ZDFtivi, operated by Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), Germany’s public-service broadcaster, is a beloved children’s television channel designed for young viewers aged 3-13.
Offering a vibrant mix of educational programs, animated series, and live-action shows like Knietzsch, Löwenzahn, and Die Sendung mit der Maus, ZDFtivi promotes learning, creativity, and fun in a safe, ad-free environment. As of July 2026, ZDFtivi reaches millions of households across Europe and parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via satellite, primarily through free-to-air and encrypted feeds on platforms like Sky Deutschland.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the latest ZDFtivi frequencies across major satellites—Nilesat, Arabsat, Hot Bird, and Astra—along with expert tips for seamless reception. 📡🎬
Why ZDFtivi Shines for Young Audiences 🌍
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Engaging Educational Content 📚: Features shows like Knietzsch (science exploration), Löwenzahn (nature adventures), and Die Sendung mit der Maus (curiosity-driven learning), fostering knowledge and creativity.
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Wide Accessibility 🌐: Available primarily in Europe via Astra satellites, with limited reach in MENA through Hot Bird, and accessible via streaming on ZDFmediathek.
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High-Quality Broadcasts 📺: Offers HD (1920×1080) and SD streams, with German-language content and occasional subtitles for broader accessibility.
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Trusted by Families 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe, known for its high-quality, ad-free programming under ZDF’s public-service mandate.
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Safe and Fun 🧸: Provides a secure viewing environment with age-appropriate content, making it a favorite for parents and kids.
ZDFtivi Frequencies Across Major Satellites 📡
ZDFtivi is primarily broadcast via Astra satellites, with limited availability on Hot Bird and no confirmed presence on Nilesat or Arabsat as of July 2026. The channel is typically free-to-air in SD and encrypted in HD, requiring subscriptions for HD feeds through providers like Sky Deutschland. Below is a detailed frequency table for tuning into ZDFtivi, based on the latest available data.
Frequency Table for ZDFtivi 2026 📊
|
Satellite |
Frequency |
Polarization |
Symbol Rate |
FEC |
Coverage |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nilesat 201 (7°W) |
Not Available |
– | – | – |
Middle East, North Africa |
No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast on Nilesat as of 2026. 📺 |
|
Arabsat Badr-6 (26°E) |
Not Available |
– | – | – |
Middle East, Gulf, North Africa |
No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast on Arabsat as of 2026. 🔒 |
|
Hot Bird 13B (13°E) |
11054 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe, parts of MENA |
DVB-S, QPSK, SD, free-to-air, ZDFtivi Europe, includes ZDFtivi SD (720×576). 📽️ |
|
Astra 1M (19.2°E) |
11954 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe |
DVB-S, QPSK, SD, free-to-air, ZDFtivi Europe, includes ZDFtivi SD. 📺 |
|
Astra 1M (19.2°E) |
11362 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
22000 kS/s |
2/3 |
Europe |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, HD, encrypted (Sky Deutschland), ZDFtivi HD. 📺 |
Key Information 🔍
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Nilesat 201 (7° West): No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast. Nilesat primarily hosts MENA-focused channels like OSN Kids, and ZDFtivi’s German-language content is not available here.
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Arabsat Badr-6 (26° East): No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast. Arabsat focuses on Arabic-language content, and ZDFtivi is not part of its lineup.
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Hot Bird 13B (13° East): ZDFtivi Europe on 11054 MHz is free-to-air in SD, offering shows like Die Sendung mit der Maus to Europe and parts of MENA (e.g., northern Egypt, Lebanon). Ideal for subscription-free viewing.
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Astra 1M (19.2° East): ZDFtivi is available in SD (11954 MHz, free-to-air) and HD (11362 MHz, encrypted via Sky Deutschland), targeting Germany, France, and surrounding European regions with programs like Knietzsch.
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Encryption Note 🔒: ZDFtivi SD on Hot Bird and Astra 1M is free-to-air, requiring no subscription. ZDFtivi HD on Astra 1M is encrypted, requiring a Sky Deutschland subscription and compatible decryption (e.g., VideoGuard).
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Alternative Access 🌐: Stream ZDFtivi via ZDFmediathek (free, registration may be required) at zdf.de/kinder, available in Germany and select European regions. Not available in MENA due to geo-restrictions.
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Coverage Note ⚠️: Astra 1M Wide Beam reaches western parts of MENA (e.g., Morocco, Algeria), but signal strength may be weak, requiring larger dishes (100-150 cm). Hot Bird signals are stronger in northern MENA.
