What is Astra HD+ and how to watch DTT via satellite in Spain?

In many rural and mountainous areas of Spain, digital terrestrial television does not function as it should: cuts, pixelations and channels that don't even appear They're our daily bread. If you add to this the fact that the internet connection isn't always available, you can imagine the situation when it comes to watching TV normally.

To fix this mess, a proposal comes into play that comes from heaven, literally: Astra HD+ (currently marketed as Astra TV)This platform uses the Astra satellite at 19,2° East to bring the main DTT channels in high definition to any corner of the country, without depending on terrestrial coverage and, best of all, without the need for Internet.

What is Astra HD+ and how does Astra TV fit in?

We are talking about a service of satellite television operated by SES Astra which has received the green light from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise to broadcast in Spain. The idea is simple but powerful: if the terrestrial signal doesn't reach well, it's sent via satellite to the entire country with virtually complete coverage, including the peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.

The platform has been in testing and, after some delays, has officially launched, with open broadcasts of the main national and regional channels and Ultra High Definition tests (for example, La 1 UHD). In this context, you will see the original name referenced. Astra HD+ and the current trade name Astra TV; in essence, It is the same solution to watch DTT via satellite.

In addition to the Spanish channels, the offer includes a selection of international channels with news and entertainment. The gradual arrival of more regional channels and 4K content is even contemplated, as well as coexistence with other pay TV services that already use the same orbital position.

An interesting note about the ecosystem is that, in parallel, RTVE and FORTA are promoting the Spanish pilot of DVB-I to watch DTT on the Internet and proposals such as DTV AIR on a Samsung TV. But in places where the network fails or does not reach, la reliability from the satellite remains the winning card.

What you need to watch DTT via satellite with Astra

Installation is affordable and can be left to a professional or you can take the plunge and do it yourself. In any case, there are three key elements: satellite dish, LNB and compatible receiver.

First, you will need one satellite dish oriented to Astra 19,2º EastAs a reference, 60 cm is usually sufficient on the peninsula, while in the Canary Islands or in areas with difficult reception, 90 cm is recommended to be on the safe side.

Second, you need the LNB, which is the part located at the center of the antenna where the satellite signal is received. Correctly positioning the LNB and its skew make the difference in minimizing errors and obtaining a stable signal.

Third, you need a satellite receiver compatible with DVB-S2 and HDMany TVs have a built-in satellite tuner and CI+ slot; in these cases, you can access it using a CAM CI+ module An official Astra TV service that can be activated online, without a physical subscription card. If your TV doesn't have CI+ or a satellite tuner, opt for a compatible external decoder.

Installation, orientation and practical tips

If you are going to do the installation on your own, remember that the key is the precise orientation to the Astra satellite 19,2° EastYou can rely on satellite tracking apps or online resources to find the exact azimuth and elevation for your location.

When you mount the satellite dish, secure the structure well and check that there are no physical obstacles in the direction of the satellite, such as trees or buildings. Once you've roughly aligned your target, make fine adjustments using the receiver's or TV's quality indicator, raising and lowering the angle until you find the optimal point.

For professional installations or neighborhood communities, it is highly recommended to use field meters These devices streamline diagnostics and ensure perfect reception. The industry mentions equipment capable of analyzing DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X signals, and even HD/4K content. There are also renewal plans to update older equipment and keep up with standards such as DVB-T2 and H.265.

Once everything is assembled, it's time to do the channel search on the receiver or TV. Depending on the device, you can enter Astra TV frequencies to speed up the process and ensure all active services appear.

Available channels: national, regional and international

The base of the service includes the main DTT channels in HD and some regional channels, and is complemented by a wide list of international channels. The offer can grow with There and, as it happens on any platform, may vary depending on issuance agreements.

Among the national free-to-air channels that have been mentioned and you will see on the grill These include, among others:

• La 1 (UHD)
• First
• Antena 3
• Telecinco
• Four
• laSexta
• 24h
• Clan
• Teledeporte
• Boing
• DKISS
• Trece
• Real Madrid TV
• ENERGY
• FDF
• Atreseries
• Neox
• Divinity
• Nova
• Mega
• Be mad
• Canal Sur Andalucía
• Aragón TV International

Some reference lists also feature thematic and entertainment channels such as Disney Channel, DMAX, TEN or GolPlay, and even specific names in tests that may come and go over time. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect regular updates and the gradual arrival of more autonomous regions.

On the international side, the platform adds a interesting selection news, culture and entertainment:

• Cubavision International
• Telesur HD
• BBC News Europe
• France 24 (in English and French)
• TV5 World Europe
• TV Monaco
• CNN International
• TRT World
• NHK World-Japan
• Deutsche Welle
• Al Jazeera Español
• ZDF Info, ZDF Vision
• 3 sat
• KIKA
• CGTN, CGTN Documentary and CGTN Français
• Arirang TV
• EURONEWS (German)
• QVC UHD
• Daystar Spanish

Remember that, although the list is extensive, dials may vary and the additions depend on agreements and technical availability. The good news is that the infrastructure is ready to HD and even UHD on the channels that support it.

Service model: free for the first year and annual fee

One of the hooks of Astra HD+ is its launch promotion: The satellite television service offers free viewing of its channel base for the first year. Starting in the second year, the fee charged for press releases and specialized media is 72 euros per year.

