Satellite TV is probably the cheapest and most versatile technology to watch TV. But to get the best possible reception, there are a few things to consider and do right.
An enormous variety of programs, almost everywhere available and no compelling running costs: satellite TV brings many advantages. “Satellite reception is by far the most cost-effective solution for receiving TV signals,” says Ricardo Petzold from the trade journal “Satellit”. “There are no monthly costs to receive the more than 100 German-language free TV programs on Astra 1.”
Set up satellite TV
For the installation of satellite TV, three things are necessary: an antenna with receiver, a receiver (receiver), which can already be in the TV, and depending on the living situation, various cables. In the case of the antennas, the satellite dish known as parabolic antenna is the classic variant. But now smaller flat antennas are becoming increasingly popular. “These are particularly well suited for use on balconies, since they have no disturbing tail for the receiving unit,” explains Petzold.
If you want to receive German-language programs, Astra should set 19.2 degrees East as a satellite position. For example, anyone who wishes to have transmitters from Eastern Europe at the same time can do so using a so-called multifeed antenna. This then offers brackets for at least two receiving parts (LNBs). Each LNB then receives the signals from another satellite.
Pay attention to the number of LNB outputs
Without a signal distribution system, the number of LNB outputs determines how many receivers can be powered by a satellite antenna. “I generally recommend today at least on a twin LNB even better to put on a quad-LNB, in order to be able to connect additional receivers,” advises Ricardo Petzold.
More than 300 programs in German are currently available via Astra 19.2 degrees East – 250 of them unencrypted and free of charge. In addition, 80 stations from other countries can be received in ten different languages. Another satellite location that offers a wide range of programs is Eutelsat 13 degrees East – also called Hotbird. In addition, consumers receive more than 1000 television channels in around 40 languages.
“Here, Italian, Polish and Arabic-speaking broadcasters romp in large numbers,” explains Petzold. “But also stations from distant countries, for example from Viet Nam, Armenia or Azerbaijan, are to be found on 13 degrees east.” The position Astra 2 at 28.2 degrees East, however, is interesting for all those who love broadcasts in English – here many free-TV programs are transmitted from the British Isles.
Public and private programs
“All public-law programs of ARD and ZDF are broadcast via satellite for free in HD quality,” explains Hermann Dresen from the specialist magazine “InfoDigital”. Even the private programs are free to receive – but only in SD quality. “Anyone who wants to see the programs of private broadcaster groups such as RTL or ProSiebenSat.1 in HD quality, but must count on monthly costs.”
For example, platforms such as HD +, Freenet TV or Diveo offer between 20 and 100 HD programs, including numerous private ones at monthly prices starting at around six euros. Even classic pay-TV channels such as Sky will be charged. “To receive these broadcasts, either a TV set with integrated satellite tuner and a CI + slot or a corresponding satellite receiver is required,” explains Dresen. “These can decrypt the booked program packages via a corresponding CI + module.” The CI + module, which still receives a smart card to decrypt the transmitter, must be purchased separately and plugged into said slot of the receiver or TV.
Decrypt with the smartcard
The smart card is activated when the device is switched on for the first time and is then activated for at least six months, the German consumer association Bundesverband (vzbv) explains about the initially free HD + offer. However, those who still want to watch the paid channels after the first six months in the HD standard must pay 70 euros per year as a so-called service fee.
A CI + module costs at least 40 euros. But there are alternatives: “If you want to buy a satellite receiver for reception, you often find a cost-effective alternative to the expensive CI + module in devices with integrated decoding systems for HD + or Freenet TV,” explains Hermann Dresen.