Freesat HD, is it worth it

[Michael]

It is a shame about Dave

 

I've heard several theories about this. In the case of Dave one theory is because they show many repeats of BBC programs like Top Gear or Red Dwarf that these are copyrighted so must be broadcasted encrypted, but I dismiss this as anyone (even outside the UK) can point their dish at Astra 2 and receive all the BBC channels we have to pay for through a television license.

 

The second more plausible theory is Sky subsidise channels in addition to advertising revenue, which is where channels like Dave make their money. The reason it's available on Freeview and not Freesat is because of a license restriction thanks to Sky.

[srochford]

It shouldn't really make any difference with regards to rented accommodation (so long as you have permission), but you are allowed by law to have two satellites. One upto 1 metre in size and a second no larger than 60cm.

 

 

Key thing is permission! Not all landlords will give it and even when you own you might not be allowed if the property is leasehold and the lease forbids it (I own my flat in a block of flats; we do now have a communal satellite dish but it's not allowed to install dishes other than that)

[SteveBentley]

I've heard several theories about this. In the case of Dave one theory is because they show many repeats of BBC programs like Top Gear or Red Dwarf that these are copyrighted so must be broadcasted encrypted, but I dismiss this as anyone (even outside the UK) can point their dish at Astra 2 and receive all the BBC channels we have to pay for through a television license.

 

To misquote Shakespear, 2B or not 2B, that is the question.

 

Channels that are on Astra 2B are receivable Europe-wide and will either be encrypted, shopping channels or paying through the nose for Europe-wide programme rights.

 

Astra 2D has a beam with a very much tighter footprint aimed at the UK and Ireland. This is where you will find the BBC and most of ITV (although a few regions are on 2B). Whilst you can pick it up in Europe with a big enough dish, it seems to placate the rights holders for movies, sport etc that it is only UK-wide coverage and so FTA is "safe".

[Michael]

Well I just had a look on dishpointer (a really useful site) and from Madrid, Spain (a random location I chose), I'd need a 90cm dish to pick up channels on Astra 2.

 

In Berlin, Germany I need a 50cm dish. In Rome, Italy I need a 70cm dish. In Paris, France I need a 50cm dish. I can't see how this can satisfy the rights holders

[somabc]

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