French House Satellite TV

18/01/2024

It seems that whilst the fibre rollout is gathering pace, there are still many who have no upgrade on the horizon. This is when Starlink could be the answer if you need proper high speed internet. It's an excellent service. Better still, you can rent it until fibre becomes available to you.

High-speed internet. Available almost anywhere on Earth.

16/01/2024

I've had a few calls recently, asking where BBC1 has gone. For those who saw, but didn't heed, the big banner which took up half the TV screen (no idea why it was so big), you need to upgrade to a high-definition satellite receiver. Freesat, Sky HD or a simple generic high-def FTA receiver. Any of these will get the BBC channels in HD.

30/11/2023

Oh my, the end really is nigh for non-HD satellite receivers. If you have one, you'll need to upgrade to keep the BBC channels. If you have a Sky subscription, you'll lose some of the channels you're paying for.

Sky has confirmed plans of a wider closedown of SD channels next year, in addition to making technical changes to the satellite broadcast signals that will cause older Sky SD boxes to lose channels.

11/07/2023

It just keeps getting better!

Technologie de SpaceX

25/05/2023

Regardless of your thoughts on Elon Musk, his Starlink satellite internet system is really very good. And in spite of what many people believe, now costs 50 euros per month (not 99 as it used to be). Yes it's a little more expensive than Neosat from Nordnet, but it's so much better!

We can't supply the equipment, but we can install it for you if required. Prices start at 300 euros.

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities a...

23/02/2023

For those of you with an old (so not high-definition) satellite receiver, once the BBC is only broadcast in high-def only (due to be March 24 latest), you'll not be able to receive any BBC channels. You'll need to buy a new receiver. Your TV doesn't need to be HD as it's the box that processes the signals. However, you do need to be sure that your TV and satellite receiver can be connected. For those with older TVs, a new high-def Manhattan SX Freesat box comes with a scart adaptor. You won't see HD quality images, but it will work.

Rollout of BBC One HD for the English regions on TV platforms

23/02/2023

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/feb/21/eurosport-bt-sport-disappear-tnt-rebrand-tv

And even after the change, their football coverage will likely remain terrible!

Master brand chosen for pay-TV channel as it is already used in international markets

24/01/2023

Well, it only took around 13 years, but BBC is going HD (high-definition) only. This means that Freesat users will start to see their regional BBC One channel (101) which is currently only available in standard-definition, move to HD. The roll-out will begin today and take around a month until completion. It should be automatic, but if you don't see a change by late February, it might be worth doing fresh channel scan. Users of generic FTA boxes will definitely need to do this.

25/09/2022

Starlink has just lowered the one-off cost of equipment to 480 euros (down from 634 euros). The monthly cost is 50 euros. If you need decent internet and can't have it via a telephone line, then Starlink really is very hard to beat right now.

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities a...

19/09/2022

https://www.facebook.com/103443322472862/posts/120841037399757/

Essayez Starlink jusqu'à 30 jours. Si vous n'êtes pas satisfait, retournez-le pour un remboursement intégral du matériel

07/09/2022

Users of TNTSAT will have found that they no longer have access to the TF1 suite of channels (TF1, TFX, TMC, TF1 Films and LCI). Apparently, it’s all due to a bit of a falling out between TF1 and Canal+. It’s happened before, back in 2018, when the government were forced to throw their weight around a bit and normal service was restored. This will likely happen once again, but so far no timescale has been mentioned. You can still get TF1 via a terrestrial aerial or by downloading the ‘MY TF1” app. The service will also still be there if you subscribe to Canal+ or something like Orange or SFR’s internet TV service.

30/08/2022

For information. Of course, if you're reading this and use Starlink, it means it's working again!

The outage seems to have lasted for 3+ hours before service came back online Tuesday morning.

19/08/2022

For those that follow the NFL but don't have a Sky Sports package, free to air coverage has moved from the BBC to ITV. So, nothing really changes except for the fact you'll get less content due to adverts for stuff very few people want!

The National Football League (NFL) is partnering with ITV for the next three seasons for free-to-air coverage that will also be shown on STV

05/08/2022

Well that didn't take long. Seems to be an inevitable part of satellite internet. However, it may not affect everyone so check your messages. Still, the price cut will be nice for some.

Under the new policy, users in France may experience slower speeds once they exceed a 250GB data download limit, according to a message SpaceX sent to customers.

01/06/2022

You may have lost it already, but if you haven't, you will soon. Not the will to live following the Jubilee build up, but your satellite TV from Orange. They are in the process of turning off the satellite signal that may feed your Orange TV decoder. The satellite service is being retired and Orange are looking to provide their TV services via the internet. Great if you have decent speeds, not so great if you don't.

In terms of options, you can subscribe to Canal+ if you have taken out one of Orange's many 'packages' (sport etc), or, if you only want the basic stuff, TNTSAT. Either service will work from a satellite dish aligned to Astra 1 (19.2°).

You should have received notice from Orange either by email or post.

Please note, this does not affect your UK TV reception from Astra 2 (28.2°).