Additionally, a campaign has been advertised with basic installation subsidized up to a certain amount, which includes the satellite dish and a section of cable. The final cost depends on the specific case and what the installer determines after evaluating the necessary work.

In parallel, there are references to the fact that the ecosystem contemplates three access modalitiesFree-to-air channels, 4K UHD broadcasts, and coexistence with paid platforms such as Movistar and others, which share the same orbital position with their own packages. This does not affect the free DTT base, but exists as an additional option for those seeking more content.

Access, when done with a compatible TV, can be simplified with the official CI+ module, which is activated or renewed from the service's website. It's a convenient method, without physical cards, that validates access to the Astra TV lineup.

Technical parameters and image quality

For those who like to fine-tune or for installers who want to go straight to the point, the following have been published: frequencies and technical parameters main active carriers:

• Frequency 1: 11009 MHz (vertical polarization)
• Frequency 2: 11407 MHz (vertical polarization)
• Symbol Rate: 23500
• FEC: 3 / 4
• Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK
• Conditional Access System: Nagravision

The distribution of the national DTT offer is broadcast in HD (1080i/1080p) via DVB-S2 with MPEG-4 compression. In UHD tests, a bitrate of around 17 Mbps is used, while in HD it is common to move in the range of 6 to 8 Mbps to ensure remarkable clarity.

To access from the television, the service manufacturer has detailed the SmarCAM 5.0 module with support for SD, HD, and UHD content and CI+ 1.4 ECP. These are the relevant technical specifications of the module:

• Platform: SmarCAM 5.0
• Chipset: CAP210
• RAM memory: 64 MB
• Flash memory: 16 MB
• Format: PC Card Type II (no smart card slot)
• Material: plastic shell
• Conditional Access Kernel: CAK V8 2.21.0
• Multi-program decoding: single service
• CI+ Version: 1.4 ECP
• Software update: via PCMCIA with SmarCAM Loader and via DVB-SSU
• Parental control management and menus in Spanish/English

As you can see, the service is prepared for the present and the future, with a path to 4K and modern encoding. And, above all, with the advantage that reception doesn't depend on the terrestrial repeater network or your internet connection.

Key FAQs

Does it work nationwide? Yes: offers 100% coverage on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. With a properly oriented satellite dish, you'll receive the signal without any problems.

Is Internet required? No. The signal comes directly via satellite, so you don't need a connection to watch DTT channels through Astra.

Ready for UHD? Yes. The service has been announced. ready for HD and UHD and there are already test broadcasts, such as La 1 UHD, with more channels planned for the future.

Does it work for any TV? If your TV includes a satellite tuner and CI+ slotYou can use the CAM module. Otherwise, use an external DVB-S2 and HD-compatible decoder to access the programming.

How big should the antenna be? As a guide, 60 cm on the peninsula y 90 cm in the Canary Islands or areas with weak reception. In communal or complex buildings, consult an installer.

Quick Start Guide

1. Check the equipment: satellite dish, mast or firm support, LNB and DVB-S2 receiver or a TV with a satellite tuner and CI+. Have good coaxial cables and connectors on hand.

2. Point the antenna towards Astra 19,2º EastUse an app or a meter to accurately determine the LNB's azimuth, elevation, and skew. Tighten the hardware after each fine adjustment.

3. Connect the cable from the LNB to the receiver or TV and scan the channelsIf your equipment allows it, add the main frequencies to speed up tuning.

4. Insert the Astra TV CI+ module In the TV slot, activate your subscription on the service's website and wait for access authorization. No subscription card is required.

5. Adjust the picture quality, activate the channel order to your liking, and check that everything is securely fastened to avoid problems with wind or weather.

For installers and communities: precision and tools

In homeowner associations, homes with long cable runs, or projects with multi-switches, it is advisable to plan the distribution and use appropriate measuring equipment. professional field meters capable of analyzing DVB-S2/S2X and decoding HD/4K, with quick diagnostic functions and prepared for recent standards such as DVB-T2 or H.265.

If you work with old instruments, there are renewal plans on the market to update them and gain precision, something essential to guarantee optimal MER/CN levels and avoid pixelation or occasional drops.

Context: DTT, DVB-I and the satellite alternative

DTT replaced the analog signal to improve image and sound, but over the years it has fallen short in certain environments and in the face of the push of streaming. In parallel, DVB-I It was created to provide a DTT-type experience over the Internet, but it requires a reliable connection, and that is where areas with poor network suffer.

The value of the satellite is that does not depend on land-based infrastructure Nor the quality of the current ADSL/4G/WiFi. It's a robust solution that, combined with modern televisions, CI+ modules, and proper installation, puts traditional HD (and gradually UHD) TV within reach of those who couldn't reach it before.

As a complement, it has even been mentioned that Movistar Plus+ has launched a new signal on Astra, opening up the possibility of watching satellite channels in high definition, and allowing the ecosystem to coexist with pay-TV platforms in the same orbital position. It all adds up to a more flexible scenario for the end user.

For those who have been struggling with endless cuts and retunings, the proposal is clear: Well-oriented satellite dish, compatible equipment and enjoyWith the first year free and a low annual fee, the barrier to entry is low, and the experience, if properly installed, is truly stable.

Between full coverage, Internet independence, UHD tests and a line-up that includes national generalists, selected regional channels and a good bunch of international channels, Astra's satellite DTT It has become a solid choice for rural homes, second homes, and generally anyone who wants to ensure a clean, consistent signal without complications.