ASTRA 2F Satellite

[laserblazer]

A thought. The two satellites can't be in the same spot, so perhaps the dish need to be realigned?

[RichardHenshall]

The early indications seem to suggest that to receive Astra 2F UK spot beam in South West Iberia might need a 3 metre dish or more. Since there has been little call for dishes that large in SW PT up to now, I would guess no-one has one to test. Dish re-alignment won't help.

Only some of the ITV regions have moved. The rest (along with BBC etc) will probably be lost next year when they're moved to the next Astra satellite (2E ?), which has yet to be launched.

As far as I can see that's it for now. The Freesat/FTA channels you've lost are gone for good, those you haven't you've still got for a few months longer!

[steve]

To answer EMMs point I have a Sky box without a card, a Sky box with a card and a freesat box.It makes no difference. The signal for these channels has gone.

[EMM]

The reason I asked is that freinds in Albufeira with Sky plus say that they have not lost any channels??

[RichardHenshall]

The reason I asked is that freinds in Albufeira with Sky plus say that they have not lost any channels??

Maybe they're watching recordings?

[DVBRO]

Have just read all the available Blogs and info on line and yes, the reduction of Sky Channels in the Algarve has begun, with a possible completion by Easter next year. This is due to the Launching of a new Satellite in November last year. It appears that no matter how big the dish, that all channels will go, owing to a smaller area covered, unless our wonderfull Techie Guys here have a solution.
I am a bit miffed as I just bought a new TV with Hd. No worry, will just have to improve my Portuguese and watch their programmes. Pity the Part time owners who will miss their Soaps though, when they come out here!!!
BTW, have only lost so far Channel 5, but can still get it in HD. At least it's not as bad as the Internet connection!

[EMM]

Just thinking of possible uses for recycled sat dishes. Sun shades, BBQ tray, framework for solar panels, they have got to be good for something. ??

[Michael Crane]

..... No worry, will just have to improve my Portuguese and watch their programmes. ....

I hope you like circuses.

[EMM]

The portuguese cable networks are a reasonable replacement if you can exist without corrie , strictly or stupid idiots in the jungle. ( I can )
We receive a good number of channels broadcast in English with PT subtitles, many the same as you receive on UK sat networks.
There are movie channels, news and on some like Fox episodes of many popular american series are actually ahead of the UK.
The national PT channels also broadcast some progs in english with PT subtitles. We probably watch at least 40% of our TV on Cabo Visao.
There is a business opportunity for the PT cable networks to take over transmission of the popular UK networks as they have the power and location for mega dishes. It would not be free but I believe that the take up would be substantial.

[DVBRO]

There is a business opportunity for the PT cable networks to take over transmission of the popular UK networks as they have the power and location for mega dishes. It would not be free but I believe that the take up would be substantial.

Get real Emm, this is Portugal. I agree there is an opportunity, the same as it was to get F1 here, and what happened?
I assume that you are assuming that everyone can get Cable TV. Here in Carvoeiro, we can not get it from any supplier and can't even get a decent internet connection.
Looks like another Cabo Dish on the roof. If not it will be I Player on the computer, if I get desperate.

[EMM]

We are also in Carvoeiro and get Cabo Visao and could get PT cable as well. Inernet connection also OK but I doubt that it would be good enough for streaming UK TV.
I would think that anywhere with a telephone line has a good chance of receiving cable as the conections would not be that far away.
But I agree an " official " local solution is unlikely.

Roof top mounted big dishes " scary thought " just imagine a repeat of the recent tornado.

Another thought , did anyone invest in Sat supplied internet and will the recent changes affect this ?

[laserblazer]

We have another dish pointing to a different satellite that pumps out mainly German/Dutch. It's only a small dish (80cm) so hopefully it will survive any changes.

[RichardHenshall]

... Another thought , did anyone invest in Sat supplied internet and will the recent changes affect this ?

The satellite internet uses the Pan European beam (like many Sky subscription channels) and, if anything, is likely to be improved by the new satellite. The large dishes are only needed for receiving broadcasts aimed at the UK.

[DVBRO]

Quote EMM
Roof top mounted big dishes " scary thought " just imagine a repeat of the recent tornado.

I have resolved it EMM!!!! Connect your computer to the TV and you can watch any Station on Line and I mean Any. You can also play any type of Music and look at all your Holiday Pictures and your You Tube postings.
Also, it saves a fortune on Monthly Subscriptions.

[EMM]

You cannot officially connect to the UK BBC etc if you are out of the UK, if they detect your ISP then no connection.
There are of course sites which get you around this.
To get decent pictures etc you would need a reliable internet connection.
Reports from those who do this and download films say that it can take ages and uses a lot of capacity.
Plus of course you need a laptop/TV with HDMI connections.

We were in Sweden two years ago for christmas where our friends have such a set up. No problems watching those programmes that were on the various sites ( not all by any means ). We could watch the Dr Who special the following day, NOT the same day.