Saorsat Satellite TV System Explained

Saorsat is a free-to-air satellite TV system that allows users to receive a range of TV channels from Europe without the need for a subscription.

The system uses the Astra 2D satellite, which is located at 28.2 degrees East.

Saorsat is not a new technology, it was first introduced in the UK in 2009.

The system uses a standard DVB-S2 receiver, which can be purchased online or in-store.

Saorsat offers a variety of TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment programs.

Users can access Saorsat channels using a simple dish installation, which can be done by a professional or a DIY enthusiast.

The Saorsat system is free to use, with no monthly subscription fees or contracts.

Saorsat is not exclusive to the UK, it is available to users in many European countries.

A different take: BBC UK Regional TV on Satellite

Saorsat is a free-to-air satellite TV service that broadcasts a range of channels from around the world.

It's available in many European countries, including Ireland, the UK, and France.

Saorsat's technical details are quite interesting. The satellite used is Ka-Sat 9A, positioned at 9°E.

The signal parameters are as follows: 20192 MHz, Left Circular Polarisation, DVB-S2 QPSK, 12500 Symbol rate, and 5/6 FEC.

To receive Saorsat, you'll need a DVB-S2 HD satellite receiver, and the Ka band LNBF converts the signal to a regular IF in the 950 MHz to 2,100 MHz band.

The technical details of this system are quite impressive.

One of the key features is its ability to process complex algorithms in real-time, thanks to its high-performance hardware.

The system's memory capacity is a whopping 16 GB, making it suitable for handling large amounts of data.

With its advanced cooling system, the system's processing speed remains consistent even under heavy loads.

This means you can run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing any slowdowns.

The system's power supply is 650W, which is more than enough to power its high-performance components.

Overall, the system's technical details make it a reliable and efficient choice for demanding tasks.

To receive Saorsat, you'll need a DVB-S2 HD satellite receiver that can handle the Ka band LNBF, which converts to a regular IF in the 950 MHz to 2,100 MHz band.

The receiver should be set to the Ka band LNBF Lo frequency, but if it doesn't have a setting for this, you can use a "fake" frequency of 10.765 vertical instead of the real 20.185 when using the Inverto LNB with a local oscillator of 21.2.

Reception is possible in the western parts of Scotland, England, and Wales with an LNBF on an 80 cm (31 in) dish pointed at Eutelsat 9E.

A dual- or multi-feed type dish or two separate dishes are needed to receive Freesat/Sky or other services alongside Saorsat, using either one or more DiSEqC switches or a multi-switch.

The Saorsat LNB needs to be connected to the vertical 0 kHz port only on a multi-switch, leaving the other three input ports unused.

Saorsat only broadcasts channels from public broadcasters, which means you won't find any commercial channels like Virgin Media or Sky News on the service. This is a deliberate choice to focus on public programming.

Saorsat channels can be sorted in different ways depending on the device, which is why you won't see channel numbers listed like you would on other services. Instead, you'll see service IDs (SIDs) used to identify each channel.

Here's a list of some of the channels available on Saorsat, along with their SIDs, names, and broadcast hours:

Note that SIDs 5106, 5119, and 5120 are test services that may not be visible on some receivers.

Saorsat only broadcasts channels from public broadcasters, including 7 TV and all radio services from RTÉ, Oireachtas TV, and TG4. You won't find Virgin Media channels like Virgin Media One or Sky News on Saorsat.

RTÉ One is a full-time channel with 24-hour broadcasts in HD (1080i) resolution. RTÉ2 also broadcasts 24 hours a day in HD (1080i) resolution.

RTÉ News provides rolling news coverage with live content and repeats, available 24 hours a day in SD (576i) resolution. TG4 is an Irish-language channel broadcasting 24 hours a day in SD (576i) resolution.

If you're looking for children's content, RTÉjr and Cúla4 are available, broadcasting 07:00-19:00 and 06:00-20:00 respectively, both in SD (576i) resolution.

Oireachtas TV broadcasts proceedings from the Oireachtas and European Parliament, available Monday to Friday from 09:00-00:00, though the exact times may vary slightly depending on the schedule.

Here's a list of Saorsat channels you can expect to find:

You can record live TV on most TV services, including cable, satellite, and streaming services like Hulu and Sling TV.

Most TV services allow you to schedule recordings in advance, so you can catch up on your favorite shows even when you're not home.

The number of simultaneous recordings allowed varies by service, with some allowing up to 5-6 recordings at a time.

Some TV services also offer cloud storage for recorded content, so you can access your recordings from any device with an internet connection.

With cloud storage, you can even watch your recorded content on the go, making it a great option for commuters or travelers.

To get started with Saorsat, you'll need a satellite dish, specifically a dish with a diameter of 80cm or 1 meter, depending on your location. This is a one-time cost, and you can expect to pay around €35 or less for a good quality dish.

You'll also need a Banda-KA LNBF, which is a crucial component that connects the satellite dish to your TV. Make sure to get a good quality LNBF that can handle the specific frequencies used by Saorsat, and budget around €35 or less for it.

It's worth noting that not all satellite installers will test your equipment for compatibility with Saorsat, but you can find certified installers who will ensure that your equipment meets the necessary standards.

The cost of installation will depend on the complexity of the job and your location. For a standard installation, you can expect to pay around €200 or less, including the cost of the dish, LNBF, and other necessary equipment.

Here's a rough breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay:

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your location and the complexity of the installation.