For expatriates and local residents living in Europe, television broadcasting is not just a tool for entertainment; it is also a vital bridge to stay connected with one’s mother tongue and follow local culture. Knowing which of the dozens of satellites orbiting the European skies suits your needs will both save you from unnecessary costs and ensure you reach the highest quality picture. In this guide, we explain which direction a user living in Europe should point their satellite dish and what they can find on which satellite.

Giants of Satellite Broadcasting in Europe: Astra and Hotbird

Across Europe, 90% of the dishes you see on rooftops are focused on three main points: 19.2°, 13°, and 28.2°. If you live in countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, or Belgium, these positions are your gateway to the digital world.

1. Astra 1 (19.2° East): Europe’s Standard Broadcast

If you live in Central Europe, especially Germany, the first place your dish should look is Astra 1.

  • Languages and Channels Covered: This satellite is the hub for German, French, and Spanish broadcasts. Popular German channels like RTL, ProSieben, and SAT.1, as well as French platforms like Canal+, are located here.
  • Advantage: The signal strength within Europe is very high. Even with a small 60 cm dish, you can receive uninterrupted broadcasts during stormy weather.
  • Who is it for? It is the number one choice for those who want to improve their German, those following local news in Germany, and those looking for free-to-air (FTA) HD broadcasts.

2. Eutelsat Hotbird (13° East): A Multicultural Spectrum

If you are an immigrant living in Europe or interested in world languages, Hotbird is the satellite with the richest content for you.

  • Languages Covered: It is the most densely populated region for Italian, Polish, Arabic, Farsi, and Russian channels. Additionally, many Turkish news channels and international religious broadcasts have a place on this satellite.
  • User Experience: Especially for families of Italian and Polish origin, all mainstream channels are here. Rai channels (Italy) and TVP (Poland) packages are watched from this satellite.
  • Technical Detail: Astra 1 and Hotbird satellites are very close to each other. Thanks to special apparatus called “Monoblock LNBs,” watching both satellites simultaneously with a single dish is a very common practice in Europe.

3. Astra 2 (28.2° East): British Culture and the World of BBC

If you want to create an English-speaking home environment or follow United Kingdom broadcasts, your route should be 28.2° East.

  • Free Channels (Freesat): Most world-famous British channels like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 broadcast free-to-air from here.
  • Sky UK: Sky UK, one of Europe’s largest digital platforms, is on this satellite. It is preferred for premium sports events and cinema channels.
  • Important Warning: As you move toward Eastern Europe (east of Poland or the Balkans), the signal of this satellite may weaken; however, it can be watched without problems in Western Europe (France, Benelux, Germany).

Step-by-Step Satellite Installation in Europe

You can perform basic settings without needing a technician as follows:

  1. Equipment Supply: Obtain a “Satellite Kit” from home improvement stores in Europe (Bauhaus, Leroy Merlin, etc.). It includes a dish, LNB, and mounting bracket.
  2. South Facing: The location where you mount your dish must face south, and there should be no obstacles like trees or buildings in front of it.
  3. Angle Adjustment (Azimuth and Elevation): The vertical angle of the satellite changes depending on your city (e.g., Berlin or Paris). You can see the exact position of the satellite through your phone camera using “Satellite Finder” apps.
  4. Cable and Receiver: Connect the cable coming from the LNB to the internal satellite receiver of your television. Ensure “LNB Power” is turned on in the TV settings.
  5. Fine Tuning: Move the dish in millimeter increments left and right while looking at the signal bar on the TV screen. When the signal exceeds 70%, tighten the screws.

Frequently Asked Questions About European Satellite Systems

  • Can I watch both Turkish and European channels with a single dish? Yes, but for this, you need to use multi-LNB systems called “Multifeed” or increase the number of satellite dishes. There is a large angular difference between Türksat (42° East) and Astra (19.2° East).
  • Why does the broadcast cut out in rainy weather? This usually happens because the tip called the “LNB” gets wet or the dish is not perfectly focused. Quality insulation and precise adjustment solve this problem.

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