Eutel W2 16E off air

[nvingo]

This also reported to some extent in various terrestrial TV forums, as it affected the distribution of Mux A - ITV3/Fiver/QVC/Virgin etc.
A backup was in place around 9pm.

[southernsatellite]

Oh boy! How many calls regarding DigitALB cards!

[kerrywez]

Curiosity got the better of me and I had to have a look, still nothing yet.

Regards Wez

[Analoguesat]

Originally Posted by southernsatellite

Oh boy! How many calls regarding DigitALB cards!

Apparently DigitAlb have started moving some main services onto the mpeg 4 channels on EB16A

From fm adlive on DS:

Digitalb have replaced there channels on Eurobird 16A with some of the main channels that it has on its package such as SuperSport 1, Top Channel, Klan, T, Big Brother 1, My Music, Bang Bang and more. You will need a HD reciever to view these channels. also these channels are under the names of the pervious channels that were on that transponder.

Users will of course require an HD box to view these!

[Analoguesat]

CUrrent info off the DigitALB site: (auto translated so excuse the errors!)

Satellite W2 16 East has technical problems (in space). Freq 11055th, 11094th, 11449th and 10975th MHz to Digitalb not work. Works only 10719th MHz frequency which is broadcast from a new satellite at 16 degree East box.
We are awaiting the resumption of broadcasting satellite in the satellite. Together with Digitalb are and hundreds of other channels that are not transmitted. There are 7 platforms and 400 television channels that broadcast in this orbital position.
W2 satellite signal covered with Europe, North Africa and Middle East.

W2 satellite is under control, but take several hours to turn in the proper position to land. Eutelsat announces that broadcasts would resume in a few hours.

[G77]

this could be the start of the solar flares offov that 2012 film! heh.

[southernsatellite]

Can u imagine the grief if Astra 2 went down!

[Analoguesat]

Originally Posted by southernsatellite

Can u imagine the grief if Astra 2 went down!

Would be havoc as theres no available backup since 2C was punted off to 31.5E.

Ive had some info from a friend in the trade saying Eutelsat have confirmed a depointing, and traffic is being switched over to Eurobird 16A, Eutel W2M at 3E and Sesat 1 which will slot at 16E in the next couple of days.

[Analoguesat]

Ive just run a full tp scan on 16E and its picked up just over 200 services. Presumably most are on EB16A

[martin-f]

found this elsewhere

Eutelsat W2 in 'Safe Mode'
W2M is placed temporarily on 16 east

The satellite is for some reason in a "safe mode" and is still active but can not fully perform its telecommunications.

Eutelsat speaks of an "unexplained on-board failure", which the satellite is turned in to the 'sun-pointing "safe mode. Around noon Eutelsat and Thales Alenia Space was still trying to find out what may have happened and whether the satellite has suffered a permanent damage or temporary problems. While the satellite is in emergency position, rotated toward the sun, it is active but can not send service towards the earth. KPN in the Netherlands are experiencing problems with the supply of radio transmitters to several providers, both in the air and via cable.

The W2 satellite was launched in October 1998 with an expected lifespan of 15 years and is deployed on 16 east, which according to Eutelsat, is one of its fastest growing orbital positions. A Eutelsat spokeswoman said that Eutelsat W2 few customers (which is still unclear) can move to the Euro 16 Bird, the former old Hotbird 4 satellite, which was moved from 13° east to 16° east. Also, the W2M, currently at 3 degrees east and has no services is moved to 16 east in order to take over services.

The W2M was launched in December 2008 but was never put into service due to abnormalities in the satellites powersupply. The life of the this satellite is severely limited. Eutelsat had then stated for the insurance claim that the new W2M satellite would not be integrated into the commercially operated Eutelsat satellite fleet. According Eutelsat W2M remains commercially only for a temporary stopgap to serve interim anyway for a few customers.