Frequently Asked Questions page
Q. Do I need a 2.4 Metre dish to receive BBC and ITV freesat?
A. Possibly yes; this region, say between Valencia and Murcia, generally requires a minimum 1.9 Metre dish which is still relatively large. The satellite signal is directed towards the United Kingdom so signal level in our region of Spain is very weak. It is sometimes possible for reception by using a high grade 1.5 metre in some areas. Many local experienced companies will state that you MUST have a 2.4 Metre, because there are certain reception limits on any smaller, such as the type of Digibox used or reception beyond 11pm at night. We do agree that the bigger the dish the better, but price is a major factor for many, the choice is yours, but read as much as you can from our site to make an informed decision.
Q. Are there any other alternatives to receive English TV in Spain?
A. Some areas have re-transmitted local signals, and companies sell/rent their special equipment. This is illegal, no matter what they tell you, and when the transmitters are shut down you lose reception and any money you have paid for the special equipment, which will become defunct. The picture or signal is usually poor quality compared with satellite signals, and these systems are not trouble free. We do not offer this method of TV reception, as we are here in the Costa Blanca to stay and rely on our customers good recommendations. Our alternative suggestion is 'dish sharing' between neighbours & local communities. The other alternative is using foreign satellites and subscriptions that do have some English programs and are available on smaller dishes, but you still will not receive BBC, ITV, Ch4 & Five.
Q. What channels will I get with the smaller free-to-receive System?
A. There are well over 100 TV and 50 Digital radio stations that are English speaking and free. The TV channels are low budget and many are shopping channel derived. Others are news, music, general entertainment & religion genres. However, BBC & ITV channels, Ch4 and Ch5 are not included due to the small dish size.
Q. You have a Sky system advertised that doesn't require a large dish. Will I get all Sky Channels with this Sky subscription system?
A. You will not get all of the Sky channels in Spain, only most. Movie channels are only available with larger dishes, but Sky sports channels are available on standard smaller systems. Again, BBC, ITV, Ch4 & Five are not included due to dish size required. Subscriptions are paid direct with Sky but its important to note that you cannot subscribe if you declare you are out of the UK. Prices are found at www.sky.com and start from £16.50 per month.
We arrange subscriptions with no need for a Uk address, so please contact us with your channel requirements if you would like to confirm reception of particular
channels.
Q. My Sky Digibox keeps saying "No Satellite Signal Being Received" what should i do?
A. On occasion (especially on smaller dishes) due to the weaker satellite signal here in Spain your receiver may need to be re-booted, because Sky`s software and channel list is sent threw a satellite signal, just the same as your Tv stations. This is unavoidable in some cases, especially with small dishes, older Digiboxes and also inferior LNB`s. There is a simple procedure to allow your box to re-boot you will find it here. Reset Procedure
Q. What is an LNB and what does it stand for?
A. LNB stands for "Low Noise Block" and it is the piece of electronics that sits at the end of the dish which does all the hard work in converting the satellite signal received from the sky and turning it into a picture for you to watch through your Digibox, as the signal is week here in Spain for Sky, these can need replacing quite often especially if cheaper one`s are used. It is a bit more technical than that, but you can look around on some of the help forums listed on our site for more information.
Q. What is BBC Prime?
A. This is the official BBC channel for Europe which is not available in the UK. It's a mixture of BBC1 & 2 programs (including up-to-date Eastenders). This is available on a small satellite dish, along with a few extra English channels, so a decent and appealing low budget alternative for some.