Transponder 11568 V (tp24) on Astra 1M at 19E is being cleared for new
HD services by CanalSat.

An number of International channels, often with interesting content, are
affected:

Canal Algerie, TV5 Monde FBS, Al Masriyah, RAI UNO (Italy),
RTP International Europa (Portugal), Tunisie 7, ARTE Francais,
TVE International Europe (Spain), TRT Turk, 2M Monde (Morocco).

Some of these channels have been displaying a banner stating the service
will end on 30 June, but some reports say this applies to all channels on
that transponder whether they have the banner or not. I'm not so sure
however, as there has been no pre publicity of changes to ARTE Francais.

The affected channels are either moving to new transponders or are available
on Hotbird.

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2010/...o-leave-astra/

We will find out by tomorrow.

More is the pity they did not choose to clear one of the Astra 1
transponders
carrying some of the numerous junk channels.

There are left two Astra 1M transponders carrying a range of FTA
International channels, but perhaps this move is a sign (if any were needed)
of the move away from FTA platforms to regionalised encrypted packages that
include HD channels. Is it only a matter of time before ARTE and the BBC
become encrypted with free viewing cards to taxpayers in the same way as
Italy (RAI and Berlusconi's Mediaset) are pushing FTA audiences to the tivu
encrypted package ?

Roger R