Major Astra 28.2/5 satellite frequency changes of interest to viewers in the UK and Ireland updated on a weekly basis, unless there is a major event.
Last updated: 09/09/2024
Astra 2E orbits at 28.5°E, whereas Astra 2F and 2G are located at 28.2°E.
STV North (Aberdeen) HD goes free-to-air
09/09/2024 – The regional version of STV HD serving the north of Scotland is now free-to-air on satellite.
Earlier today, STV North (Aberdeen) HD swapped satellite tranponder slots with STV East (Edinburgh) HD [see earlier update below]. This moved STV North to a UK spotbeam slot, a requirement for going free-to-air. The new parameters are:
- Frequency: 12168
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Symbol Rate: 27500 (27.5 Mbaud)
- FEC: 2/3
- Service ID: STV HD (5168)
Freesat is expected to make the service available to customers in the North of Scotland later this month.
S4C SD removed from Freesat
09/09/2024 – S4C becomes the last channel serving Wales to end its SD service for Freesat users. Ahead of the switch-off, S4C SD has been delisted from Freesat boxes. S4C continues HD only going forward. BBC One Wales/BBC Two Wales and ITV1 Wales have long since terminated SD broadcasts.
Transponder 113 clearance: France 24 HD, Create & Craft HD and Hobbymaker HD
09/09/2024 –Astra 2E transponder 113 (11386 H) is being cleared. Three channels remain on the transponder: France 24 English HD, Create & Craft HD and Hobbymaker HD. These are now migrating to new transponders.
- Create & Craft HD and Hobbycraft HD are moving to 11112 H.
- France 24 English HD is moving to 11427 V.
During the transition, there’s a period of dual-illumination. Freesat has begun migrating users, with Sky to follow.
STV North (Grampian) and STV East (Edinburgh) HD swap
09/09/2024 – STV’s regional HD channels covering the North and East of country have swapped transponders.
STV North (the former Grampian service) is now broadcasting on 12168V.
ITV HD transponder migration completed
04/09/2024 – Two days after Freesat was updated, Sky viewers have been migrated to 11344 H.
- ITV1 HD Meridian Thames Valley (21010)
- ITV1 HD Meridian South (21015)
- ITV1 HD Yorkshire West (21040)
- ITV3 HD (21050)
- ITV1 HD Border Scotland (21060)
- ITV1 HD Anglia West (21070)
- ITV1 HD Central East (21080)
ITV broadcasts on 11097 V (tp 66) have now ended.
A further transponder change, moving STV HD (Glasgow), UTV HD, ITVBe HD, ITV 4 HD plus ITV1 HD versions for Yorkshire East, Anglia East and Border England to 11386 V is due to commence in the next week.
India Today, Brit Asia TV and Faith UK moving transponders
03/09/2024 – The three channels are moving from 11112 H to 11081 H (both on Astra 2G) 11081 H: Symbol Rate 23000, FEC 2/3, DVB-S2 8PSK, SIDs 50382 (India Today), 50384 (Faith), 50386 (Brit Asia TV).
Traces of PTV Global removed from Astra 2G
03/09/2024 – After several years of unstable service, subject to multiple short-term de-listings from Sky’s channel guide, PTV Global appears to be gone altogether. Whereas during previous de-listings from Sky, the satellite bandwidth assigned to PTV Global has remained active, this time around the slot (on 11552 H) has been removed.
In short, if PTV Global was to return, it would be a much longer process to get it reinstated on Sky Q.
Sky clears transponder 19
02/09/2024 – Astra 2E transponder 19 (12070 H), previously used for Sky Sports Active streams has been cleared. Interactive streams are now delivered via the internet via the Sky Sports+ red button service.
ITV HD transponder change for Freesat
02/09/2024 – The following channels have been transferred from transponder 66 to 111 on Freesat only. On Sky, these channels are still being delivered from transponder 66, but this is expected to change soon.
- ITV1 HD Meridian Thames Valley (21010)
- ITV1 HD Meridian South (21015)
- ITV1 HD Yorkshire West (21040)
- ITV3 HD (21050)
- ITV1 HD Border Scotland (21060)
- ITV1 HD Anglia West (21070)
- ITV1 HD Central East (21080)
Shopping channel ‘Must Have Ideas’ launching on Sky and Freesat
30/08/2024 – New shopping channel Must Have Ideas will be added to Sky satellite channel 661 and Freesat channel 814* week commencing 2nd September. It’s broadcasting on 11112H, SID 50482.
*This post originally stated 812 and was corrected.
