Hotbird 13E Free Channel List [2025 Update: Guide and Tech Details]

Hotbird 13E, located at 13° East, is a key satellite serving Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It offers a strong mix of free-to-air TV channels, from news and sports to entertainment and cultural programming in many languages. Getting an updated free channel list opens up plenty of viewing choices with no monthly fees or access limits.

Broadcasters often rely on Hotbird 13E because of its stable signal, wide reach, and frequent channel updates. An up-to-date free channel list helps satellite users know which channels are available, what languages they offer, and in what formats. Channels in HD and new networks are added regularly, so checking for updates makes viewing and setup better.

Hotbird 13E Satellite at a Glance

Hotbird 13E holds position at 13° East in geostationary orbit and acts as a main hub for European, North African, and Middle Eastern television. The satellite is known for its steady signal, broad coverage, and technical strength. Here’s a quick look at its core specs and features for anyone using free-to-air satellite TV.

Main Technical Facts

Hotbird 13E is part of Eutelsat’s Hot Bird family which brings TV to millions. Its technical details:

• Orbit: Geostationary, fixed at 13° East longitude
• Transponders: Up to 64 Ku-band transponders on some models, supporting digital TV and radio
• Frequency Range: Uses the Ku-band, mainly from 10.7 to 12.75 GHz
• Power Output: Around 10,000 watts, keeping signals strong and clear
• Satellite Platform: Older models like Hot Bird 7A, and newer ones such as 13F and 13G, use the Eurostar Neo platform. These have plasma propulsion for better positioning and fuel saving
• Lifespan: Designed for 15 years, but many satellites stay active longer

Hotbird 13F and 13G add smart features like flexible payload configuration and extra backup options. This helps both TV viewers and broadcasters keep signals steady and channels current.

Coverage Map

Hotbird 13E has a wide coverage area, reaching:

• All of Europe
• North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt)
• The Middle East, including the Persian Gulf

With the right dish setup, people from these regions can watch free TV across different climates and places.

Top Features and Broadcast Capacity

Hotbird 13E stands out for several reasons:

• Capacity: Supports about 900 TV channels (over 300 are free), 500+ radio stations, and more
• UHD/HD Ready: Handles HD and up to 4K resolution, so picture and sound stay sharp
• Backup Systems: Uses redundant equipment to cut the risk of channel outages
• Signal Security: New satellites include advanced tools to stop signal jamming or interference
• Flexible Setup: Operators can adjust the satellite’s features in space as tech or markets change

Hotbird 13E brings news, sports, movies, and music to millions, in many languages, every day.

Free Channel Types on Hotbird 13E

Hotbird 13E broadcasts hundreds of free TV and radio channels across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The mix includes entertainment, news, sports, music, lifestyle, kids’ content, and cultural shows. Channels are available in SD, HD, and sometimes UHD quality. Here’s what’s on offer.

Entertainment Channels

Entertainment choices on Hotbird 13E include:

• General Entertainment: Wedo Movies, Arte HD, and Wedo BigStor offer movies, dramas, and series
• Quality: Many channels broadcast in HD, others in SD, and a few in UHD
• Languages: Networks cover English, French, Italian, German, Polish, and Arabic

Some channels focus on classic movies or regional cinema. The channel list changes as broadcasters add new options, so it’s a good idea to rescan often.

News Channels

The satellite brings both local and global news, including:

• International: TRT World HD (English/Turkish), France 24 Arabic, Sky News Arabia, CNBC Europe, Euronews Turkish, and CGTN
• Public/Private: Includes both state and private broadcasters
• Regional: Some, like Euronews Turkish, provide local news and language support

These channels give viewers live updates, news reports, and analysis in SD or HD.

Sports Channels

Sports fans get a mix of options:

• Regional Events: Wedo Sports covers European and regional sports
• Highlights and Talk Shows: Other channels air sports summaries or fitness features

While not all major games are free, you still get plenty of highlights and talk shows.

Specialty Channels

Special interest channels cover:

• Music: MTV 00s, RADIONORBA TV
• Lifestyle: Daystar HD, RTL 102.5 CALIENTE
• Kids’ Content: Some channels have cartoon or educational blocks for children
• Culture and Language: Arte HD and Rai Scuola offer education, science, and arts; many target minority or local language audiences

This range also includes religious, ethnic, and community topics.

Regular lookups and rescans help you find new channels as Hotbird 13E’s lineup grows.

Hotbird 13E Free Channel List 2025

Hotbird 13E keeps its place as a leading free-to-air satellite across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. With new satellites (13F and 13G), picture quality is better and there are more channels in HD and UHD. As of mid-2025, there are over 300 free TV channels in many languages. New additions keep the list growing.

Channel availability changes by location and broadcaster. Scan your satellite box for the latest channels. Here’s a genre-by-genre snapshot of the major free TV choices on Hotbird 13E.

