Reception of the BBC-programs (Astra 2D) in Germany

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Update: The life span of the Astra 2D satellite has ended. The British channels are now transitionally broadcast by Astra 1N, but will move to the new Astra 2E in 2013. What this means for reception in Germany is not clear yet.
The footprint of Astra 1N is quite large; therefore the English channels can be received all over Germany at the moment. But the footprint of Astra 2E, the final replacement, is still unknown. It will probably be similar to that of the old Astra 2D, but it might be differently shaped or a little larger or smaller as well. If it should be very different from Astra 2D, we will have to work out a new reception map for this web page.

On July 10th 2003, the BBC ceased the encryption of its television programs; ITV followed in November 2005. In principle, one can now receive BBC TV with any Free To Air (FTA) receiver aligned to 28.2° east. Unfortunately the BBC services are broadcast using the Astra 2D satellite. The satellites footprint is centered on the British Isles and is not intended for Europe wide reception. In Germany, various dish sizes are required for stable reception. Unfortunately the official Footprint is not especially accurate for the Astra 2D satellite.

The following map was assembled from findings provided from the viewing public; it does not claim to be scientifically accurate.
With the listed dish sizes, stable reception is guaranteed under normal weather conditions. Note however, that the reception can be affected by both cloud cover and rain more easily than German broadcasters on ASTRA 1. If in doubt you should choose a larger dish than listed. It all depends on how much you want the BBC, and whether you can make do without them during periods of bad weather.

In addition to the colour points listed on the map the following reports have been received:
Berlin: starting from 150 cm
30 km east of Berlin: 180 cm (vertical transponders not before 5 pm)
Dresden: starting from 150 cm (without weather reserve)
Graz: starting from 200 cm (without weather reserve)
East Brandenburg: starting from 120 cm (without weather reserve)
Berne: 80 cm (with reserve)
Landeck/Tirol: 85 cm (with reserve)
Kitzbuehel/Tirol: starting from 150 cm
Linz: starting from 180 cm
Salzburg: 180 cm (with reserve)
Scheibenberg/Erzgebirge: 140 cm (with reserve)

You can find complete frequency listings for 28,2° east (TV + radio) at Lyngsat. FTA channels are colour coded in yellow.

There is also an official BBC website about BBC reception via satellite without Sky equipment.

Reception of 28.2° east is possible if you already have a digital receiver for ASTRA1 (19.2° east): With a dish of sufficient diameter, Astra2 (28.2° east) can be picked up using an LNB on a sidearm. A triple feed setup is also possible for ASTRA 2, ASTRA 1 and Hotbird (13° east). Please note that a somewhat larger dish diameter may be required that those listed for reception of Astra 2D. In the fringe areas, it may be advisable to align the dish for ASTRA 2 and ASTRA 1 on a sidearm, (reception of Hotbird will then no longer be possible.). Another point to remember is, that the dish elevation required for ASTRA 2, is somewhat higher than for Astra 1, and some adjustment is usually required (see image). The exact adjustment of Multifeed setups is always tricky. You can read about reception using 2 or 3 LNB’s using a DiSEqC switch in the Installation Guide (in German).

Thanks to everyone, who has contributed to the construction of the reception map!

Satellitenempfang für Einsteiger