Installing European satellite TV can be a daunting task. It requires careful planning and research to ensure the best possible viewing experience. One of the most important steps in the installation process is selecting the right equipment. This includes the dish size and type, satellite receiver, and the necessary connectors and cables. In this series of articles, we’ll discuss the different types of equipment required for installing foreign satellite TV. We’ll also discuss and advise on how to select the right parts for your installation.
Since 2008 I have been installing services from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia and many others , in all parts of England, Wales and Scotland. Over that time I have gained many contacts and methods to help achieve successful installations for my customers. These articles will outline some of the problems encountered and solutions found.
How can I find which European Satellite TV Services are Available?
This website has pages for most of the available services that I am regularly asked to install, describing the channels, the dish, receivers and anything else relevant to the task. If you want to research yourself, there are many good websites listing the satellites and channels receivable over the UK:
What is the right dish and Equipment for European Satellite TV?
The size and type of satellite dish you need depends on the type of satellite you’re trying to receive signals from. Generally, larger dishes will provide better reception than smaller dishes. For example, dishes that are 1.2 meters or larger are typically used for receiving signals from C-band satellites, while dishes that are 0.75 meters or smaller are most often used for Ku-band satellites.
Learn more about signal transmission, compression, modulation and encryption
What are the types of dish found in the UK
1. Sky/Freesat dishes:
These are the most common type of dishes found in the UK and are used to receive satellite TV from Sky and Freesat. They come in 2 sizes, 45cm (region1) or (region2) 65cm.
2. Motorised dishes:
Ideal for European Satellite TV motorised dishes are designed to rotate to receive signals from any satellite. This type of dish is more expensive but provides total flexibility when it comes to finding and receiving any satellite. Motor controllers are divided into 2 types Diseqc and 36 volt
3. Multi-satellite dishes
Multi-satellite fixed position dishes are designed to receive signals from multiple satellites simultaneously. Combined with a suitable receiver it is perfectly possible to record East Enders from BBC, while watching the German News on Das Erste channel.
4. High-gain dishes:
High-gain dishes are designed to provide better reception in areas with weaker signals. This type of dish is larger and more expensive than other types of dishes and is most commonly used in remote areas, or for European satellite tv installed in the UK.
5. Portable dishes:
Portable dishes are designed for temporary use, such as when camping or travelling. They are lightweight and easy to set up and can be used to receive satellite TV signals. They can often be seen on the many foreign long distance lorries parked up overnight on motorway services.
Finding the right dish position to receive european satellite tv
When installing a satellite dish, it’s important to choose a location that provides good reception and minimal interference. This includes finding a spot with few obstructions and interference, and positioning the dish correctly. The dish should be angled towards the satellite, and should be set up away from buildings, trees, and other obstructions.
Trees in particular can be a big problem, if you set up in winter when the tree has no leaves, your signal could be reduced to zero in spring if the tree is in the line of sight. A good helper here is the Dishpointer.com phone app. which allows you to see where the satellite is and make a decision on dish position.
Trees also move in the wind so it is important to allow a margin around them. It’s also important to make sure the dish is securely mounted and able to withstand strong winds and other elements.
Which Satellite Receiver do I need ?
The type of receiver you use must be correct. With FTA (free to air) services like UK Freesat or German many receivers will be available and you can choose one with the features you need, but when installing european satellite tv with encrypted (scrambled) services like TNT, Canal+ Movistar, Platforma Canal etc. only the original receiver with built in decoder and a card, will work properly. Recently many european satellitv tv services have started to use virtual cards, like Bulsatcom, Skylink, Canal Digitaal and others.
Different types of receivers use different technologies to decode the signal. For example, a single-tuner receiver can only decode one channel at a time, while a dual-tuner receiver can decode two channels at once. So you would be able to record one channel while watching another. Some receivers are also equipped with an over-the-air tuner, which allows you to receive signals from local broadcasters with an aerial. <<LINK >>See receiver article for details
Multi-room installation
While this is easy to do with FTA receivers, if your service is encrypted eg TNT, that would mean purchasing two TNT receivers and cards, which multiplies your costs each time the card needs to be renewed. This would get even more expensive if you’re paying a subscription for your service, so I’ll go into detail later how you can view in more than one room, with a single receiver and a modulator. See – Multi-room distribution
Cables and Connectors
In the past, with analogue equipment, connections were simple to understand, for example connecting your camcorder to the TV with the phono plug leads coloured red white and yellow, carrying the Sound ( Red – right channel, White – left channel ) and Video – yellow.
Now we mainly see digital equipment, and HDMI cables. This means each connection must be able to identify what it is connected to, sort out resolution, data rates and data formats. It does all this with a handshake! A handshake in terms of a digital equipment connection is a process of negotiation between two devices that establishes a connection between them. This is done by exchanging signals to confirm that the devices are compatible and that the connection can be made. Handshakes are essential for establishing secure connections and ensuring that data can be exchanged between the two devices. This software program runs every time you plug in a new item by HDMI cable.
Fortunately HDMI cables are universal throughout Europe and USA, although slight variations with added cables can be found to perform extra tasks.
In recent equipment, specific functions have been built into the HDMI specifications such as controlling the device with the remote control of the connected device. Another common use is the HDMI arc type connector, which allows for audio to be sent directly from the TV to the audio device without the need for additional cables, and it also allows the audio device, usually a sound bar or home theatre system to be used to control the volume on the TV.
Regulations and Permits for Installing European Satellite TV
Local laws: there may be a ban on dishes on certain types of housing or on listed buildings
Licensing Requirements: Generally the UK tv license is sufficient, there are reciprocal agreements in place with European countries
Government regulations: There are a few guidelines to follow regarding the positioning and size of dishes on buildings.
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