Operation Manual

6.2 Appendix Search satellites

ASTRA 1:

Astra I features more than 50 free-to-air programs in German language, including

all major privately owned channels, channels under public law, their „third chan-

nels“ and numerous radio programs. Reception in Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean

and Eastern Europe is however poor or unavailable.

ASTRA 2:

Astra 2 primarily covers the English-speaking regions of Europe. It transmits the

popular English-language news channels. Its footprint is split into different zones.

The full range of channels is only available on the British Isles and Ireland.

ASTRA 3:

Astra 3 transmits program packages from the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and

Slovakia. Southern Europe is not covered reliably by the footprint of the Astra 3

signals.

HOTBIRD (also referred to as „Eutelsat Hotbird“):

Like Astra, Hotbird is not a single satellite, but a system comprising several satel-

lites. It transmits more than 200 digital free-to-air programs in several languages.

Hotbird fully covers all of Europe, but at sometimes signiﬁ cantly lower signal levels

than Astra. Hotbird is the easiest way to receive German channels in Greece and

Turkey.

THOR und SIRIUS:

Channels and footprint of the satellites cover northern Europe. Many, sometimes all,

channels of Thor and Sirius may be received even in southern Germany if an ade-

quately sized antenna is used. Almost all channels are encrypted, though.

ATLANTIC BIRD 3:

Atlantic Bird 3 mainly covers France and Benelux, but can also be received all over

Europe if a suitable parabolic antenna is used. It transmits several digital free-to-air

French channels.