DIGITAL SATELLITE T.V.

For U.K. and Europe, Common Questions & Answers

Can I Watch Terrestrial T.V. via Satellite?
All the current U.K. terrestrial analogue channels are freely available on the new FREESAT satellite service providing you have a dedicated FREESAT satellite receiver.

What Channels Can I Receive?
There are many TV and Radio channels available via Satellite that are not encrypted and thus can be received simply by purchasing a Digibox and Dish. These include eight BBC TV channels, BBC Radio, news programmes, ITV1,2,3,4 and Channel 4 entertainment programmes (without a viewing card). Other Broadcasters use an encryption system necessitating a viewing card. If you wish to watch " Five", a viewing card is required which currently requires a subscription. SKY offer a wide variety of subscription packages that are inclusive of the above.(Tel: 08702 404040).
All UK programming is Broadcast from the Astra 2 series of Satellites co-positioned at 28.2 degrees East of South. The channels are spread across the three Satellites, each having it’s own "footprint" (coverage area). They all overlap the UK, but have different coverage on the continent, therefore dish size and location will influence availability of individual channels.

What Size of Dish do I Need?
The Astra 28.2 degrees footprint map shows that a 60cm dish is adequate for the South Beam in Spain, ( please note that the software settings may need to be altered on your Digibox ). The footprint map shows the North Beam cutting off approximately two thirds the way down Spain with a 120cm dish. We have however heard of many people using 120cm solid dishes successfully in the far south. Although in Southern Spain and Portugal a satellite dish in excess of 100cm usually allows reception of Astra 2 North Beam channels, it is common to experience loss of some of them at certain times of day, typically between early evening and midnight. This is caused by slight rotation of the satellite essentially required to maintain solar array alignment with the sun, which alters the footprint slightly and hence the signal strength. Careful adjustment of L.N.B skew sometimes effects a cure but failing that a larger dish is the only answer. The BBC & ITV channels are on the Astra 2D satellite which has a footprint that only covers the U.K. Eire and northern France. Astra do publish the official footprint maps and programme listings on their website,

Astra guide for FREESAT Channels

Astra guide for SKY Channels


Can I use my Old Analogue Dish for Digital?
If your existing dish has a standard 40mm L.N.B. fitting, the L.N.B. can be replaced by a Digital universal one. We can supply a high quality L.N.B. for as little as £15
Please note: If upgrading from Analogue to Digital, the cable between the dish and receiver will also need to be upgraded. We have a 10m cable kit with weatherproof connectors for £10

Do I Need a Specialist Finder to Align My Dish?
It is possible to locate the satellite without a finder, however it is not easy and usually very time consuming. We would always recommend a finder which will enable you to align your dish considerably more quickly, accurately and a lot less stressfully. Whilst finders are available at a modest cost, the inexpensive ones are relatively insensitive, whilst the semi-professional quality T7301 is sensitive enough (when following our supplied instructions and guidelines) to ensure the satellite is accurately located.

I have aquired a vehicle with one of your fixed satellite systems and require help setting it up.
Please make an appointment at our workshop in Warrington where we can assess the system. This work will be carried out at hourly workshop rates.
Due to the complexity and individuality of the satellite systems we are unable to give advice over the telephone.

Can I Use a Smaller Dish if I Only Want Radio?
Unfortunately not. The size of dish required depends upon your location, not whether you’re receiving sound only programmes.

Which Fixed Dish System for My Motorhome?
The pole adjustable systems by their nature need to be sited adjacent to a vertical wall (i.e.Wardrobe). It is therefore important that the vehicle is checked for any possible obstructions when the dish is folded for travelling and whilst raised and rotated for use.
The Maxview and Camos Crank-up systems uses a crank-up mechanism which is very shallow and projects approx. 2" from the ceiling inside the motorhome. It is much more flexible in its positioning, it does however require sufficient roof space to fold and rotate.
The fully automatic system is bonded onto the roof with no moving parts coming through the roof. It is therefore the most flexible system in relation to positioning, but does require a slightly larger turning circle due to the extra performance available from the larger size.
If you are unsure as to the suitability of a particular system for your motorhome please ask for space requirement details or check the Satellite section of this website

Can I Buy a 12volt Digital Receiver?
We can supply a 12 Volt Maxview free to air reciever, a FREESAT HD receiver and a mains powered Sky receiver which will work from 12 Volts via an inverter.

Does a Sky receiver Need a Telephone Line to Work?
No it does not need a phone line to work. The sound and picture information, along with the E.P.G. ALL come from the satellite to your dish. There are two reasons for it to be connected to the phone line:
A contractual obligation for those who have received a subsidy on their Sky receiver.
Whilst at home the box can talk directly with Sky’s computer for ease of use when booking pay per view events.

Please Note
There is no technical reason to have a Sky receiver permanently connected to your phone line. If you have had your box less than 12 months you may have received a subsidy, contractually obliging you not to disconnect it in the first year. Whilst we sell the equipment to use digital satellite mobile we do not endorse its illegal use or recommend you break any contracts.