Originally Posted by snap (Post 5559574)

It's absolutely true that Freesat will start next Spring but there are few hard facts. The BBC's own website states that the channels on it will be the same as existing:-

"I already have a non-Sky satellite receiver. Will I be able to receive the new Freesat channels?
The BBC and ITV are planning to launch a new free-to-view satellite service, currently known as Freesat, in spring 2008. If you already have a non-Sky satellite receiver, the channels are the same as those you can already receive. However, for the full range of on-screen programme information and interactivity you will need a Freesat set-top box. And to view BBC high-definition (HD) transmissions, you will need a compatible satellite HD receiver. For more about the free-to-view satellite service from the BBC and ITV, please see the press release."
The only thing that will change is there will be a new electronic programme guide and new receivers under the 'Freesat' brand, some of which will have hard discs and HD.
The dish sizes will remain as existing. The programme guide will be broadcast from Eurobird which only needs a small dish. This is where the crazy rumour started. The current Sky Guide is broadcast on the Astra 2 North beam. It needs to be said again, don't buy Fortec Star dishes from Maplin, or anywhere else. They are dirt cheap for a reason.
About one third of Sky channels and BBC Radio can be received anywhere in Spain on a 60 cm dish. http://www.satelliteforcaravans.co.uk/ tells you how to do it. Channel Five can be received easily in many areas, other parts need a 80 cm.
A Sky receiver has to be specially configured to receive the Sky guide on a 60 and 80 cm dish, but this is easy to do.
The change of Sky cards is just a rumour, no one can say this is going to happen, as it will cost Sky many millions.
One of the agents who was rumbled by Sky was using one address for up to 10,000 cards.
Scampicat's dish is pointing to Astra 1, the mainland Europe satellite. It can't receive Astra 2 unless it is moved.

Originally Posted by Ka Ora! (Post 5559621)

Originally Posted by Solarwhizz (Post 5561194)

For a good source of Sat Information, new views, changes, reception reporst,
go here
http://astra2d.proboards31.com/index.cgi

PS Snap(Michael) is Moderator there, I think an installer in Madrid, Who I must say is usually well informed.