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Astra 2E and Astra 2F Satellite Updates: New Channels and Frequency Changes

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Astra 2E and Astra 2F Satellite Updates: New Channels and Frequency Changes

The Astra 2E and Astra 2F satellites, positioned at 28.2°E, remain some of the most essential satellites for broadcasting to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and large parts of Western Europe. These satellites are a critical component for Sky Digital, which offers a wide array of television content, including Sky Sports, Sky TV, and other premium entertainment options. Recently, both Astra 2E and Astra 2F have undergone some significant changes in their channel lineups, including the launch of new channels and the discontinuation of others. This article highlights the most recent updates and provides technical details for users interested in tuning into these channels.

Astra 2E Overview

Astra 2E, located at 28.2° East, is part of the Astra satellite family, operated by SES. Astra 2E serves as the primary satellite for Sky TV, delivering hundreds of channels to subscribers in the UK and Ireland. It is particularly important for Sky Digital customers, offering both SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition) content.

Key Features of Astra 2E

  • Position: 28.2°E (East Longitude)
  • Coverage: UK, Ireland, Western Europe
  • Primary Uses: Sky TV, Sky Sports, BBC, ITV, and other UK-based channels
  • Broadcast Standard: DVB-S, DVB-S2
  • Encryption: VideoGuard (used by Sky TV for secure transmission)

Recent Channel Updates on Astra 2E (28.2°E)

Sky Favourites (United Kingdom) - New Channel Launch

  • Frequency: 11934 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical (V)
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 5/6
  • SID: 5650
  • PID: 516 (Audio 1), 684 (Audio 2 - English)
  • Encryption: VideoGuard (Sky's encryption system)

Sky Favourites has recently launched on Astra 2E, delivering a mix of popular Sky content, including classic shows and iconic series. This channel is a Standard Definition (SD) broadcast and aims to provide Sky subscribers with a curated selection of their favourite Sky programs, from different genres. For Sky TV subscribers, this channel represents the latest effort to cater to diverse tastes with a classic programming focus.

Channel Departure: Sky Modern Greats

  • Frequency: 11934 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical (V)
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 5/6
  • SID: 5650
  • PID: 516 (Audio 1), 684 (Audio 2 - English)

Sky Modern Greats, a channel that aired classic movies and TV shows, has left Astra 2E. The channel has been discontinued from the frequency above and is no longer available on this satellite for Sky TV users in Europe. This departure reflects the dynamic nature of channel programming, where older channels are occasionally replaced or rebranded in favor of new content options.

Astra 2F Updates: New Channels and Frequency Shifts

The Astra 2F satellite, another key part of the Astra satellite network, has also recently seen several changes, including the addition of new channels and the discontinuation of older ones.

Sky Favourites HD (United Kingdom) - New Channel

  • Frequency: 12285 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical (V)
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 2/3
  • SID: 3815
  • PID: 515 (MPEG-4), 643 (Audio 1), 663 (Audio 2 - English)
  • Encryption: VideoGuard (Sky's encryption system)

In response to the growing demand for high-definition (HD) content, Sky Favourites HD has launched on Astra 2F. This HD version offers the same curated content as the standard-definition version but in crystal-clear HD quality. Subscribers to Sky TV who have HD-compatible receivers can enjoy a superior viewing experience with improved picture and sound quality.

Sky 80s HD (United Kingdom) - New Channel

  • Frequency: 12285 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical (V)
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 2/3
  • SID: 6033
  • PID: 522 (MPEG-4), 657 (Audio 1), 656 (Audio 2 - English)
  • Encryption: VideoGuard (Sky's encryption system)

Sky 80s HD is another exciting addition to the Astra 2F lineup. This channel brings back the 1980s with a focus on music videos, movies, and TV shows from the era of neon lights, big hair, and iconic pop culture. The HD broadcast ensures that viewers get a visually stunning experience while reliving some of the best entertainment from the 1980s.

Channel Departures from Astra 2F

  • Sky Modern Greats HD: The HD version of Sky Modern Greats has also left Astra 2F. Like its SD counterpart on Astra 2E, it focused on classic and retro programming. However, Sky has decided to discontinue this channel to make way for newer offerings like Sky Favourites HD and Sky 80s HD.

  • Sky Hits HD U.K.: Another channel that has been discontinued on Astra 2F is Sky Hits HD U.K.. This channel offered a variety of popular movies and series. It is no longer transmitted on this frequency, possibly to free up space for new programming initiatives.

How to Tune In: Technical Information

For viewers interested in accessing the newly launched channels or tuning into existing ones, it is essential to know the correct technical details. Here's a quick guide:

Sky Favourites (SD) on Astra 2E

  • Frequency: 11934 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 5/6
  • SID: 5650
  • PID: 516 (Audio 1), 684 (Audio 2)

Sky Favourites HD on Astra 2F

  • Frequency: 12285 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 2/3
  • SID: 3815
  • PID: 515 (MPEG-4), 643 (Audio 1), 663 (Audio 2)

Sky 80s HD on Astra 2F

  • Frequency: 12285 MHz
  • Polarization: Vertical
  • Symbol Rate: 27500
  • FEC: 2/3
  • SID: 6033
  • PID: 522 (MPEG-4), 657 (Audio 1), 656 (Audio 2)

Conclusion

The Astra 2E and Astra 2F satellites at 28.2°E continue to play a vital role in providing quality television content to the UK and Europe. The recent changes in the channel lineup, including the launch of Sky Favourites, Sky Favourites HD, and Sky 80s HD, demonstrate the satellite's dynamic content offerings. These new channels are designed to cater to a broad range of viewing preferences, from classic content to HD broadcasts.

For existing Sky TV customers, these changes present exciting new programming opportunities, while the departures of channels like Sky Modern Greats and Sky Hits HD mark the natural evolution of satellite television, with space being made for fresher content. Keeping track of these updates ensures that viewers can continue to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment, delivered with cutting-edge quality and security through VideoGuard encryption.