Samsung TV and Freesat: how to set it up and fix missing channels
Freesat brings TV channels via a satellite dish instead of a rooftop aerial. Some Samsung TVs have a built in satellite tuner, and others need a separate Freesat box.
Check what your TV can do
Look at the back or side of the TV for a round satellite socket. It is marked Satellite, LNB or similar. If there is no socket, your TV has no satellite tuner and needs a Freesat box connected by HDMI. Your TV's manual or e-Manual will say whether it supports Freesat.
Set up a TV with a satellite tuner
- Check the dish cable is screwed firmly into the satellite socket.
- Press Home, then Settings.
- Open Broadcasting (or Channel on some models), then the auto tuning option. Choose Satellite when asked.
- Choose Freesat or the standard satellite setup if offered and follow the prompts.
Menu names differ between years and models, so use the e-Manual if you cannot find it. We cannot confirm exact Freesat options for every Samsung model.
If channels are missing
- Run the tuning again.
- Check no one has moved or knocked the dish.
- Check the cable is not loose or damaged.
- Heavy rain or snow can interrupt a satellite signal for a short time.
If you have a Freesat box
Use Source on the TV remote to choose the HDMI input the box is connected to. Retuning is then done on the box, using its own remote and menus. See the No Signal guide if the TV shows no picture from the box.
Freesat or Freeview
Freeview uses an aerial and is the more common choice for homes with good reception. Freesat suits areas with a weak aerial signal or where a dish is already installed.
Safety
Never climb up to adjust a dish. A satellite installer should align or replace it.
When to get more help
If the dish is fine, the lead is secure and retuning fails, the problem may be the dish alignment, the cable or the tuner. Vision Tech can help you check and decide whether you need an installer.