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HOTBIRD ("Eutelsat Hotbird")
Like Astra, Hotbird is not a single satellite, but a system comprising several
satellites. It transmits more than 200 digital free-to-air programs in several
languages. Hotbird fully covers all of Europe, but at sometimes significantly
lower signal levels than Astra. Hotbird is the easiest way to receive German
stations in Greece and Turkey.
THOR
The channels and the footprint of Thor cover northern Europe. Many,
sometimes all, channels of Thor may be received even in southern Germany
if an adequately sized antenna is used. Almost all channels of Thor are
encrypted, though.
SIRIUS
Like Thor, Sirius serves the Scandinavian region. However, a small range of
its channels can be received almost all over Europe.
ATLANTIC BIRD 3
Atlantic Bird 3 mainly covers France and Benelux, but can also be received all
over Europe if a suitable parabolic antenna is used. It transmits several digital
free-to-air French channels.
HISPASAT
Hispasat covers mainly the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, but can
also be received in Italy, France, Benelux etc. in good quality. The range of
programs is focused on the Spanish region.
EUTELSAT W3A
This satellite has the largest footprint of all. It covers the whole of Europe
and the Middle East region. However, its signals are significantly weaker than
those of the other satellites, and the use of an 85-cm antenna is hence
recommended.
