FAQ's
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frequently asked questions
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Here you will find common questions from our
customers. If you do not find the answer to your question, please
contact us. |
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The most popular method of receiving UK TV is via a SKY digibox which
contrary to what many people believe, is perfectly legal to own and
use in France (there are other issues, but more of those later).
The same 'free to view' (meaning no monthly subscription) channels
can also be received by any decent non-SKY digital receiver
irrespective of whether it was purchased in the UK or France.
Through these, you will be able to receive all the BBC & ITV
channels, several news channels (Sky News for example), some film
channels including Film4, 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 Astra 2 group of
satellites at about 28 degrees east of south. You will receive
exactly the same channels using a SKY digibox.
Whilst there are a few English language channels available via other
satellites, these are very limited and are predominantly news based.
As noted above, the use of a SKY digibox is the most common way of
receiving UK TV in France as people moving to France often bring
them with them. 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 or request a viewing card
enabling you to receive channels 4 & 5.
For those who bring theirs from the UK, once you have installed a
new, bigger, dish to receive the signal from the Astra 2 satellite
(the SKY mini-dish is not recommended across most of France although
it will work in some places), you will receive exactly the same
service as in the UK, save for 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, as a phone call to SKY will suffice - though
there are dangers in calling from overseas.
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 and Channel Islands. In reality though, SKY cannot fail to
be aware of the fact that many people are taking their digiboxes,
viewing cards and therefore continued monthly subscription, abroad.
How do I get it?
Perhaps the best way to obtain your SKY digibox is to purchase one
from a specialist company in France – such as ourselves for example.
These companies have direct access to brand new SKY digiboxes from
wholesalers in the UK. The benefit to the customer is of course that
these boxes will come with a full guarantee. We offer brand new SKY
digiboxes (and we mean brand new, not ones that are 2 years old but
have simply remained in their boxes) from €225. All come with a full
12 month warranty.
You can of course though purchase SKY decoders yourself in the UK
from a variety of different sources.
Non-SKY decoders are also available from outfits such as ourselves,
or can be purchased from French retailers. Again, many people living
in France prefer to purchase such decoders from companies like
ourselves to avoid any language issues whether it be for the actual
purchase or the instruction booklet!
SKY viewing cards (which give you access to many more channels and
premium services such as SKY Sports and SKY Movies) are ONLY
genuinely available from SKY. However, there are a few reputable
companies in France which can help arrange a genuine SKY package for
you – please feel free to contact us for further information.
If you choose to obtain a viewing card through SKY, you will have to
pay a monthly subscription depending on your chosen package. See the
web-site http://www.sky.com for full package details. Please be
advised that however you obtain your SKY viewing card, your monthly
subscription package should be exactly the same.
Installation
There are many people who wish to carry out the installation of
their equipment themselves and perhaps bring it from the UK, or
purchase the required pieces here in France. However, many people do
not, and will therefore require the services of a professional
installer. There are many companies offering such services across
France (including ourselves) who will happily discuss your
requirements and then carry out the work for you whether it be
supplying and installing a complete system, or simply helping you to
align your dish.
Installation is possible for those of a DIY nature. The dish will
usually be mounted on either a wall bracket, or on a chimney
bracket. One cable will then run from the LNB on the dish to the
digibox. Aim the dish at the Astra 2 satellite which can be found at
about 28 degrees east of due south, angle the dish back a little
(c.30 degrees) and with a little fiddling you will obtain a
reception. For those using a SKY digibox, this can be seen by
pressing 'services' on your SKY remote, then 4, then 6. The
important factor is 'signal quality'. This should ideally be at
least 50% (about the middle of the word OK below it) but higher is
of course better.
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.
If required, we can supply you with a full DIY kit containing
everything you will need to install your own system. Also supplied
is a full guide to self-installation. Telephone support is available
to anyone purchasing such a kit from ourselves.
As a word of warning, if you employ the services of someone else to
fit your system etc, then only use the services of an installer who
is registered in France with a Siret number. This ensures they are
working legally and just as importantly, insured. If using a French
installer for SKY, be sure to explain that he is looking for the
Astra 2 satellite at 28.2 degrees and not Astra 1 (19 degrees) which
distributes many popular French subscription channels. |
Q
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What do I need to get started?
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Call or Email us with your requirements. |
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Q
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What do you actually supply?
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Everything from Installation of the Satellite
equipment of your choice, a viewing card ( If required )
with the package of your choice. |
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Do you supply the New Freesat from the BBC ? |
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Q
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Who do I pay, you or the broadcaster
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You pay us for the equipment, installation and Viewing Card
and the broadcaster for your
monthly subscription.. |
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How do I pay my subscription?
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By either Mastercard or Visa. |
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Q
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Where am I able to get a signal?
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Anywhere in Europe with appropriate satellite dish
size. |
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Q
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What size dish will i need?
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The dish size varies depending on the
area you are in. customers should contact us to get advise, |
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Q
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What if I need more or less channels?
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Email us including your viewing card number and
package required and your package will be adjusted free of charge
within 24 hours. |
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So do you look after my account.
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Yes, we handle everything for you. |
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How long am I committed once I’ve signed up?
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12 months. |
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Q
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What happens if I want to continue after this
time?
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Initially you purchase a Sky Viewing Card from us
which is valid for one year then it is renewable annually. |
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Q
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Can I downgrade my package when I want to ?
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Just E mail us stating when you want to down or
upgrade your viewing |
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Q
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Are the Decoders new or re-furbished?
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Brand new with manufacturers guarantee. |
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Q
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What happens if my tv provider over charges me ?
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We will do everything we can to rectify your
problem ..but can not be held responsible for any payment
problems to do with your Viewing account. |
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Q
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Why Alpine Satellite ?
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We offer a fast, effective and simple solution to
UK Satellite viewing in Europe |
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For any other questions please contact us
or telephone (+33) 04 79 04 28 25 |
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