British satellite television in Valencia

You can enjoy the warmth and sunshine of life in Valencia and still settle down to an evening of British satellite television – providing you have a south-facing garden.

The simplest channels to receive are those of the BBC – which can be enjoyed by just installing a dish in the garden and connecting it to a free-to-air satellite box. Receiving the ITV stations, and Channels 4 and 5, usually means buying a 'Digibox' and asking a friend or relative in the UK to act as a letter drop for the near-free viewing card.

The same technique can be used to obtain Sky – although, of course, you will have to pay a monthly subscription through a UK bank account.

Perfectly legal

Remember that it is perfectly legal to watch the BBC from Spain. The BBC might not be happy with the idea, but there is nothing it can do to stop you. As the BBC is transmitting its satellite output without encryption, there is nothing in the laws of Spain to prohibit you from watching it. You may be technically in breach of your Sky contract if you watch from outside the UK – however, it is unlikely that Sky executives are losing any sleep over the matter or will do anything to stop this practice.

Your 'sat dish' will have to be a little larger than the dishes you are used to in the UK. Here in the Valencia area, some channels – such as Sky News and Channel 5 – can be received with 90cm dishes, and others – such as Channel 4 and MTV – with a 1.2 metre dish. However, you will need a 1.8m dish if you want most of the national channels available 24 hours a day. This includes all the regional variations of the BBC.

The situation is similar for UK radio. BBC Radios 2 and 4, as well as Virgin, Capital, and OneWord, can be received with digital clarity using a smallish 90cm satellite dish and a Digibox – while a 1.8m dish is necessary if you want to tune into the full range of BBC radio stations.  

Use a compass

When looking at villas to buy it is worthwhile checking whether the property has an uninterrupted view to the south-east (approximately 150º if you, or your estate agent, happen to have a compass). Be aware that a nearby mountain or row of neighbouring pine trees could end your chances of watching the Nine O’Clock News.

A 1.8m dish requires specialist installation. It needs a sturdy cement base to keep it from blowing away and will usually have to be mounted in the garden.

Several local firms can handle the installation for you and will charge about €1200 (including VAT) for mounting the dish and a further €200-400 for the satellite receiver – if needed. Business is so brisk that most of these firms have English-speaking staff. Try Electro-Bori in Lliria, on 962 780 923 and ask for Vicente or email them at electrobori@arrakis.es

Before beginning the installation they will visit your property with a compass and discuss where the dish can be positioned. They will then ask you to construct a simple 80cm cubic cement base – as this is not included in the price. You should not have to pay anything until the installation is finished and the signals are being clearly received on your own television.

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For more information on Valencia and our range of property go to:

www.rawlinsholden.co.uk or in Spanish at www.rhinmobiliaria.com

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