RTÉ Radio completes frequency move
29/08/2024 – RTÉ’s four main radio stations completed their migration to a new frequency as part of a wider technical upgrade to move services to DVB-S2 mode. The stations had been dual-illuminated over the last few weeks in preparation for the change. Freesat migrated its receiver base to the new frequency last week.
▶ Read more about the change here…
Accompanying the change are frequency changes for RTÉ Jr, which is broadcast on Sky in both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, plus Irish parliamentary channel Oireachtas TV, which are now DVB-S2 only on 12149 H.
PTV Global is delisted again
27/08/2024 – PTV Global from Pakistan has once again been delisted from Sky’s satellite channel list, where is was available on channel 733.
Further Channel 4 satellite changes
23/08/2024 – Channel 4’s reorganisation of its satellite services continues. Channel 4 SD London has moved from Astra 2E transponder 41 (10714 H) to Astra 2G transponder 68 (11127 V). This means both Channel 4 London SD and HD are on the same transponder, and bucking the recent trend, the transponder is still DVB-S.
▶ You can find the latest listings on our Channel 4 tuning details page.
Sky delists New Media
22/08/2024 – New Media HD has been delisted from Sky 594.
Tiny Pop returns to satellite
21/08/2024 – Tiny Pop takes over GREAT! Real’s satellite transponder slots.
Astra 2F, 11307 V, SR 27500, FEC 5/6 Service ID: 53335 and 53385 (+1).
Arqiva onboards ITV
17/08/2024 – Arqiva is onboarding ITV HD channels on its transponders, which means they’ll be a period of time when some ITV channels are available on two frequencies.
Channels on transponder 64 are currently dual illuminated on transponder 114, while channels on transponder 66 are dual illuminated on transponder 111.
▶ Full tuning parameters: Manually tuning ITV via satellite…
For now, nothing changes for existing Sky and Freesat users in the UK. An update will be sent out to receivers in due course. However, if you’re accessing ITV via manual tuning in Ireland, then later this year, you will need to retune to continue watching ITV.
Sky continues migration of SD services to DVB-S2
17/08/2024 – with just two weeks until migration is due to be completed, Sky has now migrated Sky Arts, Sky Documentaries, Sky Showcase+1, Baby TV, Sky Replay, Sky Nature, Movies 24, Movies 24+ and Sky Comedy to DVB-S2, meaning these channels can no longer be received on older Sky boxes.
RTÉ Radio migration (Astra 2F)
17/08/2024 – RTÉ’s four main national radio stations are in the process of migrating to a new satellite transponder, after which the stations will only be available on newer satellite receivers (i.e. satellite receivers that can’t access RTÉ TV will now no longer be able to receive RTÉ Radio)
RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, Lyric and RnaG are currently testing ahead of full migration. The new tuning parameters are: 12149 H, Symbol Rate 27500, FEC 2/3, DVB-S2 8PSK. Service IDs: 5261-5264.
WION HD back
31/07/2024 – After a month off the EPG, news channel WION HD has been relisted on Sky channel 519.
Sky Documentaries, Sky Witness and Virgin Three Ireland transition to DVB-S2
31/07/2024 – The three SD channels have moved to 12149H and are no longer receivable on older satellite receivers.
Challenge, Together, Sky Replay Ireland, Nat Geo Wild and Sky Sci-Fi complete DVB-S2 move
30/07/2024 – The five SD channels have completed a migration to DVB-S2 transponders, meaning they are no longer available on older SD-only satellite receivers. For more information about the changes to Challenge and Together, scroll down to the post from 25/07/2024.
92 News has left Sky
29/07/2024 – 92 News, only recently reshuffled to Sky channel 740, has been delisted from Sky.
Zee Punjabi goes live on Sky
25/07/2024 – Zee Punjabi is now available on Sky satellite channel 769. The channel is encrypted.
Challenge and Together TV switching transponders
25/07/2024 – Both Challenge (UK) and Together TV are preparing to complete a migration from Astra 2E transponder 7 (11836 H) to Astra 2F transponder 23 (12149 H).
As this involves a switch from DVB-S to DVB-S2, the channels have been delisted from older Freesat receivers.
Astra 2G transponder 65 switches to DVB-S2
25/07/2024 – Channels including Blaze, Now 70s and Home Shop TV are now no longer available on older satellite receivers. Astra 2G transponder 65 (11082 H) has switched to DVB-S2. The transponder, which also contains Sky History SD was reconfigured overnight.
In addition, the symbol rate has changed from 22000 to 23000. The Forward Error Correction (FEC) rate has changed from 5/6 to 2/3.
