Satellite TV Highlights

Share | Print

Satellite TV Highlights

The transmission standard in France is SECAM. There are three main television/video standards in use throughout the world.

• NTSC: used in the USA, Canada, Japan and some other countries
• PAL: used in most of Western Europe, Australasia and South Africa
• SECAM: used in France and Eastern Europe

The three systems are not compatible with each other. It is not possible to watch television on a NTSC or SECAM appliance, or to use DVD or video players which are configured for these systems. Multi-standard TV, DVD or video equipment will be able to play a PAL (or NTSC) camcorder, DVD player or games console.

• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on PAL, SECAM & NTSC

Television Licences

French television licences are charged with the annual Taxe d'Habitation (occupiers tax). If a householder does not have a TV the appropriate box on the form should be checked.

Some English-language programmes are available on French terrestrial TV, but for a wide range of programming in VO (version originale) you need satellite or cable TV.

Programming

• For a list of all terrestrial French TV channels: Click here 

CanalSatellite and TPS (same company) supply subscription-only satellite TV. The satellite box and contracts are sold at any CanalSat supplier (such as hypermarkets and home stores Carrefour and Castorama).

Programme Guides

• The leading TV magazine for satellite programming is probably TéléCable Satellite
• A good French TV magazine is Télé 7 Jours, which has a website here
• If you have access to British satellite coverage provided by Sky Digital, then you can find a programme guide here.

Further Information

• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page PAL, SECAM & NTSC
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Telephones & Internet
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page DVB in France - Télévision Numérique Terrestre (TNT)