Changes to BBC HD channels on satellite on 6th June

[satandpcguy]

One of the BBC's principles is to ensure that we use the spectrum we have available to us in the most efficient way possible. This means that from time to time, as technology develops, we make changes to the way our services are broadcast to ensure we are making best use of this scarce resource.

We will shortly be making such a change to the satellite transponder that carries BBC One HD & BBC HD. The signal on this transponder is currently broadcast using a modulation scheme called "DVB-S". On 6 June we will be upgrading to a newer "DVB-S2" scheme. This is a more efficient way of operating the transponder and it creates more capacity from the same amount of spectrum. More spectral bang for our buck, if you like.

The change will mean different things to different people:

If you watch TV using Freeview or Virgin Media or can't currently view HD channels you will not be affected.

If you have Sky, you will not notice the change and won't have to do anything on or after 6 June.

If you have Freesat you may need to put your HD box or TV into standby for 30 seconds and then restart to continue to receive the two BBC HD channels. If the channels are still unavailable then carry out a 'freesat channel retune' or a 'first time installation'. Full instructions can be found in the manual for your box or TV. Further help with retuning can be found at www.freesat.co.uk.

If you have any other kind of satellite receiver, you will need to check that it is capable of receiving a DVB-S2 signal. If it can, then you can use the following parameters to tune manually into the services carried:

Satellite: Astra 2D tp.50
Frequency: 10,847MHz (vertical polarity)
Modulation: DVB-S2, QPSK
Symbol Rate: 23.0
FEC: 8/9

Source: bbc.co.uk/blogs

[satandpcguy]

Changes are happening to the BBC HD channels on Astra 2D.

Sky HD users should not have any problems, as the Sky HD boxes will automatically update.

Some Freesat users may have to reset their Freesat HD boxes, or perform a Freesat scan.

Users of other "generic" HD receivers, will have to rescan the BBC HD frequency, ensuring their receivers work with the new DVBS2 transmision standard.

[satandpcguy]

Something in my gut tells me that the change in frequencies for BBC HD channels, and the unusual FEC, may mean some changes in reception of BBC HD, especially in fringe areas of Spain, like the Costa Blanca.

I suppose until it happens we may not know.

[satandpcguy]

One of the benefits of this change has meant that the bitrate for BBC1HD has increase, meaning that he picture / image should be more shaper!

[satandpcguy]

It looks like some Sky boxes are not working correctly with the new BBC HD frequencies.
Some Thomson Sky HD receivers are not showing BBC1HD and BBCHD after this change.
It looks like some of the early Thomson Sky HD boxes are the ones affected.

There are also reports the the updates have not been fully transfered correctly to Irish Sky card users. This has caused IRish Sky card users to get the "no satellite signal is being received" message on the screen when trying to access the BBC HD channels

[satandpcguy]

PS Hello to radiowavesforum people!

[satandpcguy]

There have been reports that on some Panasonic Freesat TVs, the Auto retune does not updated with the new BBC HD channel settings
However, this can be resolved by putting the TV to shipping condition then switch off then switch on. After retune, the two BBC HD channels appear.

[satandpcguy]

Some Sky HD boxes are having trouble accessing the new BBC HD channel frequency settings.
In some cases, delecting EVERYTHING out of the "other channels" list, and rebooting the receiver has worked for a number of people