In anticipation of the change, Freesat had already delisted affected channels from the EPG of older Freesat SD boxes a month ago. Newer HD-compatible receivers are not affected, but may need rebooting if they fail to recognise the change automatically.
TNT Sports red button channels complete migration
25/07/2024 – All of TNT Sport’s red button channels are now broadcast on new satellite frequencies. Today, TNT Sports 5-10 SD moved to 11597 V, retaining the red button service for the time being, in contrast to Sky, who will be moving extra sports coverage to streaming-only via Sky Sports+ this football season.
Sky News UK moves transponder
24/07/2024 – The main UK free-to-air SD feed of Sky News has now moved to a new frequency.
It’s now available on 11934 V, Symbol Rate: 27500, FEC: 5/6, Service ID: 7404. The broadcast standard remains DVB-S.
Channel 4 transponder changes complete
24/07/2024 – Dual transmission of Channel 4 +1 North, 4+1 Scotland, More 4, 4seven and E4 Extra is about to end with Sky migrating services to to their new transponder.
You can find the latest listings on our Channel 4 tuning details page.
Sky completes international reshuffle
22/07/2024 – Sky has completed a reshuffle of international channels in the 700-799 channel range of the Sky Q/ Sky+HD EPG. You can find the revised listing on our Sky UK satellite channel list page. Additionally today, New Media HD has been reinstated to the EPG.
More 4, E4 Extra and 4seven on the move
21/07/2024 – Channel 4 continues to consolidate channels across fewer transponders, following the recent removals of regional C4 SD services and music channels.
You can find the latest listings on our Channel 4 tuning details page.
Three channels delisted from Sky EPG
19/07/2024 – New Media HD, PTV Global and radio station Khushkhabri have been delisted from Sky. PTV Global has been frequently delisted and reinstated without warning this year.
Nat Geo moves DVB-S2
19/07/2024 – Continuing Sky’s migration of services to DVB-S2 transponders, Nat Geo has transferred to 12090 V, meaning it is now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
Sky News Ireland moves to DVB-S2
17/07/2024 – The SD feed of Sky News with ROI adverts has moved to 12090 V (SID: 6406) and now no longer receivable on older boxes.
Channel 4 moves +1 channels
15/07/2024 – Channel 4 is consolidating its satellite footprint following the removal of its SD regions at the beginning of the month. Two of C4+1’s regional variants on 10936 V are now being moved to 10714 H (DVB-S, SR 22000, FEC 5/6).
WBD moves TNT Sports Red Button channels
15/07/2024 – TNT Sports 5-8 SD – the red Button channels from TNT Sports in addition to TNT Sports 2 and 4 SD are now broadcast on 11597 V.
HD versions of Red Button channels are now on 11582 H.
This confirms TNT Sports will continue broadcasting its red button service on satellite, in contrast to Sky, which now delivers extra content via streaming.
Sky Crime moves to DVB-S2
09/07/2024 – Sky has until the end of next month to migrate all of its channels to DVB-S2 transponders. The latest to make its move is Sky Crime, now on 12090 V and now no longer receivable on older boxes.
Really, Really ROI, HGTV and HGTV+1 are moving
05/07/2024 – This week’s reconfiguration of WBD’s transponders (see 02/07/2024 news item below) to the more efficient DVB-S2 means the broadcast can consolidate more channels on fewer transponders.
Really UK, Really ROI, HGTV and HGTV+1 have started broadcasting on transponder 35 (Astra 2E 12382 H). They are moving from Astra 2F transponder 111 (11344 H).
The channels are currently dual-illuminated on both old and new frequencies.
Sky Sports Mix SD transponder change.
05/07/2024 – Sky Sports Mix SD is now broadcasting on 11934 V. It’s moved from 11837 H.
NOW 90s and 00s live on Sky
03/07/2024 – Relive the hits from the 1990s and 2000s on NOW 90s and 00s on Sky channel 357.
WBD transponders convert to DVB-S2
02/07/2024 – Two Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) transponders have transitioned to DVB-S2. They are Astra 2G 11038 V (tp62) and Astra 2E 12383H (tp35).
This affects the following UK and Irish versions of the following SD channels: DMAX, DMAX+1, Food Network, Food Network+1, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Animal Planet+1, Discovery Science, Discovery History, Discovery History +1, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Turbo+1 Quest, Quest+1, Quest Red, Quest Red+1, TLC, TLC+1 Investigation Discovery. Additionally HGTV Ireland is affected, but not HGTV UK.
Older Sky boxes will no longer receive the above channels.
Arise News reinstated on Sky
02/07/2024 – Arise News has returned to Sky channel 516 this morning.
