects this (around 2000euros).

COMMUNITY SATELLITE TV INSTALLATIONS COSTA BLANCA SPAIN

It is possible for one dish to serve a number of receivers at different houses. If less than 4 connections are required then a 4 output LNB should be OK, with a cable from the dish to each location. If more than 4 connections are required, then the system will require a special signal distribution unit - called multiswitches. These multiswicthes are strategically placed around the community to serve, and individual connections are made from these points. I persoannly run new cable in these systems, as you cannot rely on the condition of the exisitng cable.

Ideally, the community will pay for the infrastructure required (dish, LNB, cables from LNB to multiswicthes, multiswicthes and amplifiers) and individuals will pay for the conenction from the multiswitch to their house, and any receivers they require.

Permission must be sought for dishes to be installed on community areas, including appartment blocks. In privately owned houses, dish rules are fairly relaxed, but generally make sure it is installed in an area that wont upset your neighbours. You may also be required to ask your local town hall for permission to install a big dish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 4 Rebroadcasting of Television Channels Costa Blanca Spain

Under the Rome Convention broadcasters have the right to authorize or prohibit the re-broadcasting of their broadcasts. "Re-broadcasting" is defined under the Rome Convention as the simultaneous broadcasting by one broadcasting organization of the broadcast of another broadcast organization. Broadcasters also have the right to authorize or prohibit the fixation of their broadcasts; the reproduction of unauthorized original fixations of their broadcasts; the reproduction for purposes other than those authorized fixations of their broadcasts.

Basically it says you need authorisation from the "Broadcasting organisations" like BBC and ITV to rebroadcast their transmission in the EU.

You may be using a rebroadcaster if your TV company:

is offering bbc and itv on a small dish or mesh aerial - these channels can only be legitimatly received for free via a minimun of 1.4mdish (some areas 1.8m)

offers bbc and itv for a monthly subscription - bbc and itv are free on satellite and do not need a subscription

offers "freesat" with only 20 or 64 channels - by satellite you will recieve over 100 free tv channels, not 20 or 64. the bbc have over 15 regional variations on satellite alone.

offers sky sports for less than £36 per month - the costs of legitimate subscriptions to these channels.

offers channels from other countries - channels like Showtime Sports for example without an offical viewing card from that Pay TV provider

says they get BBC and ITV from a satellite other than Astra 2, like Hotbird - BBC and ITV are only broadcast on one "satellite constellation (those satellites at 28.3 to 28.5 degrees)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 5 Advantages of Satellite

With a sky or freesat receiver you can get bbc interactive, sky active and a full 7 day programme guide. you may need a big dish, you may pay more for the installation, but at least the signal is pretty much gaurenteed as it it direct from the satellite and is not reliant on a third party.

Pure digital broadcasting (with some channels in full Dolby Digital sound), not reliant on second or third or fourth generation signals as the signals gets past from one rebroadcast transmitter to another. many ex rebroadcasting clients have commented on how good the signal direct fromt he satellite is compared to that of a rebroadcasted signal.

And if you are in doubt as to whether or not it is OK to view free satellite tv channels (like BBC and ITV) in Spain via satellite see

http://www.freesat.co.uk/

which says that "it may be possible outside the UK to use a satellite receiver to pick up channels available on freesat" - nothing about it being illegal - the technical term is "satellite signal overspill".

A final thought on this: if it was illegal to watch TV channels that were broadcsted for free, then all shops selling free to air receivers would be in trouble, as would Canal Digital + (the spanish satellite service) as their receivers can also pick up free tv satellite channels from other countries.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 6 Sky / Freesat Default Transponder Frequency Settings for Costa Blanca Spain

When a Sky receiver is first booted up, like after a power cut, then the first thing it requires to function is at least 6 hours of EPG information. It looks for this data on the Default transponder frequency of 11778.

this frequency can be poor in Spain, and therefore the receiver will ont be able to find the information is required and therefore will not work - giving the message "No satellite Signal is Being Received".

Changing the default transponder to another frequency (i use 12129) allow the receiver to get the information it requires to function.

What to do if you are getting the message “No Satellite signal is being received” or a continuous "Searching for Listings" message.

1.This usually means that your Digibox is blocked and you are unable to receive the signals it requires. This usually occurs after power cuts or other interruptions to the Digibox power supply.

2.Remove the power cable from the Digibox only. This can be found on the back of the Digibox, and is normally a black cable on either the extreme left or right of the Digibox. Reinsert the power cable after 30 seconds.

3.Turn on the Digibox.

4.On the Sky remote control press the SERVICES button

5.On the Sky remote control press 401 (four zero one) and then the SELECT button.

6.If the above has been done correctly you should see the Installer Setup Menu screen. If you do not see the Installer Setup Menu screen then start this process again.

7.Press “2” on your Sky remote control.

8.If done correctly should be looking at the Default Transponder screen.

9.On the Sky remote control press 12129 (one two one two nine). This will change the default FREQUENCY to 12.129.

10.Ensure that the default POLARIZATION is “V”.

Ensure that the default SYMBOL RATE is “27.5”.

Ensure that the default FEC is “2/3”.

11.On the Sky remote control press the DOWN ARROW button three times and then press SELECT. This will SAVE NEW SETTINGS and return you to the Installer Setup Menu screen.

12.On the Sky remote control press the BACK UP button until you exit all the menus.

If done correctly the time will appear on the white bar, and picture will shortly reappear – try channel 501 (Sky News).

For a downloadable PDF of the Default Transponder process, or watch a video of the process in operation see

NO SATELLITE SIGNAL BEING RECEIVED / HOW TO CHANGE THE DEFAULT TRANSPONDER FREQUENCY SETTINGS FOR SPAIN

No matter what people tell you changing this default transponder frequency setting does not increase how long channels are available. It is only used to “assist” the receiver to boot up. It is normal for the Default Transponder to revert back to 11778 once the receiver is functioning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 7 Auto Standby

Sky has been deploying new receiver software, and incorportaed in to this is a new feture designed to help save energy when the SKy receiver is not being used.

If the box hasn't been used for a period of two hours after 11pm, or for four hours during the day time, an ‘Auto Standby' message will pop up on screen for three minutes. If there's no further use the box will go into Standby mode automatically, until the user turns it back on.

This can be an issue if you are using a VCR to receord things from the Sky receivers as when the reciver goes into Autostandby mode you will record a blank (or blue!) screen if the box has shut down....

You can turn it off by using the option in Services (Sky+ Setup for + and HD users!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 8 Sky Programem Guide (EPG)

Skys Electronic Programme Guide is used on Sky receivers. Although all the frequencies used by Sky transmit limited EPG information, the main EPG data is transmitted on one freqency - 11778. You may notice that this frequency is also the main Default Transponder - and the same frequency that is measured in the Sky receivers Signal Test screen. This frequencys reception varies greatly during the day and may not be available 24/7 - especially during the afternoon, and also certain Sky receivers really do not like this frequency. Hence why you may only get a limited (6 hours or so), EPG information in the EPG.

The Freesat EPG is transmitted from a different frequency to Sky (in fact it is on a different satellite!), whose reception is widely available over Europe - hence why you do not have to change the Freesat eciver "default transponder". It was the fact that the Freesats EPG would be easily available over Europe on a small dish that lead many, including installers, into thinking that all channels on Freesat would be available all over Europe in a small dish. Where as in fact both Sky and Fresat EPGs point to the same frequencies for the channels they use (apart from FIVE!)

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