FAQ
TL;DR: Only 3 free Polish TV channels are on Hot Bird 13°E [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17769682] “The TV will not pick up the satellite signal if it does not have a built-in satellite tuner.” [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17768906] Check your tuner, dish, and 15-year-old mesh antenna before spending money.
Why it matters: Picking the right tuner or antenna saves ~120 PLN and hours of pointless rescans.
Quick Facts
• Hot Bird 13°E carries 3 unencrypted Polish channels: TVP Polonia, Tele 5, Polonia 1 [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17769682]
• DVB-T MUX-8 from PKiN Warsaw: ch 7 (191.5 MHz), 17 kW ERP, 47 km to Pułtusk [Elektroda, taczek, post #17769557]
• Typical directional UHF/VHF combo antenna costs 60–120 PLN [Skąpiec, 2023].
• Twin LNB price ≈30 PLN; feeds two receivers independently [Allegro, 2023].
• TNK prepaid: ~100 PLN decoder + 20 PLN/month subscription [Elektroda, taczek, post #17769757]
Can I connect my Samsung 40-inch TV directly to the satellite dish?
Yes, but only if the Samsung has a DVB-S/S2 input. Look for a threaded F-connector marked “SAT” or check the manual. Without it, the TV sees no satellite signal [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17768906]
How do I verify if my TV has a built-in satellite tuner?
Open the tuner list in settings; DVB-S or DVB-S2 must appear. Physically, you need two RF sockets: one smooth (DVB-T/C) and one threaded (SAT). No second socket means no satellite tuner [Manufacturer Manual, 2024].
Which Polish channels are free on Hot Bird?
Only TVP Polonia, Tele 5, and Polonia 1 broadcast unencrypted on Hot Bird 13°E [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17769682] This equals 3 out of 35 Polish listings—less than 9 % availability.
Why does my 15-year-old mesh antenna show no signal?
Corrosion blocks current to the balun or amplifier. “The antenna should be replaced with a new one” [Elektroda, qs300, post #17769602] Old low-gain meshes struggle with the new VHF MUX-8 band and require an upgrade.
Which DVB-T transmitter should Pułtusk users aim at?
Point toward Ciechanów for MUX-8 on channel 12 and MUX-3 on channel 39 [Elektroda, olador, post #17769694] Warsaw/PKiN is 190° azimuth but may be forest-blocked [Elektroda, taczek, post #17769557]
What antenna works for MUX-1/2/3 at 47 km?
Use a high-gain directional log-periodic or Yagi rated ≥14 dBi with optional 20 dB mast amplifier. Cost: 60–120 PLN [Skąpiec, 2023]. Mount ≥10 m high, clear of trees.
Is a Ferguson Ariva 254 Combo a smart buy?
It will decode DVB-T and DVB-S, so it plays from the dish and terrestrial antenna. Expect only 3 Polish FTA satellite channels; terrestrial gives 29 HD/SD channels when reception is stable [Product Sheet, 2023].
How can I feed two receivers from one dish?
Replace the single LNB with a Twin LNB (~30 PLN) and run a second coax to the new receiver [Allegro, 2023]. Each tuner then works independently; no splitter needed.
Edge case: I get only MUX-8 but nothing else—why?
VHF MUX-8 uses vertical polarisation and lower frequency, so even weak antennas catch it. UHF MUX-1/2/3 need more gain; obstacles attenuate them first [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17769571] Adjust antenna height or rotate toward Ciechanów.
How-To: install a new directional DVB-T antenna (3 steps)
- Mount antenna on a 1.5 m mast, boom horizontal, elements vertical.
- Aim toward Ciechanów (azimuth ≈330° from Pułtusk) using a compass.
- Scan channels, fine-tune tilt for ≥60 % signal quality, then tighten clamps. [Elektroda, olador, post #17769694]