WION HD removed from Sky for second time this year
02/07/2024 – India-based news channel WION HD has been delisted from Sky for the second time this year. It is no longer available on channel 519. It had been delisted back in March, but returned after a week.
BLAZE SD resolution improved
01/07/2024 – Blaze, the SD-only factual entertainment channel from A+E Networks, is now broadcasting with improved picture resolution on Sky and Freesat. The resolution has changed from 544×576 to 720×576. (11081 H)
Music channels cease broadcasting on Astra 2G
01/07/2024 – As scheduled, 4Music, The Box, Kerrang, Kiss and Magic TV have ended broadcasts on Astra 2G, tp 107, 11265 H.
Channel 4 closing regionalised SD feeds
01/07/2024 – Channel 4 SD Midlands, North, Scotland, South and Ulster have been delisted from Sky and Freesat. This won’t affect most users, who have the HD version of Channel 4 on 104 (108 in Wales).
In the Republic of Ireland, Channel 4 goes HD-only, with the encrypted SD feed of Channel 4 Ireland (10936 V, SID: 8325) axed.
PTV Global returns
01/07/2024 – PTV Global has been relisted on Sky channel 735.
Three more channels are closing
27/06/2024 – British Muslim TV (11225 H), Inspiration TV (11081 H), Dunya News (11112 H) are closing on satellite and delisting from Sky’s EPG. First to go is British Muslim on Friday 28th June; the others are due to follow on Monday 1st July.
The channel closures are in addition to the already announced removal of The Box, 4Music, Kerrang, Kiss and Magic TV (11265 H) on 1st July.
Sky Showcase moves to DVB-S2
27/06/2024 – Continuing Sky’s migration of services to DVB-S2 transponders, Sky Showcase has transferred to 12090 V, meaning it is now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
Seen On TV crashes off air
26/06/2024 – Recently launched shopping channel on Astra 2G not broadcasting. More information…
Arise News off again
25/06/2024 – Arise News was delisted from Sky channel 516. The channel’s feed on 11552H has gone to black.
Ideal World HD now live on Sky & Freesat
24/06/2024 – Ideal World has switched to an HD feed on Sky channel 668 and Freesat channel 810. The HD version is broadcast on Astra 2G 11112 H (SR: 23000, FEC: 2/3, DVB-S2). The SD feed on 11082 H is no longer fed to Sky and Freesat boxes and will be removed from satellite shortly.
That’s Dance replaces Chart Show Retro
24/06/2024 – That’s Dance is now live on Sky channel 360 and Astra 2G, 11567 V, replacing Chart Show Retro (SR: 22000, FEC: 5/6, DVB-S).
New NOW music channel preparing to launch
24/06/2024 – NOW Music is preparing to launch a new channel dedicated to the 1990s and 2000s according to EPG data associated with Arqiva test broadcasts on Astra 2G, 11567 V (SR: 22000, FEC: 5/6, DVB-S, SID: 54160).
Sky Atlantic+1 and Sky Comedy make DVB-S2 switch
24/06/2024 – Sky Atlantic+1 and Sky Comedy SD have transferred to 12090 V, meaning they are now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
PTV Global delisted (again)
24/06/2024 – PTV Global has once again been removed from Sky channel 735. The channel was last delisted on 8th May, but restored on 4th June.
Sky News Radio new transponder
21/06/2024 – Sky News Radio [or SNR], a feed for commercial and community stations, is now broadcast on 11934 V (SR: 27500, FEC: 5/6, DVB-S, SID: 5450.)
TNT Sports SD moves
17/06/2024 – TNT Sports 1 and 3 have moved from 11343 V to 11612 H.
Earthx TV closed
13/06/2024 – Earthx TV has terminated broadcasts in the UK. It has been removed from Sky channel 180. It was broadcasting on 11387 V.
Eurosport 1 SD and Sky Witness+1 become DVB-S2 only
13/06/2024 – Eurosport 1 and Sky Witness+1 have transferred to 12090 V, have transferred to 12090 V, meaning they are now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
Sky Sports Tennis ROI SD and Sky Atlantic ROI now DVB-S2
12/06/2024 – Both channels, available to Sky subscribers in the Republic of Ireland, have transferred to 12090 V, meaning they are now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
Eurosport 2 SD and Sky News Arabia become DVB-S2
11/06/2024 – Eurosport 2 SD and the free-to-air Sky News Arabic have transferred to 12090 V, meaning they are now only available on newer Sky receivers (Sky+HD and Sky Q), which support DVB-S2.
PTV Global reinstated (again)
04/06/2024 – Having been delisted from Sky channel 735 on 8th May, the channel is now back on air.
