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What is Freesat?  The Freesat Satellite Service was set up to ensure that everyone can access the best of free digital TV, no matter where they live in the UK. Freesat is a not-for-profit company owned by broadcasters, the BBC and ITV. Currently there are around 200 channels however it’s a growing market attracting new channels on a regular basis. Why does T2 recommend Freesat Freesat is the only alternative to Sky that has the digital benefits of satellite transmissions, i.e. excellent picture quality + HD, signal availability throughout UK, Ireland and much of the Continent. So this service is ideal for leisure users in Motorhomes, Caravans, and boats allowing access to English TV whilst on your wanderings. Plus such users are finding regular difficulties in obtaining terrestrial digital signals when sited in remote valleys and mountain locations. Reception of Freesat requires Satellite dish with free sight of the sky making it ideal for leisure activities. All these benefits also make it the only price sensible alternative for Digital TV reception for home owners struggling with poor terrestrial digital TV reception. What does Freesat cost? Freesat is a free service with no monthly subscription charge. The real cost is the Satellite receiver, the satellite dish, and if unable to fit yourself, the cost of an installer. Freesat's High Definition TV Service Freesat currently broadcasts two High Definition channels. These are BBC HD and ITV HD. T o enjoy the full wonder of HDTV from Freesat you will need a HD ready TV. These are widely available. The best quality on the market at the moment is the 1080p (p stands for progression). This will also allow you to watch Blue Ray DVD's at their best quality. To view ITV HD programmes the viewer selects the red button in the right hand corner of the television screen. A list of the current high definition TV programmes can be found on the BBC or ITV websites. High Definition Television (HDTV) HDTV (High Definition Television) provides pictures are so clear that you can see blades of grass moving in the wind, wildlife programmes filmed in HD take on an amazing difference when seen on HD TV. Visit a local TV store that has wall full of screens watch the standard TV then the HD version. Can I receive Freesat in countries outside the UK? Yes, the Freesat service can be received in other countries outside the UK such as France or Spain provided that the satellite dish is large enough to receive the signal. FREESAT v. TERRESTRIAL Standard digital television is received via a television aerial and a digital set top box. There are plans in the future to broadcast high definition television through this method, but this won't happen until around 2012. Even then, there will be less HD channels broadcast to TV aerials as the system cannot cope with too many channels.
ALIGNING THE DISH Your dish will be fixed to a mount, or tripod or perhaps in a camping case. Connect the coax between dish and Freesat receiver, the final step is to align the dish so that it is pointing at the correct satellite group. For leisure users it is vital you purchase a signal strength meter as this is a process you will repeat each time you set up and you find this invaluable in speeding up alignment. There are number of satellites in orbit over the Equator in Africa that are transmitting over Europe, but to receive a Freesat signal you need to find the Astra group of satellites located at 28.2º East from due South. From that group of satellites we are particularly interested in the signal from Astra 2D, which is aimed directly over the UK and parts of Ireland. Fortunately the Astra group is currently the first satellite group you will find as you swing a dish from East to South making set up a little easier. Also located at 28.2º East is the Eurobird 1 satellite, which transmits the FreeSat Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and the software for Freesat receivers. In addition the dish needs adjusting to point at the correct elevation in the Sky.The standard FreeSat or Sky mini-dish is actually an offset focus type dish, which means that the dish reflects the signal down towards the LNB. This offset focus design means the dish is normally mounted in an upright vertical position for most locations in the UK, rather than pointing upwards into the sky. Below are some simple steps that should help make it easier to align a satellite dish: Step 1
Ensure the satellite feed cable is connected to the satellite receiver at one end and connected to the LNB on your mounted dish at the other end having purchased a signal strength meter connect it inline at the dish end so you can see the meter as you adjust the dish.
Important Note: Don't turn on the satellite receiver until you have connected up the coaxial cable. Satellite receivers supply a small voltage (18V) up the satellite feed cable for controlling the LNB, so make sure you connect everything up before turning the satellite receiver on, otherwise you could damage your receiver. Step 2
Turn on the Freesat receiver, press Menu on the remote control and choose the set up option. Receivers vary so read the handbook on set up but get it to the set up point ready for when a signal is received. Go no further until the dish is aligned. Step 3
Armed with a compass point the dish so that it is aimed directly EAST. If you are in the UK and it's a standard FreeSat/Sky mini-dish ensure the rim of the dish is vertical, i.e. the rim is standing upright (see the diagram below). Next VERY slowly move the dish to the SOUTH until your satellite meter indicates a strong signal. Check the alignment the correct satellite will be received when the LNB is pointing C . You will most probably receive some weak signals before reaching that point so keep rotating until you have signal indicated at 28.2º east of South Once you have the receiver locked on to the correct satellite the final step is to fine tune the position of the dish to obtain the best signal strength. Move the dish on the mount in very small increments first left and right horizontally and then up and down vertically to get the best possible signal strength. You can measure either by the signal strength meter or alternatively the Receiver will have and shown on-screen a signal strength meter. So if you have an assistant they can tell you if you moving the dish correctly or no If you are not able to locate a signal it's likely you are pointing the dish in the wrong direction, either horizontally or vertically. Patience is a virtue, move the dish in smooth small increments use the compass as the guide. Fast movements will mean meter does not register the signal as you fly past the correct position. For stress free holidays practice dish set up at home in the garden several times over. Practice gives you the knack and it can be surprisingly easy when you know your set up. . Channels available through Freesat 101 BBC One Entertainment |
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