Czech TV Channel A11 Cuts Satellite Service, Shifting to Terrestrial and Online

In a significant shift‍ for viewers across ⁤Europe, Czech television channel A11 is ending it’s​ satellite broadcasts via the Astra⁤ satellite, effective January 2, 2025. This means that ‌millions who previously enjoyed free access to the channel will need‍ to⁢ find ‍alternative viewing options.

The proclamation, made via ‌social ​media, was stark: ‌“2.1.2025 the A11 program ends broadcasting on the ASTRA satellite, please tune in to terrestrial broadcasting, IPTV or your cable operator,”‌ stated ⁣an A11 representative. This abrupt change leaves⁢ many viewers scrambling​ to adjust ⁤their viewing⁢ habits.

Previously,A11’s signal,broadcast from the‌ Astra satellite at‌ 23.5°E,⁢ was freely available (FTA) across a large swathe of Europe. No subscription or special equipment was required. The ⁤channel’s distribution was handled⁣ by M7 Group, a Luxembourg-based company and part of CANAL+, also⁤ the operator⁢ of the ⁣Skylink Czech-Slovak satellite ‌platform.

The move marks a significant change in⁣ how viewers access A11.With the cessation of ‌Astra broadcasts, satellite viewers will no longer ​be able ​to receive the channel. ‌A11 ‍will now be exclusively ​available through terrestrial⁣ transmitters on⁢ the nationwide Broadcasting Network 23 ⁤(DVB-T2‍ multiplex 23), as well as select IPTV and OTT providers. ‍ This transition mirrors⁣ similar shifts in the U.S. ​television landscape, where streaming services are increasingly replacing conventional cable and satellite providers.

For those technically inclined, here are the technical ‌parameters of the now-defunct satellite broadcast: Satellite: Astra (23.5°E); Frequency: 12.090 GHz; Polarization: ‍Vertical; SR: 29900; FEC: 3/4; Norma: DVB-S2; Modulation: 8PSK.

A11 isn’t alone in this shift. ‍The move coincides with the end of satellite broadcasting for another Czech channel, the Christian TV show Noe, also ⁢ceasing transmission on Astra on New Year’s Eve. This trend highlights the evolving media landscape and the increasing reliance on digital distribution methods.

The change ⁤presents challenges for ‍viewers accustomed to receiving A11 via satellite, but ‍it⁣ also reflects a broader trend towards ⁤digital distribution and the increasing availability of​ online streaming services.⁣ ‍Viewers will need to adapt⁣ to new methods of accessing their favorite‍ programming, much​ like the transition many ⁤U.S. viewers have experienced in recent years.