FAQ
TL;DR: For most of Germany, Polish DVB-T won’t reach; use satellite—“only this plate and SAT set-top box.” Hot Bird carries about 20 free Polish channels. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps viewers in Germany pick the right gear and method to watch Polish TV without wasted buys or false hopes.
Quick Facts
- DVB‑T from Poland may work only very near the border; elsewhere you need satellite. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
- Hot Bird satellite offers about 20 free-to-air Polish channels; Astra carries Polish TV Trwam. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
- Room/indoor antennas won’t pull Polish TV from Germany; satellite is required. [Elektroda, maksar, post #16916297]
- Building dishes in Germany often point to Astra only; confirm if Hot Bird is also fed. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
- Free-to-air Polish channels do not need a smart card or subscription decoder. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16918288]
Can a DVB‑T decoder receive Polish channels in Germany?
Usually no. DVB‑T from Poland reaches only close to the border. Elsewhere in Germany, signals won’t arrive, so a DVB‑T box won’t help. Satellite reception is the practical path for Polish channels across Germany. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
Will a room/indoor antenna work for Polish channels in Germany?
No. Users report indoor antennas won’t capture Polish broadcasts in Germany. “Only SAT!” captures the reality. Plan for a satellite dish or a building feed instead of an indoor antenna. [Elektroda, maksar, post #16916297]
Which satellite should I use for free Polish channels?
Aim at Hot Bird. It carries about 20 free-to-air Polish channels. Astra typically has only TV Trwam in Polish. Use a standard DVB‑S2 receiver with your existing dish or shared system. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
Do I need a subscription card or CAM for Polish FTA channels?
No. Free-to-air Polish channels on satellite don’t require a smart card, CAM, or contract decoder. Any DVB‑S2 receiver that supports FTA will work. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16918288]
What’s the difference between DVB‑T and DVB‑S2 in this context?
DVB‑T is terrestrial TV from land transmitters; range limits stop it deep inside Germany. DVB‑S2 is satellite TV, receivable across Germany with the right dish/feed. Choose DVB‑S2 for Polish channels away from the border. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
How do I check if my building’s dish gives Hot Bird as well as Astra?
Ask building management which satellites the roof system feeds. If only Astra, request Hot Bird or use a second LNB if allowed. Then scan free channels on your DVB‑S2 box. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
I already own a DVB‑T box (e.g., WiWa HD 90). Can it get Polish channels via SAT?
No. A terrestrial decoder won’t receive satellite broadcasts. For satellite, use a DVB‑S2 receiver connected to the building’s satellite outlet or your dish. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
What equipment do I need for free Polish satellite TV?
Use a DVB‑S2 receiver, a dish/LNB aligned to Hot Bird, and a TV. No card or subscription is needed for FTA channels. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16918288]
Is installing my own balcony dish allowed in Germany?
Often not. Many buildings restrict individual dishes, and violations can incur penalties. Verify building codes and house rules before any installation. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
How many free Polish channels can I expect?
About 20 on Hot Bird, according to user guidance. Lineups change, but FTA availability remains solid for news, culture, and religion. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
What if my building feed is Astra‑only?
You’ll get TV Trwam in Polish but miss broader Polish lineups. Request Hot Bird access or consider alternative viewing arrangements within building rules. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
Is there a pay‑lite option without long contracts?
Some suggest prepaid or light offers, but for strictly free channels, stick to FTA on Hot Bird with a DVB‑S2 receiver. [Elektroda, andpol 33, post #16916969]
Can I mix room antenna for local German TV and SAT for Polish?
Yes. Use your TV’s DVB‑T/T2 tuner or a small indoor antenna for German locals, and a separate DVB‑S2 receiver for Polish FTA. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
Give me a quick setup checklist for Polish FTA via building satellite.
- Confirm the building feed includes Hot Bird, not just Astra.
- Connect a DVB‑S2 receiver to the satellite wall outlet.
- Scan for Polish FTA services and save favorites. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
What’s a common failure case I should avoid?
Buying a DVB‑T decoder hoping to get Polish TV deep inside Germany. It won’t work without border‑adjacent signal. Choose DVB‑S2 instead. [Elektroda, tadgra, post #16941891]
Expert tip for quick success?
“Only this plate and SAT set‑top box” if you want Polish TV across Germany. Prioritize Hot Bird in your setup. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16916567]
