Maximum frequencies of MBC channels on all satellites and receiver configuration steps – Global frequencies

Maximum MBCa prominent channel within the MBC Group, it is a major destination for movie lovers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Launched on October 26, 2008, MBC Max offers a 24/7 lineup of Hollywood movies, ranging from romantic comedies to family dramas, with minimal violence or explicit content.

Operated from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the channel caters to a wide audience with English-language films often subtitled in Arabic.

As a free-to-air channel, MBC Max is accessible to millions of people via multiple satellites, making it a popular choice for viewers seeking premium movie entertainment.

This article provides the latest frequencies for MBC Max on all relevant satellites, detailed steps for adding the channel to your receiver, reception tips, and an overview of its schedule as of June 2025.

About MBC Max

MBC Max, part of the Saudi-owned MBC Group, is designed to complement other MBC channels such as MBC 2 by focusing on lighter, family-oriented Hollywood films.

Since its high-definition launch in July 2011, the channel has earned a loyal following for its curated selection of films, including romantic dramas, comedies and first-time television premieres.

An important partnership with Warner Bros. guarantees access to the best American films and selected TV series, targeting female audiences and families.

MBC Max broadcasts uninterrupted content in English with Arabic subtitles, in line with the cultural preferences of the MENA region.

Its free-to-air status on satellites like Nilesat and Arabsat ensures wide accessibility, making it a staple for movie buffs in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Maximum MBC frequencies on all satellites

To tune to MBC Max, you need the correct frequency, signal direction, symbol rate and FEC (Forward Error Correction) settings for your satellite receiver. Below are the latest and most verified frequencies for MBC Max on major satellites as of June 2025, compiled from reliable sources.

Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° West)

Arabsat Badr 5/6/7 (26.0° East)

Yahsat 1A (52.5° East)

Additional notes

• Absence on other satellites: MBC Max is not currently broadcast on satellites such as Hotbird (13.0° East), Astra (19.2° East) or Intelsat 20 (68.5° East) for MENA audiences, as its primary focus is the Middle East and North Africa via Nilesat, Arabsat and Yahsat.

• Frequency check: Older frequencies, such as 11315 MHz (Vertical) on Eutelsat 7 West A, are obsolete and should be avoided. Some sources mention 11470 MHz (vertical) on Eutelsat 7WB (8.0° west), but this is less reliable for MBC Max in most MENA regions.

• Outside the MENA region: Viewers in Europe, Asia or the Americas may have limited direct satellite access due to the regional presence of Nilesat and Arabsat. Check with local providers for rebroadcasts or use MBC’s streaming platform, Shahid, for online access, subject to regional availability.

• Signal challenges: In areas such as Tanzania or Mecca, users report weak signals on Nilesat’s 11559 MHz frequency, often requiring a high-quality Ku-band LNB and a dish of 90 cm or more to achieve stable reception (recommended quality level of 98%).

Tips for receiving MBC max

To ensure optimal reception of MBC Max, consider these practical tips based on user experiences and technical requirements:

1. Selection of plate size: A 60-80cm dish is adequate for Nilesat and Arabsat in major MENA regions (e.g. Egypt, UAE). In fringe areas (e.g. West Africa, Northern Europe), use a 90-120cm dish for stronger signal capture, especially for Arabsat’s 12284 MHz frequency.

2. Accurate plate alignment: Use a satellite finder tool or app (such as SatFinder or DishPointer) to precisely align the dish to the target satellite (Nilesat 7.0° West, Arabsat 26.0° East, or Yahsat 52.5° East). Make sure that no obstacles block the signal path.

3. LNB compatibility: Install a high-quality universal Ku-band LNB with local oscillator frequencies of 9.75 GHz (low band) and 10.6 GHz (high band). For MBC channels, a powerful Ku-band LNB is crucial to achieve stable reception, especially in areas with weak signals such as Nigeria or Ghana.

4. Signal quality monitoring: Aim for a signal quality of at least 70% (ideally 98% for MBC channels) in the receiver setup menu to avoid pixelation or freezing, especially in adverse weather conditions. Adjust the tilt of the LNB (for example, 6 o’clock position) for optimal performance.

5. Meteorological considerations: Ku-band signals are susceptible to fading due to rain. Protect your dish to resist wind and check your LNB caps for water damage to maintain signal integrity.

