The only way to obtain access to UK TV in Europe, is via a digital satellite receiver (digibox) and dish. Terrestrial TV (i.e. through an aerial) will simply not work, so using a freeview box is not an option. Systems that utilise an aerial to gain signal will be too weak to reach European destinations.

The most popular method of receiving British UK TV is via SKY Digital, which contrary to what many people believe, is perfectly legal to own and use in Europe. However, support and equipment purchases must be made via a SKY agent, which is where we can help (http://www.satone.tv). Whilst there are a few English language channels available via other satellites, these are very limited and are predominantly news based, so SKY Digital is the best option.

A selection of channels can be received by any SKY digibox irrespective of whether it is used in the UK or Europe. Through these you will be able to receive the BBC and ITV channels, several news channels (Sky News for example), a few other varied channels (shopping, religion etc) and numerous UK radio channels. These can all be received by aiming the satellite dish at the Astra2 group of satellites at about 28 degrees east of south (alignment is very much dependant on your location in Europe). Additional 'terrestrial' UK channels such as Channel 4 and Five are encrypted on SKY, but are decrypted with the one off purchase of a freesat viewing card. A full list of channels provided on freesat is available here, http://www.satone.tv/freesatcard.htm.

As previously mentioned, the use of a SKY digibox is the most common way of receiving UK TV in Europe. The added bonus of a SKY digibox is that unlike non-SKY decoders, you will have the option to upgrade to a subscription package should you so desire (such as to receive Sky Sports, Sky Movies etc). This is providing you have installed a suitable sized dish to receive the signal from the Astra2 satellite (the SKY mini-dish is not recommended across Europe); you will receive exactly the same service as in the UK, apart from the fact that your telephone line can no longer be connected to the SKY digibox. This will place restrictions on ordering events via SKY Box Office and many interactive services. However, it does not mean that 'pay per view' events cannot be seen, just that you would need to contact the supplying company (such as us) to arrange.

Technically, SKY are not allowed to broadcast outside of the UK and for anyone with a SKY subscription, the small print in the contract will state that you are not allowed to take the viewing card outside of the UK. This is to do with copyright issues from programme makers. In reality, SKY cannot fail to be aware of the fact that 40% of their customers are either taking their digiboxes/cards abroad, or that customers have either moved abroad or are native to another European country.

How do I get Sky TV?

If you wish to obtain UK TV via SKY, but do not already have a digibox or card, there are a number of methods of obtaining one :

Second hand digiboxes are widely available in the UK (look in the classified pages of your local paper, try car-boot sales, or checkout ebay). Prices usually start at around £40 depending on the age of the digibox. Things to bare in mind about purchasing second hand are that the equipment may have faults which will no longer be covered under warranty; may have been previously paired to a subscription card and therefore cannot be used with a new card; some look outdated and don't match the latest electrical equipment or are a few years old and therefore do not benefit from a strong signal strength - which is of paramount importance in most parts of Europe.

New digiboxes can be purchased at most decent specialist satellite equipment stores, or alternatively from a number of suppliers selling via the web directly to Europe, ourselves included (http://www.satone.tv). Prices for these usually start at around £100. The benefit of purchasing brand new from a web based supplier are they will delivery direct to your door; the digiboxes are covered by the standard one years manufacturers warranty; look modern so suit new equipment; typically include technical support should you need it; and most importantly, have a stronger signal strength which is ideal for receiving SKY TV in Europe.

SKY viewing cards (such as Freesat and Subscription Cards, which give you access to more channels than just a digibox) are available from SKY. However, due to your location, SKY will not be able to provide a card for you directly, and therefore you must either contact someone you know in the UK, such as a friend or family member, or turn to a supplier such as the one mentioned previously.

Whilst you should be careful who you use to purchase a viewing card (especially a subscription card which carries a monthly cost), there are a few reputable companies which can arrange a genuine SKY package for you. Naturally though, you will pay a surcharge for having someone else arrange a subscription for you. This typically includes an annual charge to the supplier, which includes the use of a UK address plus all support queries you may have.

It is important to always bare in mind that SKY cannot provide equipment or cards directly to you in Europe. You will have to use either a supplier or friend/family member to act as the 'middle man'. The great thing about web based suppliers selling digiboxes etc is that they can deliver directly to you at your home or work address in Europe. In addition to this, a supplier can provide you with a new digibox that does not require connection to a telephone line, something many people are led to believe is a requirement, and a number one reason for people not watching UK TV via Sky.

Installation

In order to receive SKY Digital TV, you will need to install a satellite dish. New dishes are readily available in all large DIY stores, and can be obtained for as little as €40 euros depending on size required. The size of dish is totally dependant on your location in Europe, and cannot be covered by this article. If you are unsure what size is required, ask local people or in bars that have SKY TV, or contact a local satellite installer for advice. They may even save you a job and supply and install the dish for you.

Installation is relatively simple for those of a DIY nature. The dish will usually be mounted on either a wall bracket, or on a chimney bracket. One cable (two if you wish to install Sky+, or more if you wish to install a few SKY digiboxes around your house) will then run from the LNB to the digibox. Aim the dish at the Astra2 satellite which can be found at about 28 degrees east of due south (alignment is very much dependant on your location in Europe), angle the dish back a little and with a little fiddling you will obtain a reception. This can be seen by pressing 'Services' on your Sky remote, then 'Option 4', then 'Option 6'. The important factor is 'signal quality'. This should ideally be at least 50% but higher is great. You should also make sure the Network ID locks on to 0002, and Transport Steam to 07d4.

Please note that when aligning the dish, you must have a 'clear line of sight'. This means you cannot point the dish through a tree and expect it to receive a signal. Nearby overhead power cables can also be a problem if the dish is angled towards them.

If you do not wish to install the system yourself, then have a look to find a local satellite installer, or ask around for recommendations of who to use. Prices vary depending on location and size of dish required. If using an installer for SKY, be sure to explain that he is looking for the Astra2 satellite at 28.2 degrees and that the dish must be of a suitable size to gain signal from the Astra2D beam, which is presently the most focused on the UK, and therefore harder to receive. The Astra2D beam contains transmission of all your favorite standard UK channels such as BBC and ITV.

Conclusion

If you wish to receive the basic UK channels in Europe, purchase a digibox new from a supplier such as SatOne TV (http://www.satone.tv), or second hand from ebay etc. Purchase a freesat viewing card if you wish to also receive Channel 4, Five and Sky Three; or a subscription card if you wish to receive even more channels such as sports, movies or entertainment. Finally, have a local satellite installer supply and install a dish suitable for receiving a signal from the Astra2 satellite. Considering what you can receive, the cost can actually be surprisingly low to watch SKY TV in Europe. So what are you waiting for?