SBC TV, launched in 2018 by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA), is a prominent Saudi Arabian satellite channel offering a dynamic mix of entertainment, cultural, and educational programming.
Targeting a broad Arab audience, SBC TV features dramas, talk shows, family-oriented content, and news, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of cultural enrichment and modernization.
Popular programs like Al-Liwan and SBC Studio have made it a favorite across the Middle East. As a free-to-air channel, SBC TV is accessible via major satellites and streams live on platforms like www.youtube.com/@SBCTV.
This guide provides the latest frequencies for SBC TV on satellites as of June 2026, a step-by-step tuning process, reception tips, and an overview of its engaging content.
Why Watch SBC TV?
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Rich Content: Offers a blend of Saudi dramas, talk shows, cultural programs, and news, appealing to diverse viewers.
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Free-to-Air Access: Available without subscription on satellites and online platforms.
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High-Quality Broadcasts: Delivers HD content for a clear, immersive viewing experience.
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Cultural Relevance: Promotes Saudi heritage and modern societal values, resonating with Arab audiences.
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Wide Reach: Covers the Middle East and North Africa, with streaming options for global access.
SBC TV Satellite Frequencies
To tune into SBC TV, you need accurate frequency, polarization, symbol rate, and FEC (Forward Error Correction) settings for your satellite receiver.
The table below lists the latest frequencies for SBC TV on key satellites as of June 2026, compiled from reliable sources like www.lyngsat.com, www.satfrq.com, and www.akhbrna.ae.
As a free-to-air channel, no decryption is required. Verify frequencies with these sources, as transponder settings may change periodically.
|
Satellite |
Frequency |
Polarization |
Symbol Rate |
FEC |
Coverage |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° W) |
12149 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
5/6 |
Middle East, North Africa |
HD, DVB-S2, strong in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE. Named SBC HD. |
|
Arabsat (Badr 4/8) (26.0° E) |
12149 MHz |
Vertical (V) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Middle East, North Africa |
HD, DVB-S2, reliable in Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait. Named SBC HD. |
Key Information
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Satellite Coverage: SBC TV primarily broadcasts on Nilesat and Arabsat (Badr). No confirmed frequencies are available on Hot Bird (13.0° E), Yahsat (52.5° E), or Es’hail 2 (26.0° E) as of June 2026, despite some outdated references.
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Frequency Accuracy: Avoid obsolete frequencies like 12284 MHz (Horizontal) on Nilesat, which are no longer active for SBC TV. The table above provides verified settings.
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Global Access: Signals may weaken outside MENA (e.g., Europe or Asia). Stream live on www.youtube.com/@SBCTV for worldwide access.
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Free-to-Air Status: SBC TV is unencrypted, requiring no subscription, ensuring accessibility within satellite footprints.
Tips for Strong Reception
To enjoy SBC TV with clear, uninterrupted viewing, follow these practical tips for optimal satellite reception:
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Dish Size: Use a 60-80 cm dish for Nilesat and Arabsat in MENA (e.g., Riyadh, Cairo, Dubai). In fringe areas (e.g., southern Europe), a 90-120 cm dish enhances signal strength.
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Precise Dish Alignment: Point your dish to Nilesat (7.0° W) or Arabsat (26.0° E) using a satellite finder or apps like DishPointer or SatFinder. Ensure no obstructions block the signal.
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LNB Selection: Install a Universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) compatible with DVB-S2 for HD broadcasts. Confirm receiver compatibility.
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Signal Quality: Aim for 70% or higher signal quality (98% is optimal) on your receiver’s signal meter to prevent pixelation. Adjust LNB skew for peak performance.
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Weather Protection: Ku-band signals may weaken during heavy rain. Secure your dish and check LNB caps for water damage to maintain stability.
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Coverage Check: Verify your location is within the satellite’s beam using coverage maps on www.dishpointer.com or www.satbeams.com.
