Astra 1E is expected to transmit mostly digitally compressed signals. This method is more efficient because it allows one transponder to transmit up to fourteen different programmes at the same time! However, you will need to buy a Digital Satellite Receiver in order to receive these new
programmes. Such receivers are already in use in parts of Europe, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the USA (and other places). They are
now available in the UK. They may be more than four times as expensive as current "analogue" receivers. However, analogue transmissions are likely to continue for at least ten years and the average life of a satellite receiver is only about five years.
