How To Scan Free Dish Antenna HD Channels

Are you tired of paying high monthly fees for TV subscriptions? You’re not alone! Many people in India and other countries are turning to Free Dish Antennas to enjoy HD channels for free—without any monthly recharge or hidden costs. But once you set up your dish, the biggest question is: How to scan Free Dish Antenna HD channels?

What is DD Free Dish?

DD Free Dish is India’s only free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) service, run by Prasar Bharati, the public broadcaster of India. It allows users to watch over 150+ TV channels without paying any monthly charges. It includes channels like:

• DD National

• Aaj Tak

• Big Ganga

• B4U Movies

• Zee Anmol

• Dangal

• News Nation

• ABZY Cool

• Sanskar, and many more

With the right setup and scanning process, you can also receive HD channels absolutely free!

What Do You Need to Scan HD Channels on Free Dish?

To scan and watch HD channels on Free Dish, you need the following basic equipment:

1. Free Dish Set-Top Box (MPEG-4 or HD compatible)

2. Ku-band Dish Antenna (usually 60 cm to 90 cm)

3. Universal LNB (Low-Noise Block Downconverter)

4. Coaxial Cable (to connect the dish to the receiver)

5. TV (any model with HDMI or AV input)

For HD channels, you must ensure that your set-top box supports MPEG-4 / DVB-S2 format.

How to Scan Free Dish HD Channels Step-by-Step

Now that you have all the required items, follow these steps to scan HD channels on your Free Dish antenna.

Step 1: Set Up the Dish Antenna

Make sure your dish is installed and aligned properly. The dish should be pointed towards the INSAT 4B or GSAT 15 satellite located at 93.5° East.

• Use a satellite finder app or ask a technician to align it correctly.

• Adjust dish elevation and azimuth for the strongest signal.

• Tighten all bolts once the signal quality is high (above 70%).

Step 2: Connect the Equipment

• Connect the LNB to the dish arm.

• Use the coaxial cable to connect the LNB to the ‘LNB IN’ port of the set-top box.

• Connect the set-top box to your TV via HDMI or AV cable.

• Plug in the power cables and switch on the setup.

Step 3: Access Set-Top Box Menu

1. Using your remote, press the ‘Menu’ button.

2. Navigate to ‘Installation’ or ‘Setup’ depending on your STB model.

3. Select ‘Manual Scan’, ‘Blind Scan’, or ‘Auto Scan’.

For first-time users, Blind Scan is highly recommended.

Step 4: Input Satellite and Transponder Details

Enter the correct satellite and transponder details for DD Free Dish HD as follows:

• Satellite: GSAT 15 (93.5° East)

• LNB Type: Universal (Frequency: 9750–10600 MHz)

• Transponder (example for HD channels):

  • Frequency: 11470 MHz

  • Symbol Rate: 29500 Ksps

  • Polarity: Vertical (V)

  • FEC: 3/4

Make sure network scan is set to “Yes” if available.

Step 5: Start Scanning

Now select ‘Start Scan’ or ‘OK’ and wait for the process to complete. The set-top box will begin searching for available channels on that transponder.

It may take 2–5 minutes depending on the signal strength and box speed.

Once done, your box will display a list of newly found channels including HD and SD channels.

Step 6: Save Channels

After scanning:

• Press ‘OK’ to save channels.

• Exit the menu.

• Browse the channel list using your remote.

Congratulations! You have successfully scanned Free Dish HD channels.

Tips to Improve Signal Quality for HD Channels

1. Use a Good-Quality LNB – HD channels need stable signal strength.

2. Keep Cable Length Short – Longer cables weaken signal quality.

3. Check for Obstructions – Trees, buildings, or walls can affect reception.

4. Use Satellite Finder App – Apps like “Satellite Pointer” help align your dish accurately.

5. Weather Conditions – Heavy rain can temporarily disrupt HD channels.

List of Popular Free Dish HD Channels (As of 2024)

Here are some HD channels you can receive on DD Free Dish:

These channels are often broadcast in high resolution, offering better clarity and viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I watch HD channels on a normal MPEG-2 box?

No. You need an MPEG-4 / HD set-top box that supports DVB-S2 signals to decode HD channels.

Why are some channels missing after scanning?

You may have:

• Low signal strength

• Incorrect transponder details

• A low-quality LNB or faulty cable

• Set-top box not compatible with MPEG-4

How often should I scan my Free Dish antenna?

It’s good to rescan your dish every 2–3 months, especially after DD Free Dish e-auctions or frequency changes.

Can I watch private channels like Star Plus or Sony on Free Dish?

No, private pay channels like Star Plus, Sony, and Zee TV are not available on DD Free Dish unless they temporarily join during auctions or government mandates.

Troubleshooting Tips