|
Monday, 10 December 2007 |
Nearly two years has passed since my
article re the launch of TNT. By now there
were to be sufficient transmitters to enable
clear reception via a terrestial aerial. This is
not the case and once again satellite
technology is to be used. This move follows
the paths taken some years ago with the
French national channels now on Atlantic Bird
5 degrees west and currently BskyB with its
‘freesat’ package at Astra 28.2 degrees east. It
does seem strange that TNT did not decide to
‘go satellite’ from the beginning bearing in
mind the costs of installing ground
transmitters and the huge size of France!
The satellite group to be used is Astra at 19
degrees east which pay TV Canal Sat also
uses.
A TNT receiver is necessary which
comes with a free card thus overcoming the
problems of copyright – the channels being
encrypted – and is also available in HD
format. In addition to the 18 free channels it
can also receive the free to air programmes
from the same satellite. For those who object
to paying to watch TV whilst wishing to view
both French and English (and other
languages), a twin dish installation is the
solution. Should funds permit, there is a single
dish fabricated to allow reception from more
than one satellite with separate LNBs.
Returning to the huge size of France, and
on a different subject, there are still areas
where broadband is not forthcoming. The
frustration of slow downloads can lead one to
despair. This can be overcome with sat tech.
Skydsl – no relationship to BskyB – use two
satellites at 8 degrees west and 33 degrees
east, the latter being most attractive.
Installation of a single dish with a unique
twin output LNB which when aligned to Astra
at 28 east automatically points at 33 east for
the broadband access. Hardware is supplied
within days of order and is simple to install
and inexpensive. Rates start at €9.90 per
month. Those interested see the site
www.teles-skydsl.co.uk or tel 0049 30
590086540, English being spoken.
Happy viewing.
|
Downtime 
