A friend of mine who works for Channel Nine said they have started using Horizons 3e for some outside broadcast feeds
Horizons 3e has had lots of feeds lately but they are all too weak for me to lock. I thought they might of been the old CH7 feeds from D2.
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Sky NZ have revealed that the replacement of D2 has been delayed 12+ months
Sky provides update on status of satellite supply
As announced on 24 August 2023, Sky has an agreement in place with Optus that provides Sky with security of supply over satellite services to 2031.
The Optus agreement provides for Sky’s transition from its current D-Series satellite (Optus D2), which reaches end-of-life in 2025, to alternative satellite options, including a new software-enabled satellite (Optus 11) at a future date.
Having recently received updates from Optus, Sky provides the following information on the status of its satellite supply:
The Optus 11 satellite that was expected to be ready for service in late 2025 has experienced further manufacturing delays, and the earliest Optus expects to offer access to this spacecraft is during 2027. Sky considers that there is a possibility for further delay but does not anticipate any disruption to its satellite supply as a result.
Optus has notified Sky that, following recent fuel assessments, the end of the commercial operation of the Optus D2 satellite has been brought forward to May 2025. Optus has offered Sky two satellite path options to replace Optus D2 and Sky will now accelerate its migration plans to meet this new deadline.
Sky has previously undertaken successful satellite migrations, and while significant reprioritised effort will be required in FY25, Sky is confident it can achieve migration to an alternative satellite by May 2025. There remains an inherent technology and logistical risk to the successful migration to an alternative satellite, with on-the-ground technology updates also required. Sky will seek to ensure a smooth transition for customers, including by undertaking significant testing and customer communications ahead of any migration steps. Sky’s focus throughout the satellite migration planning has been to ensure the most effective transition strategy that will deliver the best customer experience.
Sky will continue to accelerate its rollout of the new, internet-connected Sky Box and the IP-only Sky Pod which, alongside access to companion app Sky Go for all Sky Box customers, will also serve to derisk any potential disruption.
The acceleration of the migration programme will mean some rephasing of costs from FY26 into FY25. Sky is working through the accelerated migration options and planning with Optus, noting the existing commitment from Optus to provide financial support for Sky to undertake the necessary investment required to ensure a seamless transition across the replacement satellite options.
Sky continues to receive assurance of security of supply from Optus through to 2031 and is focused on ensuring a successful migration with minimal customer impact.
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Surely this would be the last Optus contract with SKY going IP delivery only after 2031?
There’s a lot of rural customers who might think otherwise. Satellite is the only 99% accessible delivery method for television, especially in a little rocky nation like NZ, and that’s unlikely to change in the next seven years.
There is possibly still a space for satellite delivery - I don’t know of anyone has set themselves up to get multiple streams into commerical installs reliably and consistently yet (no doubt it will come though)
Optus 11 being delayed was the reason D2 was moved there in the first place. We see all the issues with Boeing and their Starliner, but Airbus is obviously having issues too (they’re building Optus 11).
Hi All,
In the last few years I used to like turning my satellite box on and doing some scans on Optus D2 the one that is on 160 degrees now. Ive noticed all the feeds are gone. There used to be some good motor racing feeds in there now and then. Where have they gone? Or possibly I have been told that they went to Measat 3A that is parked in the same position and I cant find any there. Can anyone give me some input on this?
Thanks
Starlink and other LEO services in future will replace the likes of Optus for TV delivery via IP delivery instead of ASI.
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Hey Starman, all the feeds from D2 pretty much moved to other satellites except for the CH7 feeds they are still on D2 (Skew for D2 not Measat and it should show up) at 12639 V 15000. The horse racing feeds from D2 are now on Horizons 3e mostly at 11339 H 7500 and sometimes on Intelsat 19 on the Telstra Transponder at 12620 V 7500. As for the old ABC BISS Encrypted feeds, they are now on Eutelsat 172b and maybe one on Eutelsat 174a that has the same SR that I cant lock here.
Hope this helps
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Optus D2 at 160 Deg is dying. SBS, ABC, and Channel 7 went off yesterday.
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So just NZ TV now?
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Yes just about. Been told Sky NZ will have to go to Optus D3 or 10. Pack, stack and rack them. Will find out more after this weekend after I do a Blind scan Fri, Sat, and Sun.
Optus D2 is 0.4 inclined don’t know the limits for it but I know my 2.4 Prime focus dish pick it as in the Morning at 7.00 AM it favors to go up by pushing the lip of the dish UP but in the Evening at 7 PM its the other way around. Dont think you get this with a smaller offset dish. Remember If I’m correct its 23 Hrs and 56 Minutes and few seconds for one cycle.
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If Lyngsat is to be believed there is a Sky NZ Test Card on 12727 V on Optus D3/10
There certainly is, Sky is testing to move there services from D2 to D3
Yes your right as D2 is Dying and wont last for the Replacement of Optus 11
What about Freeview? Maybe they’ll move to Measat 3a, assuming there’s room?
It would have to be the same bird, I’d think.
I think Measat 3a has a poor footprint and this is the reason why most can’t use it.
Yes having all sorts of drama’s at work with it particularly in Northern NSW towards the QLD boarder