SATELLITE TV GUIDE FOR ITALY: LATEST FREQUENCIES AND STEP-BY-STEP SETUP
For expats living in Italy or locals wanting to access high-quality international broadcasts, the world of satellite TV can seem like a technical maze. However, with the right equipment and up-to-date frequency data, accessing hundreds of channels—from RAI and Mediaset to Türksat or Sky Italia—is quite straightforward. In this guide, we break down how to receive satellite broadcasts from any region in Italy (Rome, Milan, Naples, or Sicily) starting from the absolute basics.
1. HARDWARE SETUP: PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS
To receive a satellite broadcast, you first need an “eye” looking at the sky. In Italy, you should aim for Hotbird (13° East) for local Italian channels (Tivùsat/Sky) and Türksat (42° East) for Turkish channels.
- The Satellite Dish: For the Hotbird satellite, a 60-80 cm dish is sufficient across Italy. For Türksat, depending on your specific latitude, a dish of at least 85-100 cm is recommended for a stable signal.
- LNB and Cable Connection: Take the white coaxial cable attached to the LNB (the device at the end of the dish arm) and plug it into the threaded port labeled “LNB IN” or “SATELLITE” on the back of your satellite receiver or TV.
- HDMI Connection: Connect your receiver to your TV using an HDMI cable to ensure high-definition picture quality.
- Power: Plug in the device. Don’t worry if there is no signal yet; we will move to the settings next.
2. SOFTWARE SETUP: INTERFACE AND FREQUENCY SETTINGS
Once the physical connections are secure, turn on your TV and enter the “Installation” or “Settings” menu of your satellite receiver.
For Italian Channels (Hotbird 13° E)
To watch Italy’s national platform Tivùsat and other free-to-air channels, update your settings as follows:
- Satellite Selection: Hotbird 13° (Eutelsat).
- LNB Type: Universal (9750/10600).
- Auto Scan Frequency: 10775 MHz
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate: 29900
For Turkish Channels (Türksat 42° E)
If you wish to follow broadcasts from Turkey while in Italy, select the Türksat satellite and perform a “Network Search” with this updated frequency:
- Frequency: 12380 MHz
- Polarization: Vertical (V)
- Symbol Rate: 27500
- Network Search: ON
Important Note: To watch encrypted Italian channels (like RAI 4K), you will need a Tivùsat Smartcard and a compatible CAM module inserted into your TV or receiver.
3. POST-INSTALLATION: PERFORMANCE AND TESTING
After the scan is complete, your channel list will be populated. If you see a “No Signal” warning:
- Check that the cable connectors (F-type connectors) are screwed on tightly.
- Check the weather; heavy rain or storms, especially in Northern Italy, can temporarily degrade signal quality.
- Internet Connection: If you are using a Smart satellite receiver, connect it to your Wi-Fi to receive automatic software and frequency table updates.
italy satellite broadcasts, watch turkish tv in italy, hotbird 13e frequency list 2026, türksat italy setup, tivùsat card activation, sky italia satellite settings, eutelsat hotbird installation, satellite receiver configuration, how to connect lnb, satellite dish direction italy, rai 1 frequency, mediaset satellite settings, 10775 H 29900, 12380 V 27500, satellitefrequency, italy dish size