receiving TF1, TF2, TF3, and M6 free-to-air on digital system

[Cmorris]

Hi everyone - Last year I changed my analogue receiving system to a digital one (with a Phoenix Digital free to air satellite receiver Apollo PTR). For several months I had no problem with receiving (free) all the main french channels (TF1, etc), plus all the TPS ones. But from late summer onwards, all these channels have been unobtainable & all appear with a $ sign. I have been told that I now need to use a TPS card - Now I can understand why I would need one to watch the TPS channels, but not why the ordinary French channels now fall into that category. The only free channel I can receive now is Arte. Has anyone experienced the same problem and it is really true that I now need to pay to view the basic French channels? Thanks for any advice.

[TotalSatTeam]

The direction you are using to watch French TV is mainly private owned by TPS, so the same national TV channels on Hotbird are closed and only work with TPS cards.
You used to watch them before for free because the receiver had some kind of an emulator that opened the TPS network for few months, or so.

Your new options are:
a) buy a TPS card
b) change to Atlantic Bird 5W, this will give France2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and arte Free for good

[Cmorris]

Thanks for the prompt response. Will try the second option first (Atl. Bird 5W) & hope for the best!