Receiver

Analogue
Analogue receivers are still being used in large numbers, but we do not recommend purchasing a new one. Apart from England all other coutries transmit exclusively digitally.

Digital (DVB, FTA)
The digital TV standard is often also called „DVB“, which stands for Digital Video Broadcast. In this context, the abbreviation „FTA“ is also used, meaning „Free To Air“. FTA programmes are non-encrypted, free programmes. These terms are often found on digital receivers. In addition to TV reception, digital receivers also provide DVB radio programmes. Digital satellite receivers are sometimes also called „DVB-S“ receivers, where „S“ stands for „satellite“. Meanwhile, first tests
are being performed with the DVB extension “DVB-S2”, also called “8PSK”, which is supposed to provide even more programmes or to enhance reception quality. DVB-S2 requires specific receivers, which are currently not easily available.

Digital CI
Most European countries encrypt (encode) their digitally broadcast channels. To receive such channels either a provider-specific receiver or a receiver with a Common Interface (CI) is required. CI receivers equipped with decoder modules and corresponding smart-cards can receive the programmes encrypted with most of the available encryption methods. External decoder boxes
which were common with analogue systems are not compatible with digital TV.

Common Interface (CI)
CI receivers have 1 or 2 slots for decoder modules. Different modules are required depending on the country and the pay-TV provider. The CI receiver is hence only a platform which facilitates the usage of additional decoder modules. The reception of different pay-TV packages is only possible with CI receivers.

CI-Module
CI modules are sometime also referred to as „CA“ modules, whereby „CA“ stands for „Conditional Access“. When used together with the corresponding smart card (access card), the modules decode encrypted programmes. Some modules are only capable of decoding a single system (e.g. Viaccess), while others may be compatible with multiple systems. The CI module needs to be inserted into the Common Interface slot. Generally, each country or provider requires a different module. For further information please contact the programme providers.

Smartcards
Smartcards are available at specialist dealers or directly from the programme providers. Smartcards are usually subject to a charge, and national regulations (residence, nationality) may apply.

Satellite information
The variety of digital TV and radio stations broadcast across Europe is not only great, but also subject to constant change. Any printed channel list will hence often be outdated by the time it is published. Major channels can usually be received without changes for long periods, but smaller-scale channels, often providing highly interesting programmes, are often launched and then disappear from the satellite rather quickly. There are numerous printed publications covering the topic of satellite TV. However, the Internet is usually more up-to-date. The websites www.lyngsat.com and www.satcodx.com list the channels available from all directly receivable satellites. These data can be input into the receiver‘s scan function so
new channels can be received.

Terrestrial digital TV (DVB-T) and digital cable TV (DVB-C)
Terrestrial TV is also due to be converted from analogue to digital technology by the year 2010. However, the DVB-T network does not yet provide full coverage. Coverage is being widened all the time, but it is already clear that complete coverage of a country will not be possible. The desired reception of terrestrial digital TV signals with a small antenna stick at the back of the receiver can only be realised in the direct vicinity of the transmitters. The major disadvantage to clients is the range - national DVT-T will of course only be provided in the respective country. TV and radio stations of other countries cannot be expected to invest enormous sums into the broadcast of „foreign“ channels. Digital TV has almost become the standard in many national cable networks and can hence be received at many camping sites. This is not much of a benefit though, as the channel variety is much smaller than that available by satellite. The same problem of coverage that applies to DVB-T also exists here as well, as cable operators are not likely to feed foreign channels into their networks.
Furthermore, DVB-T, DVB-C and DVB-S always require separate receivers which are different for each system. In principle, DVB-T and DVB-C cannot match the number of channels and the reception range available with digital satellite TV (DVB-S).