Optimizing Reception: Expert Tips for Flawless Viewing 📺
To enjoy ZDFtivi’s educational and fun content with clear quality, follow these expert tips tailored for Hot Bird and Astra:
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Dish Size Selection 📏: Use a 60-80 cm dish for Hot Bird and Astra in their primary coverage areas (Europe). In fringe areas (e.g., northern MENA for Hot Bird), opt for a 100-150 cm dish for stronger signals.
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Precise Dish Alignment 🧭: Align your dish to the satellite’s orbital position (13°E for Hot Bird, 19.2°E for Astra) using a satellite finder or apps like SatFinder. Ensure no obstructions (trees, buildings) block the line of sight.
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LNB Compatibility 🔌: Install a Universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) for both satellites. Confirm your receiver supports DVB-S for SD and DVB-S2 for HD broadcasts.
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Signal Optimization 📶: Aim for 70-98% signal strength on your receiver’s meter to avoid pixelation. Adjust dish azimuth, elevation, and LNB skew for peak performance. A satellite amplifier may help in low-signal areas but won’t compensate for poor alignment.
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Weatherproofing ☔: Protect against signal loss in rain or snow by securing the dish and using waterproof LNB caps. Avoid retuning during high-pressure weather.
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Coverage Verification 🗺️: Confirm your location is within the satellite’s footprint (Hot Bird for Europe/MENA, Astra for Europe) using official coverage maps.
Tuning ZDFtivi on Your Receiver: A Step-by-Step Guide 📡
Add ZDFtivi to your satellite receiver (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat) with these straightforward steps:
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Access the Menu ⚙️: Press “Menu” or “Settings” on your remote, then select “Installation,” “Channel Search,” or “Antenna Setup.”
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Select Manual Scan 🔎: Choose “Manual Scan,” “Manual Installation,” or “Add Transponder.”
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Choose the Satellite 🛰️: Select Hot Bird 13B (13°E) or Astra 1M (19.2°E). If unavailable, manually enter the orbital position.
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Input Transponder Details 📋: Enter the frequency, polarization, symbol rate, and FEC from the table above (e.g., 11054 MHz, Horizontal, 27500 kS/s, 3/4 for Hot Bird). Verify accuracy.
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Run the Scan 🔄: Press “Scan,” “Search,” or “OK.” Select “FTA Only” for free-to-air channels (Hot Bird, Astra SD) or “All Channels” for encrypted HD options (Astra). The scan takes 1-3 minutes.
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Save Channels 💾: Save the scanned channels (e.g., “ZDFtivi SD,” “ZDFtivi HD”) to your Channel guide.
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Fine-Tune Signal 🔧: If the signal is weak, adjust dish alignment and LNB skew to achieve 70-98% signal strength. Recheck cables and connections.
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Test Playback 📺: Select ZDFtivi to confirm clear playback. For encrypted HD channels, ensure an active Sky Deutschland subscription and compatible decryption module (e.g., VideoGuard).
Receiver Tips 🔌:
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Enable “LNB Power” on Strong receivers (e.g., SRT 4950) in the “Transponder” menu.
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For encrypted HD channels, confirm your receiver supports VideoGuard decryption and your Sky Deutschland subscription is active.
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Default PINs (e.g., 0000, 1234) may be required; consult your receiver’s manual.
ZDFtivi’s Global Impact and Highlighted broadcasts 🌟
ZDFtivi continues to inspire young viewers:
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Viewership Strength 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with streaming access through ZDFmediathek (over 5 million users in 2024).
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Iconic Shows 🎤: Features Die Sendung mit der Maus (educational stories), Löwenzahn (nature exploration), and Knietzsch (science fun), primarily in German, fostering curiosity and learning.
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Regional Presence 🌐: Strong in Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with limited MENA reach due to German-language focus. ZDFmediathek enhances accessibility in Europe.
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Digital Innovation 📱: ZDFmediathek (free at zdf.de/kinder) offers live streaming and on-demand content, though geo-restricted outside Germany and parts of Europe.
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Historical Milestone 🏛️: Launched as ZDFtivi in 2000, it evolved from ZDF’s children’s programming block, becoming a dedicated channel for quality, ad-free content.
Easy Channel Tuning Process
- Select the correct satellite before tuning.
- Ensure LNB settings match the satellite requirements.
- Insert frequency details exactly as listed.
- Scan and confirm the channel appears correctly.
Steps to Align the Satellite Dish for Reception
- Ensure the satellite dish is securely mounted and free from obstructions.
- Select the correct satellite position according to your location.