Seen On TV shopping channel to join Sky next week
31/05/2024 – Sky has confirmed new shopping channel Seen On TV HD will join its EPG on Wednesday, launching on channel 682 in the UK only.
Arise News, GEO News and ARY Digital moving transponders
24/05/2024 – Three channels are transferring from Astra 2G transponder 112 to Astra 2G transponder 95. Arise News, GEO News and ARY Digital are currently dual-illuminated on both old and new frequencies.
The new tuning parameters are:
- Satellite: Astra 2G
- Frequency: 11552
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 23000 (23.0)
- FEC: 2/3
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 55112 (Arise News), 55119 (Geo News), 55125 (ARY Digital).
Sky additions
23/05/2024 – Rewind TV was added to Sky channel 190 at around 10am, meaning viewers didn’t get to see the first three hours of scheduled programmes on the new channel.
PBC, which was delisted yesterday, has been reinstated on 775.
Sky News Arabia changing transponder alongside other Sky channels
22/05/2024 – Free-to-air Arabic-language news channel Sky News Arabic is one of a number of services dual-illuminated on new and old frequencies ahead of a transponder change.
The channel, plus pay channels Sky Atlantic SD and Eurosport 2 SD have started a change to move off Astra 2F. Going forward, access to these channels will require a newer satellite receiver that supports DVB-S2.
New tuning parameters:
- Satellite: Astra 2E (28.5°E)
- Frequency: 12090
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 29500 (29.5)
- FEC: 8/9
- Mode: DVB-S2 QPSK
- Service ID: Sky News Arabia 55112
Home Shop TV completes transponder change
22/05/2024 – Shopping channel Home Shop TV (Sky channel 661) has transferred to new transponder capacity. It is now broadcasting on Astra 2G transponder 65 (11082 H, 22000, FEC: 5/6, Service ID 50300).
Meanwhile Chart Show Retro has also completed its change and has left Astra 2F. It is now solely available on its new Astra 2G transponder slot (see below).
PBC delisted
22/05/2024 – PBC has been delisted from Sky channel 775.
Chart Show Retro transponder change
17/05/2024 – Chart Show Retro is currently being dual-illumined on old and new frequencies ahead of a transponder change. The change from Astra 2F transponder 111 to Astra 2G transponder 96 also means viewers across continental Europe can now receive the channel.
The channel’s new tuning parameters are:
- Satellite: Astra 2G
- Frequency: 11567
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 22000 (22.0)
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S QPSK
- Service ID: 54151
Rewind TV Sky channel number confirmed
16/05/2024 – Rewind TV, the retro television channel featuring classic drama, comedy, movies and documentaries, will launch on Sky channel 190 in the UK next Thursday, 23rd May 2024. Test transmissions continue – see parameters listed below, under the entry from 07/05/2024.
Ideal World prepares to relaunch in HD
14/05/2024 – Shopping channel Ideal World will soon be available in HD once again on Sky satellite. It’s expected to start testing shortly on 11112H, S/R 23000 (23.0), FEC: 2/3, DVB-S2, 8PSK, service ID: 50480
PTV Global delisted again
08/05/2024 – 24 hours after being reinstated on the Sky EPG, the channel has been removed again.
Rewind TV test transmissions
07/05/2024 – Rewind TV, a new service from a Sheffield-based broadcaster commenced test transmissions on Astra 2G on Thursday. It will launch on Sky later this month.
Satellite: Astra 2G
Frequency: 11082
Polarisation: Horizontal
Symbol Rate: 22000 (22.0)
FEC: 5/6
Mode: DVB-S QPSK
Service ID: 50327
PTV Global reinstated
07/05/2024 – PTV Global, Pakistan’s international channel, has been reinstated on Sky channel 735. It had been removed on 2nd May. Sky will delist channels if they do not meet either technical or financial obligations.
BBC Radio 4 LW ends on satellite
02/05/2024 – The BBC has closed the mono feed of BBC Radio 4 LW on satellite after the service was delisted from both Sky satellite and Freesat channel guides. LW-only opt-outs ended on 31st March. Since last month, former BBC Radio 4 LW only programmes are on BBC Radio 4 Extra. The cricket is on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra instead.
The BBC continues to broadcast a stereo feed of Radio 4 on satellite.
TalkTV turned off
01/05/2024 – TalkTV (now known just as ‘Talk’) has been removed from satellite. Freesat has yet to delist the channel, so viewers selecting TalkTV from the channel list will see a blank screen/error message.
Sky ends RTÉ One SD
29/04/2024 – RTÉ One SD has ceased on satellite. Sky has now turned off the SD copies of the four main Irish channels [RTÉ One, RTÉ2, Virgin Media One (the former TV3) and TG4], plus Virgin Media Two.
