Sky and the BBC & UK terrestrial abroad

Sky Digital, the BBC and U.K. terrestrial abroad

Reception of the English language services (Sky Digital) from the four satellites positioned at 28.2° east is possible in most parts of Europe. However, the coverage areas or "Footprints" differs from satellite to satellite. In most cases these differences will not be noticed by the viewer. The real problems begin on the edges of the coverage areas and beyond.
For most ex-pats, it is the British terrestrial TV channels (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV 1, Channel Four and Five) that are the greatest lose and the greatest joy when living abroad.It is not just about watching your favourite programmes from Auntie Beeb, or catching up with the goings on in Coronation street. No, for most of us it is our connection with "Home", we are no longer outsiders when visiting Britain. We are just as well informed and up to date with all the latest news and gossip as those we are visiting!

BBC TV & radio abroad

All domestic BBC TV and Radio services are Free To Air (FTA), they are not encrypted, this means they can be viewed on any digital satellite receiver within the reception area of the satellite. No subscription, or viewing card is required.
However, due to copyright issues, the BBC broadcasts on the Astra 2D satellite. In contrast to the other four co-positioned satellites at 28.2° east, Astra 2D has a tight spot beam (Footprint) centered on the British Isles.
The official SES Astra reception map is somewhat on the conservative side, it does though give a good indication of the satellites intended reception area. See the Footprints page for detailed reception maps.
Most of Europe is outside the Astra 2D "Footprint", confirmed reports however, tell another more positive story, as do some of the unofficial reception maps. The BBC and ITV have been received from Cyprus in the east to the Canary Islands in the west. There seem to be both hot and cold spots, In the Canaries a 2.4m Channel Master dish can be used, wile in central Italy a 3.0m dish is required!

ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 abroad

Like the BBC, all ITV services are also on the Astra 2D satellite, ITV1 and ITV2 are encrypted channels, requiring both a Sky Digital receiver and a valid freesat viewing card.
These cards cost £20 (UK address required) and will also open up for Channel 4 and Five. You can purchase Sky's freesat offer directly from Sky by calling 0870 606 1111, or at most electrical retailers including Comet, John Lewis, Hughes, Bennets, and independent electrical and satellite specialists.

ITV3 is broadcast unencrypted or in the clear. If using a non Sky receiver, the channel may not appear during a rutine search, youn will have to search for PIDS, this should reveal the channelas "User" with a four digit number after it, this is ITV3.

Channel Four & Five

Channel Four and Five have no plans to abandon encryption, at present.
Channel Four and Five both broadcast on the Astra 2A satellite, using the satellites "North Beam", this is receivable in most of Europe, however viewers in the south of Europe can expect reception problems with these two channels.
See the Footprints page for reception maps of all the satellites positioned at 28.2° east.

Sky Digital

What is Sky Digital?
With over 7 million subscribers, Sky is the UK’s most popular digital satellite entertainment service provider. Using advanced satellite technology, sky delivers more than 200 channels to the British and Irish markets.
What is on the Sky Digital platform
There is something for everyone on Sky, general entertainment, news, documentaries, films, Adult entertainment and plenty of sport. There are a number of packages and prices to choose from, for more detailed information visit SKY DIGITAL .
Most of the Sky Digital channels are easily received in most of Europe, though you may encounter problems with particular channels depending on your location.
What equipment is needed for Sky Digital?
A Sky Digital receiver is required, a subscription and a card are required, most of the channels are encrypted in NDS Videoguard. Those that are Free To Air (FTA) including the BBC, can be viewed on any digital receiver. You will also be able to use Sky's state of the art Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), this contains an extensive programme guide, and options for programme reminders, series links and auto viewing of selected programmes allowing the receiver to change channel and switch its self on and off in standby mode.
There are a number of models on the market, some are better than others for overseas reception, being more sensitive to weaker signals. See the Reception Help page for the best models.
Subscribing to Sky Digital
Please bare in mind that Sky Digital must not sell their programme packages outside the British Isles. Sky does however, turn somewhat of a "blind eye" to overseas subscribers who provide an important source of revenue for the company. You will require a UK bank account and a UK address to take out a Sky subscription.
There has been much said on the subject of calling Sky's customer services from abroad, in the past they seem to have switched off customers cards, this does not seem to be the case at present. If you can find someone in Britain to call for you, do so, if not, call at your own (very little) risk!
If you require any assistance in choosing a package, signing up or just need general information, call Sky on +44(0)8705 800 874 (+44(0)818 719 819 in the Republic of Ireland) or email [email protected]. You can also order online just CLICK HERE (UK address and bank required).