- Adjust the dish elevation and azimuth gradually while monitoring signal strength.
- Fine-tune the LNB position to achieve maximum signal quality.
After correctly aligning the satellite dish, the next step is to search for and add channels to the receiver. Using the built-in search function allows users to detect newly added or updated channels efficiently. This process ensures that viewers stay up to date with the latest broadcasts without relying on outdated channel lists. Sat Lens provides clear instructions to make channel scanning simple and effective for all users.
Search for a New Channel
- Open the receiver menu and navigate to the channel search option.
- Select manual or automatic search based on your preference.
- Enter the frequency details or start the scan directly.
- Save the channel once it appears in the results list.
For more detailed guidance on adding channels step by step, you can visit the dedicated page:
Search for a New Channel.
How a Satellite Works to Receive and Broadcast TV Signals
Satellite TV relies on a satellite orbiting the Earth to transmit signals from broadcast stations to viewers’ homes. Here’s how the process works:
1. Signal Uplink
- TV channels send their signals from a ground station (uplink facility) to the satellite in orbit.
- The signals are usually in microwave frequencies, which can travel long distances through space.
2. Satellite Reception
- The satellite has receiving antennas that capture the uplinked signals.
- Inside the satellite, the signals are amplified and sometimes converted to a different frequency to avoid interference with the uplink.
3. Signal Transmission (Downlink)
- The satellite transmits the amplified signals back to Earth using downlink antennas.
- These signals are sent in a focused beam toward a specific region, called the footprint, which covers cities, countries, or even continents.
4. Home Reception
- A satellite dish at the viewer’s home captures the downlinked signal.
- The dish reflects the signal to a Low Noise Block (LNB) converter, which amplifies the signal and converts it to a frequency that the TV receiver can process.
- The receiver decodes the signal, allowing the TV to display channels with audio and video.
5. Modern Enhancements
- Modern satellites support digital and high-definition (HD/4K) broadcasts, encryption for subscription channels, and interactive services.
- Multiple satellites can operate together to provide thousands of channels globally.
Summary: Satellite TV works by uplinking signals from Earth to a satellite, amplifying and redirecting them, and then downlinking them back to homes, where dishes and receivers decode the signals for viewing.
Why Some Channels Require Larger Satellite Dishes
The size of a satellite dish affects the quality and reliability of signal reception for certain channels:
1. Weak Signal Channels
- Some satellites transmit channels at lower power, requiring larger dishes to capture the signal clearly.
- Smaller dishes may struggle to receive these channels, especially during adverse weather.
2. Distant Satellites
- Channels broadcast from satellites far from your location may need a larger dish to focus the signal effectively.
3. High-Definition and 4K Channels
- HD and 4K broadcasts require strong and stable signals for optimal quality.
- Larger dishes ensure minimal interference and maximum reception clarity.
4. Geographic and Environmental Factors
- Areas with heavy rain, snow, or obstructions may need larger dishes to maintain signal strength.
- Helps overcome signal loss caused by weather or physical barriers.
5. Multi-Satellite Reception
- Users who want to receive multiple satellites with a single dish sometimes need larger sizes for better coverage and signal stability.
Report on the Number of Satellites and Their Orbits
Satellites have become an essential part of modern communication, navigation, weather monitoring, and broadcasting. As of 2026, thousands of satellites are orbiting the Earth, serving various purposes, from commercial communication to scientific research.
Number of Satellites
- There are over 7,000 active satellites orbiting the Earth.
- The total number of satellites ever launched exceeds 12,000, including those no longer in operation.
- Satellites serve multiple purposes:
- Communication: TV, radio, internet
- Earth observation: weather, environmental monitoring
- Navigation: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS
- Scientific research: space exploration, astronomy
Types of Orbits
Satellites are placed in different orbits depending on their purpose:
1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Altitude: 160 – 2,000 km above Earth
- Characteristics: Short orbital period (90–120 minutes), close to the Earth for detailed observation.
- Uses: Earth observation, imaging, communication constellations like Starlink.
2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- Altitude: 2,000 – 35,786 km
- Characteristics: Longer orbital period than LEO, ideal for navigation systems.
- Uses: GPS, Galileo, and other global navigation satellites.
3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- Altitude: 35,786 km above the equator
- Characteristics: The satellite remains fixed relative to a point on Earth, providing continuous coverage.
- Uses: Television broadcasting, weather satellites, and communication satellites.
4. Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
- Characteristics: Elliptical path with varying distances from Earth
- Uses: Coverage of polar regions and specific high-latitude areas where GEO satellites are less effective.
