Position 13° E is a classic for satellite reception in Europe. Tens of millions of dishes are oriented precisely here, and Hot Bird 13G represents the next step, yet a qualitatively new development in the evolution of this constellation. Launched in June 2024, the satellite succeeded its predecessors in the Hot Bird series and significantly expanded the capacity of this position. The database records 45 active transponders and 641 channels.
Technical platform and launch
Hot Bird 13G launched on 16 June 2024 from Cape Canaveral, launch complex SLC-40, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9. Manufacturer - Airbus Defence and Space, platform - Eurostar Neo. This is Eutelsat's first satellite on this platform, and the difference is noticeable. Increased electrical power, flexible beam shaping and regenerative repeaters - this is not marketing, but real engineering advantages. The regenerative transponder processes the signal directly on board: demodulates, corrects errors and generates a new clean signal for transmission to Earth. The noise level is noticeably lower than in traditional transparent transponders. Designed service life - 15 years.
Coverage zones and reception in Ukraine
The satellite forms several spot beams for different regions. The main beam - Europe BSS - covers all continental Europe, including Ukraine from Uzhhorod to Luhansk. In practice, when tuning a 0.85 m dish in Kharkiv, the signal level on central transponders consistently stays above 75% even in dense cloud cover. In Kyiv and in the western part of the country, 60 cm is reliably sufficient.
| Beam | Coverage | Recommended antenna diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Europe BSS (DTH) | All continental Europe, including Ukraine | 60 cm |
| Nordic region | Scandinavia, northern Europe | 60-75 cm |
| Middle East | Middle East, peripheral zones | 90 cm |
| Central Asia | Central Asia | 90-120 cm |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Africa south of the Sahara | 120 cm |
In eastern and southern Ukraine, the elevation angle is somewhat lower and the distance to the edge of the coverage zone is greater. Here it is better to install a 75-90 cm dish - this will provide a margin during heavy rain and wet snow, when attenuation in the Ku band can reach 3-5 dB or more.
Transponders and frequency range
Hot Bird 13G operates exclusively in the Ku band - the standard for DTH in Europe. 45 active transponders support DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X with QPSK, 8PSK and higher-order modulation. DVB-S2X allows more efficient use of bandwidth through narrower channel spacing and higher modulation orders - but reception requires a compatible receiver. Older devices with only DVB-S or DVB-S2 support will receive the corresponding transponders without problems, but will simply not see part of the capacity.
Content: free-to-air channels and paid packages
641 channels is a mix of FTA and encrypted content. Free-to-air channels are available without subscription on any DVB-S2 receiver: simply perform a scan and tune the dish. Paid packages use various conditional access systems depending on the operator - Viaccess, Nagravision, Irdeto and others. Content geography is broad: pan-European and national broadcasters, regional channels from Africa and the Middle East, data transmission streams.
Frequently asked questions
What antenna is needed to receive Hot Bird 13G in Ukraine?
For Kyiv, western and central Ukraine, 60 cm is sufficient. In eastern and peripheral zones, it is better to use a 75-90 cm dish - this will ensure stable reception in any weather.
Will my old receiver work?
If the device supports DVB-S2 - yes, most transponders will be received without problems. For DVB-S2X transponders, compatible equipment will be required.
Are there free FTA channels on Hot Bird 13G?
Yes. Some transponders contain free-to-air channels without subscription. An up-to-date list with parameters is available in the transponder table on this page.
How does Hot Bird 13G differ from previous satellites in the series?
The Eurostar Neo platform provides higher electrical power and regenerative repeaters. In practice, this means better signal quality and greater capacity - without increasing antenna size for the end user.