26/05/2022

If you find that your satellite TV reception is good when the weather is dry but poor when it rains, then it could be that the cover on your LNB (the bit on the end of the arm of the dish) is either cracked or missing. In these cases, water enters the LNB and causes it to malfunction. When it dries out again, it starts work. Rinse and repeat so to speak. A new LNB will be required.

10/04/2022

Not satellite related but thought this might be of some interest. Be careful out there!

Forget Mos Eisley, Amazon is now a hive of scum and villainy

03/04/2022

Satellite Internet that works! Excellent speeds of up to 100Mbps down and 5Mbps up, telephone service included with free calls within France and some other selected destinations. Keep your current number if you wish. WiFi included.

We can install but not supply the equipment. Our installation fee starts from 250 euros.

Profitez d’une connexion Internet par Satellite illimité neosat jusqu’à 100 Mb/s disponible partout en France. Téléphone illimité, antivirus et presse inclus

05/03/2022

Is anyone who uses Neosat from Nordnet experiencing problems? Some users are reporting outages which started on 24th Feb. These are likely to be cyber attack related. Thanks Russia!

02/03/2022

OK, so it's official. Tooway services across Europe are being affected by a 'cyber attack' which started on the day Russia invaded Ukraine. This has been confirmed by ViaSat, the satellite owner and network provider. In my humble opinion, if you are still using Tooway, then it is time to consider moving to Neosat by Nordnet. It's a much faster service. You'll need all new equipment though (except the coax cabling). However, the service uses new technology and offers genuine average speeds of around 70Mbps download. Upload is 5Mbps max.

28/02/2022

I've had numerous calls over the last few days about Tooway modems not working. Could this be why?

Viasat said it believes "a cyber event" disrupted its satellite internet service in Ukraine as the country attempts to fend off a massive attack from Russia.

25/02/2022

Not sure if anyone else if having issues with their Tooway internet service, but I've had 2 people call today to say that their modem has stopped working. No blue lights. Could be a coincidence or could just be the fact the Tooway service is on the road to being obsolete. If you need satellite internet then Neosat by Nordnet works very well.

16/02/2022

Comment from Humax regarding recent recording failures.

16/02/2022

Users of Humax Freesat recorders may have experienced some recording issues on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th Feb. Timer set recordings are likely to have failed. This problem affected all models of Freesat+ boxes made by Humax.

Humax advise that they have issued a software update that should have now rectified this issue.

25/01/2022

BBC3 is making a return. Pushed to iPlayer around 6 years ago, the channel is now returning to what is apparently known as 'linear TV'. Who knew?

BBC3 HD can be found on channel 107 for Freesat users from Weds 26th Jan (looping content) and will officially re-launch on 1st Feb. This does mean that BBC Four & BBC Scotland will be bumped down a couple of channel positions. They're still there though.

It will also return to Sky platforms but I don't know on which channel number yet. It will of course be available through other FTA receivers as well. You'll need to do a re-scan to find it.

09/12/2021

Nothing for ages, then like buses....

Channel 4 HD is the key addition to Freesat as a bouquet of new channels is added to the free-to-air satellite platform.

09/12/2021

For the F1 fans. Will be available on Freesat, a Sky box without a viewing card and any other FTA receiver looking at Astra 2.

British TV station Channel 4 has reached a deal to show the Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi, making it free to air in the UK and Ireland

11/08/2021

Without comment.

15/06/2021

If you like your news pro-Brexit and perhaps just a little bit racist/xenophobic, GB News is the new free-to-air news service you'll want to check out. Headed by a man who looks like his face is melting, GB News can be found at channel 216 on Freesat, 515 on Sky and whatever number your free to air receiver decides to give it.

It is reportedly supported by the fella who owns the Wetherspoons chain of sticky floor establishments. They've also a former Brexit Party MEP as a roving reporter and a lady who won The Apprentice once upon a time and then became an independent for the Brexit Party who has a show on which she talks about stuff. Enough said I think. Enjoy!

26/05/2021

Mobile data? Looking for volunteers.

Following my new found love for 4G (I have no landline internet but excellent mobile data reception), I'm expanding into installing 'booster' systems. This is aimed at those without decent, or even any, landline internet who are in a mobile data reception area but can't get a good signal indoors. Often, factors such as stone walls, insulation and even double glazed windows can prevent the signal reaching inside the house.

So, what to do? Well, I am looking to trial booster systems that will bring the outside signal inside. Then, you can either choose to subscribe to one of the big service providers like Orange, SFR or Bouygues who will provide you with a 4G router and data plan that will give you traditional WiFi access, or, if you prefer, you can simply use your mobile data for internet access. If you wish, you can even use your phone as a WiFi 'hotspot'. This allows other WiFi devices to use your phone's data connection to reach the internet.

As such, I'm looking for 6 or 7 guinea pigs to let me test if such a system may be suitable for them. It would be a temporary installation (just whilst I'm at the property) so no holes need be drilled. It would be purely to see if it works. Then, should that be the way forward, I will offer a 20% discount on a permanent installation of the appropriate equipment. Not on the day of testing though, I need to keep that kit!

Please feel free to get in touch via FB, email ([email protected]) or even an old fashioned phone call 07 69 66 98 55. Thanks.