Frequencies of ZDFactive channels on satellites 2025 📺🌟 – Global Freqs

ZDFtivi, operated by Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), the German public service broadcaster, is a beloved children’s television channel designed for young viewers aged 3 to 13.

Offering a lively mix of educational programs, animated series and live shows such as Knietzsch, LöwenzahnAND Die Sendung mit der MausZDFtivi promotes learning, creativity and fun in a safe, ad-free environment. Starting in July 2025, ZDFtivi reaches millions of households across Europe and parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via satellite, primarily through free-to-air and encrypted feeds on platforms such as Sky Deutschland.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the latest ZDF frequencies on the major satellites (Nilesat, Arabsat, Hot Bird and Astra), along with expert tips for seamless reception. 📡🎬

Because ZDFtivi shines for young audiences 🌍

• Engaging educational content 📚: Features show you how Knietzsch (scientific exploration), Löwenzahn (nature adventures) e Die Sendung mit der Maus (learning driven by curiosity), promoting knowledge and creativity.

• Wide accessibility 🌐: Available primarily in Europe via Astra satellites, with limited reach in MENA via Hot Bird, and accessible via streaming on ZDFmediathek.

• High quality transmissions 📺: Offers HD (1920×1080) and SD streaming, with German-language content and occasional subtitles for wider accessibility.

• Chosen by families 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe, known for its high-quality, advertising-free programming as part of ZDF’s public service mandate.

• Safe and fun 🧸: Provides a safe viewing environment with age-appropriate content, making it a favorite among parents and children.

Active ZDF frequencies on the main satellites 📡

ZDFtivi is broadcast primarily via Astra satellites, with limited availability on Hot Bird and no confirmed presence on Nilesat or Arabsat as of July 2025. The channel is typically free-to-air in SD and encrypted in HD, requiring subscriptions for HD feeds via providers such as Sky Deutschland. Below is a detailed table of frequencies to tune into ZDFtivi, based on the latest available data.

Frequency table for ZDFtivi 2025 📊

Key information 🔍

• Nilesat 201 (7° west): No ZDFtivi broadcast confirmed. Nilesat mainly hosts MENA-focused channels such as OSN Kids and ZDFtivi’s German-language content is not available here.

• Arabsat Badr-6 (26° east): No ZDFtivi broadcast confirmed. Arabsat focuses on Arabic-language content and ZDFtivi is not part of its lineup.

• Hot Bird 13B (13° East): ZDFtivi Europe on 11054 MHz is free-to-air in SD, offering shows like Die Sendung mit der Maus to Europe and parts of MENA (e.g., northern Egypt, Lebanon). Ideal for viewing without a subscription.

• Astra 1M (19.2° East): ZDFtivi is available in SD (11954 MHz, free-to-air) and HD (11362 MHz, encrypted via Sky Deutschland), aimed at Germany, France and surrounding European regions with programs such as Knietzsch.

• Note on encryption 🔒: ZDFtivi SD on Hot Bird and Astra 1M is free to air and requires no subscription. ZDFtivi HD on Astra 1M is encrypted and requires a Sky Deutschland subscription and compatible decryption (e.g. VideoGuard).

• Alternative access 🌐: Stream ZDFtivi via ZDFmediathek (free, registration may be required) at zdf.de/kinder, available in Germany and some European regions. Not available in MENA due to geographic restrictions.

• Note on coverage ⚠️: Astra 1M Wide Beam reaches the western parts of MENA (e.g. Morocco, Algeria), but the quality level may be weak and require larger dishes (100-150 cm). Hot Bird signals are strongest in northern MENA.

Optimizing reception: expert advice for flawless vision 📺

To enjoy ZDFtivi’s educational and entertaining content in clear quality, follow these expert tips tailored for Hot Bird and Astra:

1. Selection of plate size 📏: Use a 60-80cm dish for Hot Bird and Astra in primary coverage areas (Europe). In fringe areas (e.g. northern MENA for Hot Bird), opt for a 100-150cm dish for stronger signals.

2. Precise plate alignment 🧭: Align your dish to the satellite’s orbital position (13°E for Hot Bird, 19.2°E for Astra) using a satellite finder or app like SatFinder. Make sure no obstacles (trees, buildings) block your line of sight.

3. LNB compatibility 🔌: Install a universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) for both satellites. Check that your receiver supports DVB-S for SD broadcasts and DVB-S2 for HD.

4. Signal optimization 📶: Aim for a quality level of 70-98% on the receiver’s meter to avoid pixelation. Adjust the azimuth, elevation and tilt of the LNB for maximum performance. A satellite amplifier can help in low signal areas but will not make up for poor alignment.

5. Weatherproof ☔: Protect yourself from signal loss in rain or snow by securing your dish and using waterproof LNB caps. Avoid retuning in high pressure atmospheric conditions.

6. Verification of coverage 🗺️: Confirm that your location is within the satellite area (Hot Bird for Europe/MENA, Astra for Europe) using official coverage maps.

Tuning ZDFtivi to the receiver: a step by step guide 📡

Add ZDFtivi to your satellite receiver (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat) with these simple steps:

1. Access the Menu ⚙️: Press “Menu” or “Settings” on the remote control, then select “Installation”, “Channel Search” or “Antenna Setup”.

2. Select Manual Scan 🔎: Choose “Manual Scan”, “Manual Installation” or “Add Transponder”.

3. Choose the satellite 🛰️: Select Hot Bird 13B (13°E) or Astra 1M (19.2°E). If not available, manually enter the orbital position.

4. Entry transponder details 📋: Enter the frequency, signal direction, symbol rate and FEC from the table above (for example, 11054 MHz, horizontal, 27500 kS/s, 3/4 for Hot Bird). Check for accuracy.

5. Run the scan 🔄: Press “Scan”, “Search” or “OK”. Select “FTA Only” for free-to-air channels (Hot Bird, Astra SD) or “All Channels” for encrypted HD options (Astra). Scanning takes 1-3 minutes.

6. Save channels 💾: Save scanned channels (for example, “ZDFtivi SD”, “ZDFtivi HD”) to the channel list.

7. Fine tuning signal 🔧: If the signal is weak, adjust the dish alignment and LNB tilt to achieve a quality level of 70-98%. Recheck cables and connections.

8. Test playback 📺: Select ZDFtivi to confirm cancellation of playback. For encrypted HD channels make sure you have an active Sky Deutschland subscription and a compatible decryption module (e.g. VideoGuard).

Receiver Tips 🔌:

• Enable “LNB Power” on Strong receivers (e.g. SRT 4950) in the “Transponder” menu.

• For encrypted HD channels, check that your receiver supports VideoGuard decryption and that your Sky Deutschland subscription is active.

• Default PINs (for example, 0000, 1234) may be required; consult the receiver manual.

ZDFtivi’s Global Impact and Highlighted broadcasts 🌟

ZDFtivi continues to inspire young viewers:

• Strength of the public 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with streaming access via ZDFmediathek (over 5 million users in 2024).

• Iconic shows 🎤: Features Die Sendung mit der Maus (educational stories), Löwenzahn (nature exploration) e Knietzsch (science fun), mainly in German, encouraging curiosity and learning.

• Regional presence 🌐: Strong in Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with limited MENA reach due to German language focus. ZDFmediathek improves accessibility in Europe.

• Digital innovation 📱: ZDFmediathek (free at zdf.de/kinder) offers live streaming and on-demand content, although geo-restricted outside Germany and some parts of Europe.

• Historic milestone 🏛️: Launched as ZDFtivi in ​​2000, it evolved from ZDF’s children’s programming block into a channel dedicated to quality, ad-free content.