Main Channel Groups by Genre

The selection covers news, entertainment, sports, culture, and special interest. Here’s a quick guide:

News and Information

• TRT World HD (English/Turkish): International news
• France 24 (Arabic, French, English, Turkish): Global news
• Euronews Türkçe: European news in Turkish
• Sky News Arabia: News in Arabic
• CGTN: China Global Television Network in English and more
• CNBC Europe: Business and market news

General Entertainment

• Rai Italia: Italian TV—dramas, shows, news, culture
• ARD and ZDF: German public TV with varied programming
• Wedo Movies, Wedo Big Stories, Wedo Sports: Free ad-supported channels for films and sports
• Arte HD: French-German arts and culture in HD
• TVP Polonia: Polish content for worldwide viewers

Sports

• Wedo Sports: Sports events and talk shows
• Other national broadcasters: Local sports during special events

Culture and Education

• Al Maghribia HD, Laayoune TV HD, Al Aoula Inter HD, Athaqafia HD: Moroccan channels with news, culture, and learning
• Rai Scuola: Italian educational TV
• Museum TV UHD/MyZen TV UHD: Art and lifestyle in 4K

Music and Lifestyle

• MTV 00s, RADIONORBA TV: Music videos and shows
• RTL 102.5 CALIENTE: Italian music and talk

Children’s TV

• Regional public and private networks with morning cartoons and educational shows

Latest Channel Trends for 2025

• UHD Growth: More 4K channels like Museum TV UHD and MyZen TV UHD
• FAST Channels: Wedo Movies, Wedo Big Stories, and Wedo Sports join as free ad-supported networks
• Regional Content: Turkish, Arabic, Polish, French, and German still get strong support
• Hybrid TV Features: More channels now offer interactive options through HbbTV (with red button features)

Example Channel List by Language

Italian: Rai Italia, Rai News 24, Rai Scuola, TV2000
German: ARD, ZDF, Wedo Movies, Wedo Big Stories, Bibel TV
French: France 24, TV5 Monde, Arte HD, Chérie 25
Arabic: Sky News Arabia, Al Maghribia HD, Al Aoula Inter HD, Rotana
Polish: TVP Polonia, TVC Polska, Szlagier TV
Turkish: TRT World HD, Euronews Türkçe
English: TRT World HD, CNBC Europe, CGTN, BBC Arabic TV (English stories)

Getting New or Updated Channels

As new channels (in HD/UHD) go live, rescan your receiver to get them. You’ll need a Ku-band dish (60–90 cm fits most areas) and a DVB-S2 receiver for best quality.

For daily updates and technical changes, check databases like LyngSat and KingOfSat. Frequent scans uncover new or moved channels so you don’t miss out.

How to Watch Hotbird 13E Free Channels

Getting all Hotbird 13E channels starts with the basics: the right equipment, good alignment, and correct settings. Strong reception comes from a well-sized dish, careful adjustment, and a receiver ready for modern formats. Here’s what you need to know.

Frequencies and Transponders

To tune in free channels, use these settings:

• Frequencies and Polarization
  • 10775 MHz H, 29900 Symbol Rate, FEC 5/6
  • 11219 MHz H, 29900, 5/6
  • 11355 MHz V, 29900, 5/6
  • 11919 MHz V, 29900, 5/6
  • 10971 MHz H, 29700, 2/3
• Modulation and Standards
  • Most use DVB-S2 for HD/UHD
  • HD/UHD: 8PSK; SD: QPSK
  • Match FEC and symbol rates or you might miss channels
• Video Codecs
  • SD: MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 (H.264)
  • HD: MPEG-4 (H.264)
  • UHD (4K): HEVC (H.265)

Always enter the right settings or download updated lists from trusted sources. Channels may switch frequency or codec, so scan for updates often.

Equipment and Setup Tips

Choosing and setting up the right gear makes a big difference:

• Dish Size
  • 60 cm covers most of Europe/North Africa under clear weather
  • 80 cm+ for rainy or outlying areas
  • 90–100 cm dishes offer best margin in tough conditions
• LNB (Low Noise Block)
  • Pick a universal Ku-band LNB
  • Set LNB skew to “7 o’clock” when facing the dish from behind
  • Dual/quad outputs help connect more TVs
  • A quality LNB helps HD/UHD reception
• Receiver Features
  • DVB-S2 support is needed for HD/UHD
  • UHD/4K needs HEVC (H.265) decoding
  • HD receivers should output 720p/1080i for HD, 2160p for UHD
  • HbbTV support opens up interactive features
  • Some encrypted channels need Ci+ or softcam support
• Setup Reminders
  • Use high-quality coaxial cable, especially for longer runs
  • Set the LNB voltage right: 13V (vertical) or 18V (horizontal)
  • Keep cables and connectors protected from water
  • Use filters if there’s 4G/LTE interference
• Troubleshooting
  • If you lose channels, adjust the dish slightly left/right or up/down
  • Bigger dishes help if rain causes weak signals
  • A cheap satellite meter can help align the dish

A good setup and regular updates keep your system ready for the latest channels, including new HD and UHD options.

