What do I need?

It is quick and easy to get connected. You simply need the following three bits of equipment to receive satellite TV signals and you probably already have the TV set:

1. a satellite dish & LNB	2. a satellite receiver	3. a TV set

This may be different if you live in a block of flats.

Satellite dish and LNB

A satellite dish is the antenna to receive the signals from the satellites. Although satellite TV signals are weaker than terrestrial broadcasts, and the satellite much further away, most modern dish antennas are little bigger than a TV aerial. However, the closer you are to the edge of the ASTRA satellite footprint, the larger the dish size you need.

Typical footprint image - European coverage:

The signals from the satellite are collected by the dish and focused onto the LNB (Low Noise Block Converter), which is located at the end of an arm in front of the dish. The signals are then transferred from the LNB to the receiver via a cable.

To receive all the services from an ASTRA satellite, you will need a dish fitted with a universal LNB. If you have a satellite receiver with two tuners, or want to receive services on more than one TV set, you will need a ‘twin’ or ‘quad’ LNB.

You can also receive TV signals from more than one ASTRA satellite orbital position using a single dish, by using a multi-feed setup or Duo LNB.

Different colours and even transparent dishes are available to render the dish less obtrusive. A professional retailer or installer can advise you of the options.

Satellite receiver

Which receiver you opt for will determine the types of satellite TV broadcast that you are able to receive and watch. Use the ASTRA Channel Finder to learn about the channels broadcasting from ASTRA.

• Free-to-air receivers(set-top boxes) are the most simple and low cost option, and allow you to receive many hundreds of free TV and radio stations from the ASTRA satellites.
• Pay TV receivers enable you to watch both free and pay broadcasts. You may have to buy or rent the receiver from the broadcaster, and the pay TV broadcasts are encrypted so a smartcard is required to view them.
• HDTV channels are broadcast both encrypted (as pay TV) and free-to-air. You need a special HDTV receiver to receive high definition broadcasts. For a list of suitable receivers check the DIGITAL fernsehen guide to HDTV receivers (PDF)

TV set

You will need a television set to view the satellite TV programmes picked up by the dish and receiver. Most modern TVs connect easily to a satellite receiver. Bear in mind that HDTV programmes (from an HDTV receiver) can only be viewed on an HD Ready TV set. Check the HDTV section for more details on what is needed to receive HDTV

The equipment needed for a communal TV system, which supplies many apartments in a block of flats, is more complex than an individual installation. Although the receiver required within each flat is usually the same as that used in an individual home, the collective equipment should be sourced and installed by a professional.

If you are unsure about the installation in your block, or you and other residents want satellite reception for the first time, please contact your building manager and/or a professional installer of communal TV systems.