6. Fingerprint verification: Confirm that your location is within satellite range (for example, Nilesat’s Northwest Africa or Arabsat’s Eastern range) using the coverage maps at www.dishpointer.com or www.satbeams.com. For example, South Sudan may require Eutelsat 8WB (8.0° west) for better coverage.

Steps to add MBC Max to your handset

Follow these detailed steps to manually add MBC Max to your satellite receiver. These instructions are general and compatible with most receivers (e.g., Strong, Humax, Technisat), although menu options may vary slightly depending on the model.

1. Access the configuration menu:

   • Using the receiver’s remote control, press the “Menu” or “Settings” button.

   • Go to the “Installation,” “Setup,” or “Channel Search” section (it may be labeled differently, such as “Antenna Setup” or “Tuner Setup”).

2. Select Manual Search:

   • Choose “Manual Scan”, “Manual Installation” or “Manual Search” to enter custom transponder settings.

   • If prompted, select “Add new transponder” or “Edit TP”.

3. Choose the satellite:

   • Select the destination satellite from the list:

     • For Nilesat: Nilesat 201/Eutelsat 7 West A (7.0° West).

     • For Arabsat: Arabsat Badr 5/6/7 (26.0° East).

     • For Yahsat: Yahsat 1A (52.5° east).

   • If the satellite is not in the list, add it manually by entering its orbital position (for example, 7.0° W for Nilesat).

4. Enter the transponder details:

5. Start the scan:

   • Press “Scan”, “Search” or “OK” to start scanning the transponder.

   • Select “FTA Only” or “All Channels” (since MBC Max is free-to-air) to include unencrypted channels.

   • Wait for the scan to complete, which may take a few minutes. MBC Max should appear in the results along with other MBC channels (e.g., MBC 2, MBC Action).

6. Save channels:

   • Once the scan is complete, confirm and save the scanned channels by pressing “Save” or “OK”.

   • The receiver will add MBC Max to the channel list, typically in the “All Channels” or “Movies” category.

7. Optimize the dish:

   • If MBC Max is not displayed or the signal is weak, adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation slightly by monitoring the signal meter on the receiver’s “Signal Strength” or “Transponder” screen.

   • Check the tilt of the LNB and cable connections for optimal signal quality (aim for a quality level of 70-98%).

8. Test the transmission:

   • Go to the channel list, locate MBC Max and select it to check the clarity of the broadcast.

   • If the channel is missing or “No Signal” appears, recheck your transponder settings, make sure your antenna is aligned properly, or consult a professional installer.

Model specific notes:

• For Strong receivers (e.g. SRT 4920, 4950), use the “Transponder” menu in “Installation” and enable “LNB Power” before scanning.

• For Humax or Technisat receivers, select “Single satellite search” and ensure that the LNB type is set to “Universal” (9750/10600 MHz).

• If problems persist, refer to your receiver’s user manual for specific menu navigation or factory reset your receiver before trying again.

MBC Max Highlighted Broadcasts

MBC Max offers a carefully curated selection of Hollywood films, emphasizing family-friendly and feminine content with Arabic subtitles.

Its 24/7 schedule is designed to provide uninterrupted entertainment, with minimal commercial interruptions. Below are the key programs and content divisions:

Popular content

• Romantic comedies: Movies like The proposal AND Crazy rich Asiansfamous for their lighthearted romance and humor.

• Family dramas: Titles like The fault in our stars AND A walk to rememberresonating with the emotional narrative.

• Classic films: Iconic films like Pretty Woman AND Sleepless in Seattleappealing to nostalgic viewers.

• Previews for the first time: Exclusive broadcasts of recent releases, such as Knives out OR Little Womenattracting a large audience.

• Select Series: Occasional broadcasts of Warner Bros. TV shows such as Friends OR The Big Bang Theorytailored for family viewing.

Content divisions

• Romantic films and comedies: An MBC Max staple, with films like 27 dresses AND The The Earth for feel-good entertainment.

• Dramatic and emotional stories: Films that explore love, loss, and personal growth, such as Me before you.

• Family-friendly content: Films suitable for all ages, such as The parental trapensuring safe viewing for families.

• Limited action/thriller: Unlike MBC Action, MBC Max avoids violent or intense genres, focusing on lighter narratives.

• Themed cinema evenings: Weekly specials, like rom-com marathons or classic movie weekends, that improve viewer engagement.

MBC Max’s schedule prioritizes prime time slots (7pm to 11pm) for major releases and weekend marathons, with daytime hours featuring reruns or lighter films for flexible viewing.