Tuning SBC TV on Your Receiver
Adding SBC TV to your satellite receiver is straightforward with these steps, compatible with most receivers (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat), though menu labels may vary slightly.
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Access the Menu:
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Press “Menu” or “Settings” on your remote.
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Navigate to “Installation,” “Channel Search,” or “Antenna Setup.”
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Select Manual Scan:
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Choose “Manual Scan,” “Manual Installation,” or “Add Transponder.”
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Select “Add TP” or “Edit Transponder” if prompted.
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Choose Your Satellite:
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Select Nilesat (7.0° W) or Arabsat (Badr 4/8, 26.0° E) from the satellite list.
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If not listed, manually enter the orbital position.
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Enter Transponder Settings:
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Refer to the frequency table above and input the settings for your chosen satellite (e.g., 12149 MHz, Horizontal, 27500 kS/s, 5/6 for Nilesat).
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Double-check entries for accuracy.
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Run the Scan:
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Press “Scan,” “Search,” or “OK” to start the scan.
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Select “FTA Only” or “All Channels” to include free-to-air channels.
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Wait 1-3 minutes for the scan to complete.
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Save Channels:
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Press “Save” or “OK” to store the scanned channels.
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SBC TV will appear as “SBC HD” in your Channel guide.
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Fine-Tune for Strong Signal:
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If the signal is weak or the channel is missing, adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation while monitoring the signal meter.
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Check LNB skew and cables for 70-98% signal strength.
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Test the Broadcast:
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Locate SBC TV in your Channel guide and select it to confirm clear playback.
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If issues persist, recheck settings or consult a professional installer.
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Receiver Tips:
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For Strong receivers (e.g., SRT 4950), enable “LNB Power” in the “Transponder” menu.
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For Humax or Starsat, set LNB to “Universal” for Ku-band.
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Default PINs (e.g., 0000, 1234) may be required; refer to your manual.
SBC TV’s Engaging Programming
SBC TV offers a vibrant lineup of programs that blend entertainment, culture, and education, appealing to families and young audiences. Key highlights include:
Top Programs
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Al-Liwan: A talk show featuring discussions on social, cultural, and political topics with prominent Saudi figures.
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SBC Studio: An entertainment program showcasing music, celebrity interviews, and live performances.
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Saudi Dramas: Popular series like Al-Mirsal explore modern Saudi life and traditional values.
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Riyadh Season Coverage: Live broadcasts and highlights of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and entertainment festivals.
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News Bulletins: Daily updates on regional and international events with a Saudi perspective.
Content divisions
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Entertainment: Dramas, talk shows, and music programs for family viewing.
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Cultural: Content celebrating Saudi heritage, poetry, and traditions.
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News: Timely reports on local and global developments.
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Social: Programs addressing youth, family, and community issues in line with Vision 2030.
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Sports: Coverage of local sports events and cultural activities.
Steps to Tune a Channel on the Receiver
- Open the receiver menu and navigate to satellite installation.
- Choose the satellite broadcasting the channel.
- Enter all tuning parameters correctly.
- Scan for the channel and save it once found.
Steps to Align the Satellite Dish for Reception
- Fix the dish firmly in an open area without obstacles.
- Set the satellite direction based on your geographic location.
- Adjust elevation and direction slowly while checking signal levels.
- Secure the LNB once the strongest signal is achieved.
Once the dish alignment is completed successfully, scanning for channels becomes much easier. This step allows users to discover available broadcasts and ensure no channels are missed during setup or after frequency updates.
Search for a New Channel
- Enter the receiver settings menu.
- Select the channel search option.
- Start manual or automatic scanning.
- Save the channel after detection.
To learn more, visit: Search for a New Channel.
Steps to Tune a Channel on the Receiver
- Open the receiver menu and select the satellite settings option.
- Choose the correct satellite from the list.
- Enter the channel frequency, symbol rate, and polarization.
- Start the scan and save the channel once the signal appears.
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.
