MTV is one of the most influential entertainment television channels in the world. Since its launch in the early 1980s, MTV has played a major role in shaping global music culture, youth entertainment, and pop media trends.
Over the years, the channel has evolved from a music-video-focused station into a comprehensive entertainment brand offering reality shows, documentaries, celebrity programs, and live events.
Because of its international popularity, many viewers search for the frequency of the MTV channel on all satellites in order to access the channel via satellite receivers. However, MTV operates through multiple regional versions and is mostly broadcast via encrypted satellite frequencies as part of pay-TV packages.
This article provides a detailed overview of MTV satellite frequencies on major satellites around the world, along with technical information and reception details.
Overview of MTV Satellite Broadcasting
MTV does not rely on a single global satellite frequency. Instead, it broadcasts through regional feeds, each designed for a specific geographic market. These feeds are distributed via major satellites to cable operators, IPTV providers, and direct-to-home (DTH) platforms.
Most MTV channels are encrypted due to copyright restrictions related to music videos, reality shows, and licensed entertainment content.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Astra 19.2°E
Astra 19.2° East is one of the most important satellites serving Europe. MTV Europe and related versions are broadcast on this satellite as part of pay-TV packages.
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Satellite: Astra 19.2°E
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Frequency: 11778 MHz
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Polarization: Vertical (V)
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Symbol Rate: 27,500 kS/s
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FEC: 3/4
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Standard: DVB-S2
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Resolution: SD / HD (depending on feed)
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Encryption: Yes
This frequency covers most European countries and requires a subscription to access MTV content.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Hot Bird 13°E
Hot Bird at 13° East is widely used across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. MTV is available on this satellite through encrypted European feeds.
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Satellite: Hot Bird 13°E
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Frequency: 11219 MHz
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Polarization: Horizontal (H)
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Symbol Rate: 27,500 kS/s
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FEC: 5/6
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Standard: DVB-S
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Resolution: SD
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Encryption: Yes
This satellite provides wide coverage, making it one of the most searched positions for MTV frequencies.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Eutelsat 9°E
Eutelsat 9° East is used mainly for cable distribution across Europe. MTV feeds are transmitted securely to operators on this satellite.
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Satellite: Eutelsat 9B (9°E)
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Frequency: 11823 MHz
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Polarization: Vertical (V)
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Symbol Rate: 27,500 kS/s
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Standard: DVB-S2
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Resolution: HD
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Encryption: Yes
This feed is not intended for free reception and is used primarily for professional redistribution.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Arabsat (Badr) 26°E
In the Middle East and North Africa, MTV has been available through regional pay-TV platforms using Arabsat satellites.
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Satellite: Arabsat Badr 26°E
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Frequency: 11823 MHz
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Polarization: Horizontal (H)
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Symbol Rate: 27,500 kS/s
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Standard: DVB-S
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Resolution: SD
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Encryption: Yes
This satellite covers the Arab world and requires an active subscription to view MTV.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Nilesat 7°W
MTV has historically appeared within encrypted entertainment packages on Nilesat, targeting North Africa and the Middle East.
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Satellite: Nilesat 201 / Eutelsat 7°W
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Frequency: 11938 MHz
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Polarization: Vertical (V)
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Symbol Rate: 27,500 kS/s
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Standard: DVB-S
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Resolution: SD
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Encryption: Yes
Availability on Nilesat may vary depending on provider and regional broadcasting agreements.
Frequency of MTV Channel on Türksat 42°E
In Turkey and nearby regions, MTV has been distributed via Türksat satellites as part of encrypted entertainment packages.
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Satellite: Türksat 42°E
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Frequency: 11804 MHz
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Polarization: Vertical (V)
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Symbol Rate: 24,444 kS/s
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Standard: DVB-S
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Resolution: SD
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Encryption: Yes
This frequency mainly serves Turkey and surrounding areas.
Why MTV Frequencies Are Encrypted
MTV broadcasts copyrighted music videos, international TV formats, and exclusive reality shows. For this reason, encryption is necessary to:
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Protect music licensing rights
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Prevent unauthorized redistribution
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Maintain regional advertising agreements
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Support subscription-based business models
As a result, MTV is not available as a free-to-air channel on most satellites.
Technical Requirements to Receive MTV
To tune MTV frequencies, viewers generally need:
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A Ku-band satellite dish
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A DVB-S or DVB-S2 receiver
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Correct satellite alignment
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An active subscription card
Without authorized access, the channel will appear scrambled.
Steps to Align the Satellite Dish for Reception
- Install the dish in an elevated, open location.
- Adjust direction based on satellite coordinates.
- Check signal quality while fine-tuning.
- Lock the position once optimal results appear.
With alignment complete, searching for channels ensures your receiver is updated with the latest available broadcasts.
Search for a New Channel
- Open receiver settings.
- Select channel installation.
- Start scanning.
- Save new channels.
Visit Search for a New Channel for full details.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