Transponder 95 switches to DVB-S2
26/04/2024 – Astra 2G Transponder 95 11553 H has switched to DVB-S2. This has affected a variety of radio stations, including those removed from Freesat SD boxes in preparation for the change earlier in the week.
SEEN ON TV pre-launch testing
17/04/2024 – Teleshopping channel SEEN ON TV is coming to both Sky satellite and Freesat. Test transmissions coming to 11686 V (SR 23000, FEC: 2/3, DVB-S2, Service ID: 55300).
Sky transponder change
17/04/2024 – Sky Sports Mix HD, Sky Sports News HD, Sky Sports Action HD, Sky Sports F1 HD, Sky News HD, Sky Sports Cricket HD, Sky Comedy HD, Sky Crime HD and STV HD (Tayside) have moved from transponder 20 (12090V) to transponder 21 (12110H).
GREAT! romance launches Irish ad-version
16/04/2024 – GREAT! romance ROI is now live on Sky Ireland 319 and 11307 V
Viaplay Sports becomes Premier Sports
09/04/2024 – Viaplay Sports 1 and 2 have been handed over to Premier Sports. Details…
TG4 SD has closed
08/04/2024 – Sky has discontinued broadcasts of Ireland’s TG4 in standard definition. It is now HD only in 12363V
Home Shop TV launches
04/04/2024 – new on Sky channel 661 and 11345 H.
Sporty Stuff TV has now closed
01/04/2024 – The channel closed overnight and is no longer available on 11523 H
WION HD reinstated
28/03/2024 – WION HD has returned following a week’s absence from satellite. (11641 H & Sky channel 519).
Bloomberg HD completes transponder move
27/03/2024 – Bloomberg HD has now moved to 11671 H (SR 23000, FEC 2/3 DVB-S2)
BBC clears transponder
26/03/2024 – All traces of the BBC’s standard definition channels have now been removed from 10773 H
WION HD removed
21/03/2024 – India-based news channel WION HD has dropped off air (11641 H & Sky channel 519).
France 24 English HD prepares to move transponder
19/03/2024 – France 24 English HD is currently being dual-illumined on old and new frequencies.
The channel’s new tuning parameters are:
- Satellite: Astra 2E
- Frequency: 11385
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 29500
- FEC: 8/9
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 53700
Daystars ceases dual-illumination; Viaplay 1 prepares to change transponder
19/03/2024 – Daystar HD’s dual illumination (see 07/03/2024) has now ended without completion of a transponder move. In its place Viaplay Sports 1 HD is now broadcasting and is preparing to change to the following parameters:
- Satellite: Astra 2G
- Frequency: 11671
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 23000
- FEC: 2/3
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 50251 (Viaplay 1 HD)
Dangal prepares second transponder change this year
19/03/2024 – Dangal, the channel that replaced Foodxp, is preparing to change transponders for the second time this year. It is now dual-illuminated on both old and new transponders (Astra 2G transponder 65 and Astra 2F 91). The new transponder is UK spot beam, whereas previously, Dangal has been available on a Europe-wide beam.
- Satellite: Astra 2F
- Frequency: 11494
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 22000
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S QPSK
- Service ID: 22312 (Dangal)
Two more transponders about to be cleared
14/03/2024 – Transponders 97 and 98 on Astra 2G (11582H + 11597 V) are about to be cleared of their last remaining channels.
As a result, Zee TV HD and New Media are moving to transponder 67, 11112 H. The transponder recently switched to DVB-S2 (see news item below).
Create & Craft HD, which has been on 11597 V, tp 98 is about to complete its switch to 11385H.
Astra 2G transponder 67 DVB-S2 switch
08/03/2024 – Transponder 67 has this morning switched to DVB-S2. It means channels including GEO News, India Today, Brit Asia TV and MATV National can only be received on HD satellite receivers going forward, despite the channels still broadcasting in SD.
- Frequency: 11112
- Polarisation: H
- Symbol Rate: changed from 22000 to 23000
- FEC: changes from 5/6 to 2/3
- Mode: changed from DVB-S, QPSK to DVB-S2, 8PSK
Create & Craft HD transponder move
07/03/2024 – Create & Craft HD is currently being dual-illuminated on old and new frequencies.
The channel’s new tuning parameters are:
- Satellite: Astra 2E
- Frequency: 11385
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 29000
- FEC: 8/9
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 53705
TJC HD transponder move
07/03/2024 – TJC HD is currently being dual-illumined on old and new frequencies.
