Astra Satellite TV in Europe Installation Guide Step-by-Step DIY Antenna Setup
For satellite TV (DTH) users in Europe, one of the most popular and important satellite positions is undoubtedly Astra 19.2°E. This satellite is the primary broadcast source for viewers, especially in Germany and France, and it offers over 1,150 TV and radio channels to more than 93 million homes across 35 countries. If you want to access this rich content, this guide will walk you through how to do your own installation from scratch.
1. Why Astra 19.2°E? Market Analysis and User Profile
Astra 19.2°E maintains its strong position in the European television market despite the growing popularity of other streaming services. In a country like Germany, where DTH broadcasting is most common, 45.5% of households received their TV signals via the Astra satellite in 2023. This shows that satellite TV remains a vital option for people in areas with limited cable or internet services and for those who prefer specific regional content.
The Astra satellite is the main hub for countless Free-to-Air (FTA) channels, as well as subscription packages like Sky Deutschland and German HD+. However, a significant change is happening in satellite broadcasting:
- The End of SD Broadcasting: The German public broadcaster ARD ceased all of its SD broadcasts via Astra 19.2°E as of January 7, 2025. From this date, channels are only available in HD quality. ZDF is also expected to end its SD broadcasts in November 2025.
This means that to watch current broadcasts, it is now essential for users to have an HD-compatible receiver that supports the DVB-S2 standard.
2. Necessary Equipment: Choosing Your Hardware
Choosing the right equipment is critical for a successful installation.
Satellite Dish: The size of the dish directly affects the success of your installation. The larger the dish, the stronger the signal and the more resistant it is to bad weather conditions like rain or snow.
- Size Recommendations: A 60-65 cm dish is generally sufficient for countries like Germany and France. In southern England, a 45 cm dish can be used, but a 65 cm dish is recommended for a more reliable signal.
LNB (Low-Noise Block Converter): The LNB collects signals from the dish and sends them to the television. You can choose different types of LNBs depending on how many TVs you want to connect:
- Single LNB: Ideal for one satellite receiver.
- Twin/Dual LNB: Can send a signal to two receivers or a receiver with recording capabilities (PVR).
- Quad LNB: Designed to provide a signal to four different rooms.
- Octo LNB: Supports up to eight rooms.
Another important factor in LNB selection is the “Noise Figure”. The lower this value, which is expressed in decibels (dB) (e.g., 0.1 dB), the better the signal quality. An LNB with a low noise figure should be preferred, especially for HD and 4K broadcasts.
Satellite Receiver: Many channels on Astra 19.2°E are broadcast for free (FTA). To watch these channels, a receiver that supports the DVB-S2 standard is sufficient. For subscription channels, the provider’s own special receiver or a compatible module (CAM) is usually required.
Cables and Connectors: The most common cable type used in satellite systems to carry the signal from the LNB to the receiver is a coaxial cable.
- RG-6: The most popular and standard choice for home installations.
- RG-11: A better option for longer distances or HD broadcasts, as it offers lower signal loss.
- Connectors: F-type connectors are standard for satellite TV systems. BNC connectors are generally for professional video equipment and are not used in home installations.
3. Step-by-Step Installation and Alignment
Step 1: Choose a Location and Line of Sight The most important step of the installation is choosing the right spot for the satellite dish. The antenna needs a “clear line of sight” to the target satellite (Astra 19.2°E). Obstacles like trees, buildings, or other structures can completely block the signal. If you’re installing during the winter, consider the possibility that trees might block the signal when their leaves grow in the summer. Make sure the mounting surface is sturdy and can withstand the wind.
Step 2: Find the Necessary Angles Before you begin the installation, you should use an online tool like Dishpointer.com to find the specific alignment angles (Azimuth, Elevation, Skew) for your location. By entering your postal code or latitude/longitude information, you can easily find these values.
Step 3: Alignment: The Three Critical Axes Proper alignment of the satellite dish is done on three main axes to maximize signal quality.
- Azimuth (Horizontal Adjustment): This determines the horizontal direction of the dish, on the east-west axis. This is the most critical step, as an incorrect Azimuth setting can cause you to spend hours trying to find the wrong satellite. For Astra 19.2°E, you’ll need to turn the dish slightly east (to the left) of the south point indicated on your compass. For example, the Azimuth angle for Berlin is approximately 173°.
- Elevation (Vertical Adjustment): This is the up-and-down tilt angle of the dish. You can make this adjustment using a scale on the dish mount. After the Azimuth is set correctly, it’s easier to adjust the Elevation.
- Skew (LNB Tilt): This is the rotational position of the LNB in its holder. Satellite signals are broadcast with both horizontal and vertical polarizations. An incorrect Skew setting can prevent these signals from being properly distinguished, leading to signal interference or loss. You can find the specific Skew angle for your location using tools like Dishpointer.com. However, in some cases (for example, for some regions for Astra 19.2°E), it might not be necessary to set the Skew angle with extreme precision, but it is important to check it for the best signal quality.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning and Signal Optimization In the final stage of installation, you can use a satellite finder meter to precisely adjust the dish’s position. However, it’s important to be aware of the difference between signal strength and signal quality. A high signal strength value might mean you’ve found the wrong satellite, while the signal quality could be zero. For the best results, you need to check the signal quality indicator in your receiver’s settings menu and fine-tune the dish until you reach the highest possible value.
4. Common Problems and Solutions
- “No Signal” Error: First, check all the cable connections from the LNB to the receiver. Then, check for any obstacles (e.g., tree branches, snow) blocking the dish’s line of sight. If the problem persists, try a reset by unplugging your receiver for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
- Missing Specific Channels: Check if your dish alignment is off. Perform a “blind scan” or “network search” from the receiver menu to re-scan all channels. This step is mandatory, especially with the transition from SD to HD broadcasts.
A to Z guide for installing a satellite dish for Astra 19.2E. Get German and French TV channels, learn about LNB selection, Azimuth and Elevation settings, and make a smooth transition to HD broadcasts. Keywords: Europe satellite installation, Astra 19.2E dish antenna, German TV channels, French TV channels, LNB adjustment, Azimuth angle, Elevation angle, dish alignment, satellite signal finder, DVB-S2, FTA channels, HD broadcast, ARD SD broadcast end, Astra frequencies, Astra 19.2E transponder, satellite TV troubleshooting,