New Trends: UHD and Interactive Free TV on Hotbird 13E

Hotbird 13E leads the way for free satellite TV in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The lineup is shaped by jumps in UHD (4K TV), interactive HbbTV, and FAST channels (free ad-supported streaming TV). Here’s what’s new and why it matters.

UHD Expands

More viewers want sharper video, and Hotbird 13E delivers. New channels broadcast in 4K using the efficient HEVC codec. Hotbird 13F and 13G offer plenty of bandwidth and better ways to transmit. With the right gear, any home with a modern dish can get 4K TV.

Recent UHD additions:

• Museum TV UHD and MyZen TV UHD bring art, lifestyle, and docs in true 4K
• Some major sports (like Formula 1, top football) show up in 4K for special events

While sports UHD is sometimes encrypted, free 4K still grows every year. 4K TVs benefit the most with clearer detail and strong color.

HbbTV: Interactive TV for Today

HbbTV blends TV and internet, letting users enjoy interactive menus, catch-up TV, and real-time info. Many channels on Hotbird 13E now use HbbTV, accessible through smart TVs or advanced receivers.

Highlights:

• Interactive Overlays: Press the red button on your remote for more info, news, or weather
• Personal Features: Some shows let viewers take part in polls or get custom ads
• Multi-Device Support: HbbTV works across TV and mobile for a connected experience

To use HbbTV, you’ll need a compatible receiver and a steady internet link.

FAST Channels Grow

FAST channels combine satellite and online streaming with ad support. They’re free, and the ads are slotted into the stream automatically.

Recent changes:

• WedoTV’s new FAST channels (Wedo Movies, Wedo Big Stories, Wedo Sports) now reach over 130 million homes in Europe
• Mix of scheduled (linear) and on-demand content
• Dynamic ads keep the service free

Watching FAST channels is easy with any modern smart TV or satellite box that connects to the web.

Hotbird’s Ongoing Tech Upgrades

Hotbird satellites use:

• Advanced DVB-S2X modulation for bigger bandwidth (needed for 4K)
• HEVC for strong compression so 4K uses less channel space
• High-power, backup transponders for stable signals

This tech means more choice, sharper video, and new options for viewers and broadcasters.

What Satellite Viewers Get Now

With the right setup, satellite homes enjoy:

• Crisp 4K/UHD content on arts, education, and lifestyle channels
• Live and on-demand shows, toggling features with one remote thanks to HbbTV
• More free TV options with targeted, relevant ads

Stay current by updating your receiver software, scanning for new channels, and hooking up to the internet. New features are rolling out all the time.

Why Hotbird 13E Remains a Top Free Satellite Choice

Hotbird 13E is the go-to satellite for free TV across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It offers strong performance, wide reach, and support for the latest tech. That’s why millions trust it for quality channels with no monthly fees.

With Hotbird 13F and 13G, signal strength and capacity are even better. Users enjoy nearly 900 TV channels–with over 300 free to watch–and hundreds of digital radio stations. Coverage extends from Portugal in the west to the Arabian Gulf in the east, and from Scandinavia to North Africa.

The Eurostar Neo tech in the newest satellites keeps things reliable year after year. High-powered broadcasts and backup systems mean fewer outages or dropouts, so viewers get a stable picture every day.

Steady Growth and New Channel Choices

Hotbird’s platform keeps moving forward:

• More 4K and HD channels. The latest hardware covers more UHD, with Museum TV International UHD and MyZen TV UHD now free
• Better signals. Improved transmitters make sure you get a strong signal everywhere, not just in major cities
• Quick updates. Hotbird’s smart systems let broadcasters launch or move channels with ease
• The latest formats. HEVC and UHD encoding save space while keeping high video quality
• HbbTV support. More interactive TV and web features for viewers

Some channels leave or get replaced. For example, BBC News isn’t on 12597 H anymore. But new FAST channels arrive to fill the gap with free streaming TV.

Keep Your Setup Fresh

To get the most from Hotbird 13E, do a quick receiver scan now and then. New and existing channels change often, and some upgrades require manual searching. Scans help you find dozens of free choices you might not see otherwise.

Updating your receiver keeps playback smooth and helps you try out new features like UHD and HbbTV. Hotbird 13E’s reputation for reliability, big channel selection, and ongoing upgrades makes it Europe’s favorite for free satellite TV in multiple languages. Each year brings more reasons to check for new channels, explore new settings, and enjoy fresh content.