The channel’s new tuning parameters are:
- Satellite: Astra 2E
- Frequency: 11426
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 29000
- FEC: 8/9
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 52570
Bloomberg HD and Daystar HD transponder move
07/03/2024 – Bloomberg HD and Daystar HD are currently being dual-illuminated on old and new frequencies.
- Satellite: Astra 2G
- Frequency: 11671
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 23000
- FEC: 2/3
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- Service ID: 50261 (Bloomberg HD) and 50250 (Daystar HD)
GREAT! Real starts tests
04/03/2024 – Ahead of the channel launching on 20th March, GREAT! Real is already broadcasting a test schedule.
- Satellite: Astra 2F
- Frequency: 11307
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 27500
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S, QPSK
- Service ID: 53335 (GREAT! Real) and 53385 (GREAT! Real+1)
NOW 70s, Dangal, Eman, Ideal World and Gems TV transponder move
29/02/2024 – Five channels are preparing to change satellite frequency in March. NOW 70s, Dangal, Eman, Ideal World and Gems TV are now dual-illuminated on satellite.
NOW 70s, Eman and Dangal are moving from 11582H (Astra 2G 28.2°E transponder 97) to 11082H (Astra 2G transponder 65) as part of a wider clearance of this transponder, which used to also house Talking Pictures and That’s TV.
New Frequency: 11082, Polarisation: Horizontal, Symbol Rate: 22000, FEC: 5/6 Mode: DVB-S QPSK.
- NOW 70s Service ID: 50321
- Dangal Service ID: 50326
- Eman Channel Service ID: 50342
- Gems TV Service ID: 50347
- Ideal World Service ID: 50356
EarthxTV HD and Viaplay 2 HD move transponder
28/02/2024 – Both channels have today completed their move to Astra 2E transponder 114, 11387 V, SR 29500, FEC 8/9, Mode: DVB-S2. UK Spotbeam. SID: 50600 for EarthxTV HD and 50605 for Viaplay 2 HD
Both channels have moved off the pan-European Astra 2G transponder 103 (11671 H).
TG4 HD / Sky Sci-Fi HD new frequency
26/02/2024 – Encrypted channels TG4 HD and Sky Sci-Fi HD are now broadcasting on 12363 V following a transponder move.
Channel 7 returns
26/02/2024 – Channel 7 has returned to Sky 181 after a temporary removal from the Sky EPG. Temporary removals occur if a channel does not meet qualifying technical or financial conditions.
Chart Show Retro starts tests
23/02/2024 – Chart Show Retro has begun full test transmissions including test EPG ahead of its launch on Sky in March.
It’s broadcasting on Astra 2F transponder 111. The parameters are as follows:
- Astra 2F 28.2°E,
- 11344
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- SR: 27500,
- FEC: 5/6
- DVB-S QPSK
- Service ID: 53215
Update: it will launch on Sky on 4th March.
NatGeo HD moves transponder
14/02/2024 – NatGeo HD is now broadcast on 12227 V, SR: 27500, FEC: 2/3, SID 7031
More Sky+HD apps deactivated
14/02/2024 – Launchpad and STB Dev App, which were apps broadcast via satellite to Sky+HD boxes have been discontinued. Data streams were broadcast alongside Sky’s TV services. This follows the discontinuation of a number of interactive apps for Sky+HD boxes last year. Sky+HD boxes have now been reduced to basic TV reception and recording capability.
Channel 7 removed from Sky
13/02/2024 – African channel Channel 7 has been delisted from Sky channel 181. It’s currently unknown when the channel may get relisted. The channel has previously disappeared from Sky when it failed to meet the requirements to broadcast on the platform. (Requirements include either/or technical and financial aspects.)
Talking Pictures preparing to move transponders
13/02/2024 – Talking Pictures is currently dual-illuminated, with the new parameters as follows:
- Astra 2F 28.2°E,
- 11345 V,
- SR: 27500,
- FEC: 5/6
- DVB-S
- Service ID: 55225
That’s TV and That’s 60s are also moving. They have the same parameters as above, but with service IDs 55230 and 55235.
GREAT! movies and GREAT! tv Ireland transponder move
08/02/2024 – Both Irish counterparts of the channels have now moved across to Astra 2F, 11307 V, SR: 27500, FEC: 5/6, where they join the other GREAT! network channels on a single transponder.
GREAT! and POP channels delisted from Freesat
07/02/2024 – These channels are no longer listed on the Freesat EPG. However they can continue to be received on Sky and any generic free-to-air satellite receiver on Astra 2F, 11307 V, SR: 27500, FEC: 5/6.
