Thanks to all of those who have posted information before, from which this FAQ has been distilled, and thanks too for the updates to the first version of this FAQ. A search in the archives will find more detailed information, and links to other websites, for those wanting to know more about setting up satellite systems etc.Will my British television work in France?The mains voltage etc is virtually the same, so there is no problem there. However you won't be able to receive French TV programmes as the transmission standards are completely different. You may see pictures, but they will probably not be in colour, and you may not get sound. If you want TV just to watch English videos, DVDs or satellite transmissions your English (PAL) set will be fine but if you want to watch French programmes you need a French (SECAM), or true multi-standard, TV.Will I get English programmes in France through an aerial?No - unless you are in one of the coastal areas where you can pick up programmes from the Channel Islands. Even then the signals are not very strong, and the Freeview (digital TV through an aerial) service is not available from those transmitters. So can I get any English language programmes in France?Yes, you can pick up satellite transmissions, either via Sky, or alternatively BBC and some other English-language programmes can be received through French satellite systems. Although the broadcsters will, correctly, tell you that receiving British programmes overseas comes outside the scope of their broadcasting licences.Can I use English video and DVD players or Sky digiboxes with a French TV?Yes. The vast majority of TVs sold in France also work on the UK standard. If you connect the equipment with Scart cables you should have no problems.I've heard it's illegal to watch Sky in France - is this true?It's a grey area. Sky's broadcasting licence covers only the United Kingdom. However BBC and some other channels are available in unencrypted format via satellite so it can be argued that they are thus freely available to anybody. Because of Sky's licensing restriction you can't subscribe to any Sky service from a foreign address, you shouldn't connect the Sky box to a telephone line if it's overseas (which means you can't use most of the interactive services) and you should never phone Sky from overseas. If you have a UK address you can use for correspondence, and a UK bank or credit card account, there is no reason why anybody should ever know you are watching in France. The satellite broadcasters do tend to turn a blind eye in general, while there are several companies that will supply and install Sky systems overseas, and provide subscriptions to Sky, albeit at a cost. If it was actually illegal then these companies would not be allowed to operate so openly.If I have a digibox and dish, what channels will I get without a Sky card in the box?Several of the main channels like BBC1,2,3,4 plus News 24, the BBC childrens channels and Sky News. At the time of writing the ITV channels are also available. There are several other "odd" channels like shopping, games, religion. There is also a vast number of radio stations. These can all be received with no card in the digibox. But without a card you wont get CH4 or five.Where can I get the equipment?As mentioned above, there are several companies that will provide and install new digiboxes and dishes, with cards and subscriptions, at a cost. A cheaper solution is to buy the digibox and dish in the UK. Many people seem to buy off Ebay or other internet auctions (used digibox about £50, new dish about £25 - cards can be comparatively expensive).Does the Sky minidish work in France?In theory you need a bigg
Please note that any unsolicited advertising will be removed