To receive the TV or radio broadcast of the HOPE Channel, you need the permission of the house owner, a satellite dish ranging from 45 cm, a digital satellite receiver, and a clear south-facing view.
What equipment do I need in order to receive the HOPE Channel via satellite?
I have cable TV in my apartment. May I install a satellite antenna anyway?
Yes. Cable TV will provide you with one set of channels but there is no reason why you cannot have a satellite dish as well (unless you live in a building which prohibits them). If you are not allowed a permenant installation you may still be able to use a temporary satellite dish which is not clearly visible from the street (e.g. on a balcony).
Does the satellite dish need to be mounted on the roof?
No, the dish can be mounted on the ground, a balcony, a terrace, or most commonly on the wall of the house or the garage. What is important is a clear south-facing view. The dish for Hotbird is normally larger than the Sky dish, typically 80 cm.
Do I need planning permission for installing or operating a satellite system?
You do not need planning permission as long as the dish does not protrude above the roof line of the house unless you live in an area with particular historical or architectural value. If you are in doubt then check with your local council.
Can I connect more than one receiver to the satellite antenna?
Yes, but every receiver must access the receiver head of the satellite antenna (LNB) via a separate cable. Commercial LNBs are available for up to four connections. For more connections, a separate multi switch is necessary.
I have a satellite antenna, but I cannot find the HOPE Channel.
The satellite antenna must be adjusted to the position of Eutelsat-Hotbird (13 ° East). It must contain a receiver head (LNB) suitable for digital reception and be connected to a digital receiver (DVB-S). It may be possible that you need to reprogramme the receiver in order to receive the Hope channel.
I can already receive normal TV channels. What upgrades do I need to receive the HOPE Channel?
In the UK the majority of satellite dishes point to the SKY satellite. You cannot receive the HOPE channel on SKY. However, there are an increasing number of people who use a slightly larger dish to view both the ASTRA satellite (19 ° East) and the Eutelsat-Hotbird satellite (13 ° East). These give a large variety of free-to-air programmes. The HOPE channel is on Hotbird. To be able to receive both ASTRA and HOTBIRD satellite positions simultaneously, a multiple LNB (multifeed) is necessary. (The LNB is the receiver head of the satellite dish.) At a specialized dealer, either a multifeed bar for the mounting of multiple LNBs in one satellite system, or compact multifeed LNBs (Block-LNB) with the necessary differential of 6 degrees can be obtained. Multifeed LNBs are available for up to four connections. The receivers must support the DiSEqC 1.0 protocol. (DiSEqC is a protocol enabling the switching between different satellites.)
Is the HOPE Channel encoded?
HOPE Channel TV is not encoded. It is free to air.
What are the costs of a satellite system?
The costs will vary depending on your installer. Typically they range from £250 to £400. DIY systems can be purchased for around £150.
For a list of installers around the country visit our technical support page.