BBC & ITV SIGNALS FROM 2E WEAKER Reports have been arriving this week from Italy, Germany and Spain of a further reduction in Astra 2E signals. As these are geographically distant and over a period of days, the change is unlikely to be a result of poorer weather. For reasons unknown, Astra 2E, which carries most BBC channels, is slightly to the east and slightly higher in the sky than the other satellites at the UK position of 28.2º east. This week, 2E is at 28.35º E AND 0.07º N, which is 0.17º further east and just over 0.07º further north than Astra 2A. Generally the satellites are close enough in the sky for it not to be worth adjusting a dish. Dishes in excess of 1.2 metres can differentiate between the three satellites. The arrival of Astra 2G later this year may mean signals change yet again, as Astra 2A is likely to be retired. There are conflicting predictions of 2Gs launch, some saying May and others September. SES are still improbably saying it will be in the first quarter of 2014.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 06:58:08 +0000