Want to get the French TV Channel in Uk

[manuk90]

Hi guys,

I'm a new member and do not have a lot of knowledge on satellite stuffs. So I have made some research but still not sure what to do.

Basically, I'd like to get mainly the following french channel. Tf1/M6/Fr2/Fr3/C+... and I know now that TF1 and M6 are only available with an analog receiver. So I was wandering if it will be better to buy a digital and analog receiver to get more channel as if I'm sure to get more channel (even if not french) and especially TF1 and M6. I do not know for how long these 2 channels will stay on analog signal so I do not want to spend to much money if in 18 month they stopped their signal.

I have seen one on pixmania web site. The model is a METRONIC Digital Terminal Satellite Dualis. it cost around 75£. Could anybody let me know if this receiver will be what I need to get the French channels in colour ( with the Pal/secam things I do not really know). I know the receiver need to have high frequency (12732 V -France 3 - seems to be the highest frequency used by the French stations. In my research, they are talking also about receivers will have a 9750 / 10600 setting already programmed.

And finally, if I assume that the Metronic is OK for me, do I need a motorised dish or not because of the dual signal. And what size do I need
and a universal LNB should be fine.

I hope I'm not asking to much and will be delighted if somebody could help me a bit.

Thanks in advance and I'm sure you will see me more often in your forum as I'm starting to have an interest in the satellite things...

[BGonaSTICK]

Hi manuk90, welcome to the forum

Your research has paid off - yes, if you point your dish at Atlantic Bird 3 located at 5 degrees West, you'll need analogue capability to receive M6 and TF 1 Free To Air - and a digital receiver will give you quite a few other worthwhile French channels.

A full list can bee seen here: http://www.lyngsat.com/ab3.html

Other French programming can be found on other satellites, such as Hotbird, some of which is FTA.

You can either do this with a combination analogue/digital satellite receiver, or have two and switch between them. Suitable analogue receivers can be picked up second-hand for virtually nothing - £5 maybe. If you went this way, you would have a much wider choice in terms of digital satellite receivers.

The PAL/SECAM thing is a function of your TV. If your TV is SECAM compatible, then you'll be fine with just about any analogue receiver. If your TV is PAL only, the picture will probably just appear in black and white instead of colour.

I'm currently watching TF 1 on a portable TV in black and white just to see if my old analogue receiver is still working!

If you tell us where you're located, we can advise on dish size, but a universal LNB will work great with both analogue and digital.

HTH

STICK

[manuk90]

Thanks very much for your quick reply

I'm living in Peterborough - Cambridgeshire.

So basically, any analog receiver or digital (or a dual) will allow me to get the French channel with no problem at all? (do you know if the METRONIC Digital Terminal Satellite Dualis is fine and would be ok for what I need le as it is affordable for my budget?) A combine will same some space under my TV as I have already a few stuffs..

If I want to switch from one to another one, do I need a dish motorized (do the dish need or the LNB needs to be pointed at a different satellite) a normal dish will do the trick

Also, is it difficult to find the right positionning of the dish to get the Atlantic Bird 3 5W. Or is there any advice to get it quicky (i'm thinking about a satellite finder ... a cheap one will help or not ???)

Thanks you again for your great help.

Manuuk

[BGonaSTICK]

I don't know anything about the Metronic you mention (it's here if anyone wants to have a look) but having a quick check of the minimal specifications listed it looks OK, and I imagine it will do the job just fine.

That's quite a good price for a new combination analogue/digital receiver. There aren't many about now.

All the channels at 5W can be received without a motor - just with one simple fixed dish. A 50cm - 60cm dish should be plenty for your location, and a single standard 'Universal' LNB is all you need.

You should be able to find Atlantic Bird 3 yourself if you are OK at DIY and have some patience. It's a nice strong signal from 5W, but yes, a cheap (£10) satellite finder should make your job a little easier.

Let us know how you go, and feel free to ask any other questions you like.

STICK

[manuk90]

Thanks Stick.

I have to put everything in practice now...and I guess it is the hard bits. Nevermind, I like DIY so I will let you know when I start the process.

I'm sure there are all the advices I will need on this forum if I'm stuck.

And in the meantime, if anybody know anything about that dual analog and digital receiver (or wants to have a look on pixmania to give me this advice|) feel free!!!

Hasta la vista.

Manuk

[BGonaSTICK]

We look forward to your success

[manuk90]

Hi Guys,


I have taken my time ...to buy the equipment but that's it. Done and dusted.
It cost me £25 for the brand new analog box and £75 for a 80cm dish and universal LNB. The longest part was to assemble the dish. Thankfully, it was a very nice and hot saturday afternoon and with a few cool beer it was not too bad in my garden. 8)
Once assembled, It take only 5 minutes to position the dish with a normal compass which was in my things box (I did not even remember I had a compass..) and to get a good signal. I was quite surprised and was ready to get on my nerve quickly but not, it did not happen.
Anyway, just to say that it is not very complicated for an occasionnal DIYer.

Thanks again folks for your good advices.

Now I'm a even more happy french chap living in the uk... (does it sound right...)

Salut

MANUK90

[nanochickin]

What sort of dish did you go for in the end mate. £70 for an 80cm dish sound a bit on the steepside to me

Glad to here your happy with your set up. It gives you a nice warm feeling when the first pictures come through doesn't it




Nano

[Shanester]

'nuther newbie here, with an undoubtedly stupid question.

Our French friend made reference to the frequency issue for the French channels. There's a few analogue receivers on ebay at the moment with ranges of 700 - 2150 MHz. When I check the above link to lyngsat.com, it gives a "Freq. Tp" of "11512 V tp KB2" for TF1. I'm looking but failing miserably to spot the link between "11512 V tp KB2" and anything resembling MHz.

Can anybody set me straight?

[$ly]

The link is the LNB downshifting from Ku band to the IF frequency of the reciever.


L.