CMT (Country Music Television) is a prominent American cable and satellite network owned by Paramount Media Networks (a division of Paramount Global).
Launched in 1983, CMT specializes in country music videos, live performances, reality series, concerts, and lifestyle programming centered on country music culture.
While primarily distributed through cable, IPTV, and streaming services like Paramount+, CMT maintains satellite feeds—mostly encrypted—for distribution to cable headends, direct-to-home (DTH) providers (e.g., DISH Network channel 166), and professional uplinks.
Satellite frequencies for CMT feeds are subject to frequent changes due to transponder shifts, satellite repositioning, or provider migrations.
The details below are based on the latest available data as of early February 2026. For real-time accuracy, consult trusted sources such as LyngSat, FlySat, or perform a blind scan on your satellite receiver, as parameters can update quickly.
Main Active Frequencies for CMT Feeds (United States)
- CMT East
- Satellite: SES 1 at 101.0°W (primary North America C-band position)
- Frequency: 4100 MHz (C-band)
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s
- FEC: 5/6
- System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4
- Encryption: PowerVu (subscription required, often for cable/satellite providers)
- Notes: This is a key feed for eastern time zone viewers and distribution. It shares the transponder with other Paramount channels like MTV East, Nickelodeon West, and VH1 West.
- CMT West
- Satellite: EchoStar 105 / SES 11 at 105.0°W
- Frequency: Varies (often in the 3991 V or similar C-band mux; check recent plex listings)
- Polarization: Vertical (V) or as per mux
- Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s (typical for Paramount plex)
- FEC: 5/6
- System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4/HD capable
- Encryption: PowerVu
- Notes: Western time zone feed, part of Paramount Domestic Media Networks HD Plex. Previously appeared on other positions like Galaxy satellites but migrated.
- CMT Music (24/7 music video channel, formerly known as CMT Pure Country)
- Satellite: SES 1 at 101.0°W
- Frequency: Associated with 4100 H or nearby C-band (PowerVu mux)
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s
- FEC: 5/6
- System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4/SD
- Encryption: PowerVu
- Notes: Focuses exclusively on country music videos. Recent activity shows movement away from SES 21 (131.0°W) transponders like 4040 V or 4060 H.
Other Regional Feeds and Notes
- CMT Canada — Operated separately by Corus Entertainment (with minority Paramount stake), this feed has limited satellite presence and is mostly cable/IPTV-based in Canada. It appears on Anik G1 at 107.3°W (extended Ku band), but no consistent open frequencies are widely reported.
- International / Global Availability — CMT has no significant free-to-air (FTA) or direct satellite presence on major international positions popular in the Middle East, North Africa, or Europe, including:
- Nilesat / Eutelsat 7.0°W
- Hot Bird 13.0°E
- Astra 19.2°E
- Arabsat (various positions)
- Eutelsat 16A or others
Country music content in these regions is typically available via local channels, streaming (e.g., Paramount+ where offered), or YouTube rather than dedicated satellite feeds.
Important Notes
- Virtually all official CMT satellite feeds are encrypted (primarily PowerVu or Nagravision in some packages) and require a legitimate subscription from providers like DISH, cable operators, or professional distribution services.
- Free-to-air reception of genuine CMT channels is extremely rare worldwide.
- Reception requires appropriate equipment: C-band dish (larger size recommended for stable signal), correct LNB (C-band), and a receiver capable of DVB-S2 and PowerVu decryption (for authorized users).
- Satellite parameters change often—recent examples include departures from SES 21 and Galaxy positions. Always verify with current databases.
- In areas with limited internet, these satellite links remain valuable for accessing country music programming.
How Modern Satellites Enable Interactive TV and Internet Access
Modern satellites do more than broadcast TV—they provide interactive services and internet connectivity to homes worldwide:
1. Two-Way Communication
- Interactive TV and satellite internet require uplink and downlink capabilities.
- Users can send requests or data back to the satellite through a return channel.
2. High-Speed Data Transmission
- Modern satellites operate at higher frequencies and use advanced compression to transmit large amounts of data quickly.
- This allows streaming of HD, 4K, and on-demand content without buffering.
3. Multi-Spot Beams
- Satellites use multiple focused beams to target specific regions, increasing bandwidth and efficiency.
- Enables simultaneous high-speed internet and interactive TV services in multiple locations.
4. Compatibility with Smart Receivers
- Receivers can process interactive content, such as video-on-demand, online gaming, or live polling.
- Smart set-top boxes connect to the internet to provide personalized services.
5.
The Evolution of Satellite Dishes: From Large Antennas to Compact Home Systems
Satellite dishes have come a long way since their early introduction:
1. Early Large Antennas
- The first satellite dishes in the 1960s and 1970s were large and bulky, often several meters in diameter.
- They were primarily used by broadcast stations and scientific institutions.
- Analog signals made reception prone to interference and limited channel availability.
2. Home Satellite Dishes
- In the 1980s, smaller dishes were developed for residential use.
- Parabolic designs improved signal focus and quality.
- Digital broadcasting in the 1990s increased channel availability and reduced signal interference.
3. Modern Compact Systems
- Today’s dishes are often less than 1 meter in diameter, easy to install at homes.
- They support HD, 4K, and interactive satellite services.
- Many modern dishes can receive signals from multiple satellites using a single LNB.
