There are a couple ways to obtain French TV in France.
We'll start with your satellite options:
TNTSAT - This is a digital satellite service from the Astra1 satellite and will provide you with TNT channels which can be considered as the 'mainstream'. All TNTSAT channels are in high-definition. Certain TNTSAT receivers (but not all) can now also be used to receive both TNTSAT and free to air UK TV channels on the same satellite dish with the use of other appropriate equipment. Please see further down this page for details.
All new TNTSAT receivers comes with a viewing card which is valid for 4 years from the date of activation. No monthly subscription fees are payable. You can also receive many European language channels that broadcast free to air from the same satellite (Astra 1 at 19.2°E). For further information you can click on the following link www.tntsat.tv
Fransat - This provides the same domestic French channels as TNTSAT above, but is used with satellite dishes aligned to Eutelsat 5°W. This is the satellite that used to transmit the now defunct analogue satellite service. The intention of Fransat was that those who used to receive the analogue satellite service could simply replace the receiver with no need to re-align the dish. This service also has a 4 year viewing card. All Fransat channels are high-definition.
Please find further details here at www.fransat.fr
Please note, a TNTSAT receiver will not work on a system for Fransat and vice-versa.
Canal+ - Is a subscription service roughly comparable to SKY TV in the UK.Click here for further information www.canalplus.fr/
Bis TV - Is a somewhat downmarket rival satellite service to Canal Satellite. Bis TV is offers a low cost monthly subscription (starting at less than 5 euros) and will provide 14 of the TNT channels plus some of its own. It did operate from two satellites, HotBird at 13° east and Atlantic Bird at 5° West, however at present, only Hotbird is detailed on the Bis web-site which can be found here www.bis.tv/#accueil
TNTSAT & UK TV Combined - With the use of DiSEqC (effectively a switching box) and the appropriate dish, certain TNTSAT receivers can also receive all the free to air UK TV & radio channels. The single satellite dish can hold 2 seperate LNBs, one for UK TV and one set to receive TNTSAT. Using a DiSEqC switch, you then only need 1 cable run from the dish to your satellite receiver. If you choose to watch BBC1 for example, the satellite receiver will select the appropriate LNB on the dish and receive BBC1. If you select one of the French channels, it will switch to the other LNB and receive that instead.
One receiver, one remote control, one cable, one dish.
Please note however, that one slight drawback of this service is that at present these satellite receivers do not have the ability to offer an electronic program guide similar to those found of SKY or Freesat receivers. Nor do they present the UK channels in a logical order when first downloaded. However, you can of course modify this to your own requirements.
Another option for French TV is via a terrestrial aerial:
We also offer services relating to terrestrial French TV. For those who do not yet have, or want, fibre internet and the associated offer & cost of French TV, or maybe don't want a satellite service, then many people still watch French TV via a traditional terrestrial aerial.
TNT via a terrestrial aerial is free, after the cost of the installation.
We can offer services ranging from a full installation, additional TV points, to trouble shooting. In the unlikely event that your TV cannot decode the signals automatically, it may be necessary to fit a TNT box (doing the same job that a satellite receiver does) between the incoming coax cable and your TV set.
Beware that this service is for terrestrial French TV only. You cannot receive UK TV via a terrestrial aerial. For UK TV reception, you will need a satellite system.