TalkSport moves transponder
07/02/2024 – Radio station TalkSport is moving to a new transponder. Astra 2G, 11553 H, SR 22000, FEC 5/6 SID: 55198.
STV HD (East – Edinburgh) transponder change
31/01/2024 – The STV HD service for the east of the central belt, covering Edinburgh and surrounding areas has moved transponders. It is now broadcast encrypted on 12168V, DVB-S2, SR: 27500, FEC: 2/3 SID: 6170
Migration from 11538V complete
31/01/2024 – All channels previously broadcast on 11538V have moved to 11523H (DVB-S2, SR 23000, FEC 2/3). This includes SportyStuff HD, WRN Europe, ATN, Ahlebait, PoliticsPunjab and Ayozat TV.
Viaplay Xtra
31/01/2024 – Viaplay Xtra has been removed from 11426V following its removal from the Sky EPG last week. The channel has now been discontinued altogether.
Dual Illumination of minority SD channels in DVB-S2
24/01/2024 – 11523 H now carrying a range of minority channels migrating from 11538 V ahead of their migration from 11538 V.
Channels include ATN, Ahlebait TV and Politics Punjab. Once migration is complete, this will be the first transition of SD channels on to a DVB-S2 transponder on Astra’s satellite fleet at 28° East. It will also be the first time in the UK and Ireland satellite TV markets that SD channels will cease to be available on SD receivers, not because they’ve closed, but moved to DVB-S2, a standard not supported by non-HD receivers.
ITV closes transponder
24/01/2024 – Transponder 54, 10906 V now empty after ITV migrated remaining services to transponder 53.
UKTV Ireland channels move
16/01/2024 – Gold (Ireland), Alibi (Ireland) and W (Ireland) have moved to 12129 V (SR 27500, FEC 5/6, DVB-S, QPSK).
- Gold (Ireland) – Service ID 25120 (Encrypted)
- Alibi (Ireland) – Service ID 25121 (Encrypted)
- W (Ireland) – Service ID 25122 (Free-to-air)
ITV transponder move
16/01/2024 – ITV is completing the migration of its remaining SD channels on to one single transponder (tp 53):
- Frequency: 10891
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 22000
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S/QPSK
The following channels are in the process of moving to this transponder (service ID in brackets):
ITV1 Central West (10120), STV North – Aberdeen (10130), STV East – Edinburgh (10131), ITV1+1 Meridian East (10146), ITV1+1 Granada (10148), ITV2 (10152), ITV4+1 (10166).
All of the above are migrating from transponder 54, 10906V
BBC Radio migration
11/01/2024 – The BBC is closing its DVB-S radio broadcasts on Astra 2E (28.5°E) in stages during a two week period.
New frequencies (DVB-S2 receiver required) are listed on the BBC manual tuning page.
Bauer Radio cessation
13/12/2023 – At 10am Bauer Media withdrew its UK radio stations from Astra 2G (28.2°E).
Affected stations include Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Kiss, Magic, Planet Rock. These were previously broadcast on 11553 H (transponder 95).
STV SD and ITV4+1 Transponder Change
13/12/2023 – Two STV SD regions and ITV4+1 are preparing to move transponder on Astra 2E (28.5°E). The new parameters are shown below. Sky and Freesat boxes will automatically update on completion of the transfer.
The migration is part of a plan to combine all remaining ITV and STV standard definition channels on to one transponder (transponder 53) in early 2024.
- Frequency: 10891
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 22000
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S/QPSK
- Service ID: 10130 (STV North [Aberdeen]) and 10131 (STV Central [Edinburgh]) 10166 (ITV4+1)
Zee TV HD Transponder Change
07/12/2023 – Zee TV HD is preparing to move transponder on Astra 2G (28.2°E). The new parameters are shown below. Sky boxes will automatically update on completion of the transfer.
- Frequency: 11582
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 22000 (22.0 MBaud)
- FEC: 5/6
- Mode: DVB-S/QPSK
- Service ID: 52185
New ITV services testing on satellite
28/11/2023 – On Astra 2G (28.2°E), ITV has now added the full set of its channels in HD.
ITV1 HD – Border Scotland
- Frequency: 11097
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 23000 (23.0 Mbaud)
- FEC: 3/4
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- SID: 21060
ITV1 HD – Channel Television
- Frequency: 11053
- Polarisation: Horizontal
- Symbol Rate: 23000 (23.0 Mbaud)
- FEC: 3/4
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- SID: 20720
ITVBe HD
- Frequency: 11068
- Polarisation: Vertical
- Symbol Rate: 23000 (23.0 Mbaud)
- FEC: 3/4
- Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
- SID: 20835