VIDEO: English TV channels received

English-language TV received with satellite system

Would you like the complete English TV in addition to the German programs satellite, i.e. to receive DVB-S, you usually need two SAT systems. This is because the corresponding satellites are far apart and therefore simultaneous reception on one satellite dish is prevented. If you watch German programs, you have no reception from the British Isles.

For the reception of German programs, your satellite antenna is usually aligned with the Astra satellite with the frequency 19.2 degrees East. With it you can receive some American and English news channels such as CNN, BBC World, Sky News, CNBC and Bloomberg TV.

However, in order to be able to receive English channels, align the satellite antenna to Astra2 and the position 28.2 degrees East. Choose a SAT antenna with a particularly large diameter. Models from 100 centimeters are recommended. This promotes good reception and avoids interference such as a noisy picture.

Connect a SAT antenna via an automatic switch (multiswitch). The receiver then automatically selects between English and German programs. So you don't have to constantly move the antenna cables.

With the reception variant via satellite TV, you only have to take into account expenses for the initial installation. This includes the cost of a satellite antenna, the corresponding cable accessories and a receiver for your TV. In total, you can expect around 200 to 300 euros for high-quality devices.

In addition, the antenna can optionally be set up by a professional at your local hourly rates. There are no follow-up costs for reception with satellite television. The only cost is the mandatory payment of the broadcasting fee. This amounts to 17.50 euros per month.

Reception of English TV channels via the Internet

If you are a tenant, you will have to accept restrictions on receiving television programs. Either the cable network operator you prefer cannot supply you at your place of residence or you, as a tenant, are not allowed to attach a key. Cable operators usually offer limited English-language programming for an extra fee.

An easy option is to stream TV from the internet. The classic is the TV stream service Zattoo. Registration and use of the basic version is free. There are only the normal costs for your Internet connection.

In the basic version, in addition to dozens of German programs, English-language Bloomberg TV and CNN International are available. However, the offer is limited to news channels. Classic channels for movies, soaps & Co are not offered.

An alternative to Zattoo is the very new streaming service Magine from Sweden. After a free trial month, the cost of the channel package with reception of English-language channels is around EUR 17.00 per month. However, this means you are watching American channels like Cartoon Network and Boomerang, while English channels are not offered

The problem with streaming services is that you can use a German Internet access foreign channels are usually not accessible. An alternative are the media libraries of individual broadcasters. Although these offer you live TV, you can at least watch English-language programs online afterwards.

There is a forwarding service to media libraries gawking. A large number of channels with German internet access are accessible here free of charge. These include children's channels such as CBeebies, sports channels such as BBC Sport and entertainment channels such as 4Seven.

It is also recommended ITV - an amalgamation of several UK broadcasters. This gives you the opportunity to browse the large media library for films and series free of charge.

In summary, it can be said that a SAT system is the best choice. With it you can receive most of the stations and completely free of charge. If you cannot use the satellite system, the Internet offers limited access to English television channels or programs.

Requirements for receiving English television

In order to receive English TV, you should consider the following:

• SAT-TV requires a satellite antenna, a receiver and a television.
• English-language news channels can be received via Astra-TV on frequency 19.2 degrees East.
• Satellite alignment to 28.2 degrees East offers all public English channels.
• Watching TV over the Internet requires a fast Internet connection.
• Streaming services on the Internet offer live TV for selected channels, primarily news TV.
• Movies and series are best accessible online via the media libraries of the respective channels.

Advantages and disadvantages of satellite TV and internet reception

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The table compares them:

English speaking TV reception

SATELLITE TV	Internet connection
costs	only acquisition costs for satellite system, no follow-up costs	fee-based internet contract plus possibly Streaming package costs
Connection device	Often not possible in rental houses due to the ban on satellite antennas	possible anywhere where internet is available
Broadcast diversity	on frequency 28.2 degrees east the complete English TV	Streaming services usually only offer news channels, more variety in media libraries
Television options	always live TV	Live TV streaming possible, programs saved in media libraries

You can receive English TV channels via the satellite system or with the programs offered by your cable network operator. If neither is available at the location you want, use English TV via the Internet.