ZDFtivi, operated by Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), Germany’s public-service broadcaster, is a beloved children’s television channel designed for young viewers aged 3-13.
Offering a vibrant mix of educational programs, animated series, and live-action shows like Knietzsch, Löwenzahn, and Die Sendung mit der Maus, ZDFtivi promotes learning, creativity, and fun in a safe, ad-free environment. As of July 2025, ZDFtivi reaches millions of households across Europe and parts of the MENA and Northern Africa (MENA) via satellite, primarily through free-to-air and encrypted feeds on platforms like Sky Deutschland.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the latest ZDFtivi frequencies across major satellites—Nilesat, Arabsat, Hot Bird, and Astra—along with expert tips for seamless Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Reception. 📡🎬
Why ZDFtivi Shines for Young Audiences 🌍
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Engaging Educational Content 📚: Features shows like Knietzsch (science exploration), Löwenzahn (nature adventures), and Die Sendung mit der Maus (curiosity-driven learning), fostering knowledge and creativity.
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Wide Accessibility 🌐: Available primarily in Europe via Astra satellites, with limited reach in MENA through Hot Bird, and accessible via streaming on ZDFmediathek.
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High-Quality Broadcasts 📺: Offers High Definition (1920×1080) and SD streams, with German-language content and occasional Captions for broader accessibility.
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Trusted by Families 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe, known for its high-quality, ad-free programming under ZDF’s public-service mandate.
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Safe and Fun 🧸: Provides a secure viewing environment with age-appropriate content, making it a favorite for parents and kids.
ZDFtivi Frequencies Across Major Satellites 📡
ZDFtivi is primarily broadcast 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 High Definition, requiring subscriptions for High Definition feeds through providers like Sky Deutschland. Below is a detailed frequency table for tuning into ZDFtivi, based on the latest available data.
Frequency Table for ZDFtivi 2025 📊
|
Satellite |
Frequency |
Polarization |
Symbol Rate |
FEC |
Area |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nilesat 201 (7°W) |
Not Available |
– | – | – |
MENA, Northern Africa |
No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast on Nilesat as of 2025. 📺 |
|
Arabsat Badr-6 (26°E) |
Not Available |
– | – | – |
MENA, Gulf, Northern Africa |
No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast on Arabsat as of 2025. 🔒 |
|
Hot Bird 13B (13°E) |
11054 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe, parts of MENA |
DVB-S, QPSK, SD, free-to-air, ZDFtivi Europe, includes ZDFtivi SD (720×576). 📽️ |
|
Astra 1M (19.2°E) |
11954 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe |
DVB-S, QPSK, SD, free-to-air, ZDFtivi Europe, includes ZDFtivi SD. 📺 |
|
Astra 1M (19.2°E) |
11362 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
22000 kS/s |
2/3 |
Europe |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, High Definition, encrypted (Sky Deutschland), ZDFtivi High Definition. 📺 |
Key Information 🔍
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Nilesat 201 (7° West): No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast. Nilesat primarily hosts MENA-focused channels like OSN Kids, and ZDFtivi’s German-language content is not available here.
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Arabsat Badr-6 (26° East): No confirmed ZDFtivi broadcast. Arabsat focuses on Arabic-language content, and ZDFtivi is not part of its lineup.
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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 subscription-free viewing.
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Astra 1M (19.2° East): ZDFtivi is available in SD (11954 MHz, free-to-air) and High Definition (11362 MHz, encrypted via Sky Deutschland), targeting Germany, France, and surrounding European regions with programs like Knietzsch.
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Encryption Note 🔒: ZDFtivi SD on Hot Bird and Astra 1M is free-to-air, requiring no subscription. ZDFtivi High Definition on Astra 1M is encrypted, requiring a Sky Deutschland subscription and compatible decryption (e.g., VideoGuard).
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Alternative Access 🌐: Stream ZDFtivi via ZDFmediathek (free, registration may be required) at zdf.de/kinder, available in Germany and select European regions. Not available in MENA due to geo-restrictions.
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Area Note ⚠️: Astra 1M Wide Beam reaches western parts of MENA (e.g., Morocco, Algeria), but signal strength may be weak, requiring larger Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dishes (100-150 cm). Hot Bird signals are stronger in northern MENA.
Optimizing Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Reception: Expert Tips for Flawless Viewing 📺
To enjoy ZDFtivi’s educational and fun content with clear quality, follow these expert tips tailored for Hot Bird and Astra:
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Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish Size Selection 📏: Use a 60-80 cm Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish for Hot Bird and Astra in their primary Area areas (Europe). In fringe areas (e.g., northern MENA for Hot Bird), opt for a 100-150 cm Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish for stronger signals.
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Precise Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish Alignment 🧭: Align your Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish to the satellite’s orbital position (13°E for Hot Bird, 19.2°E for Astra) using a satellite finder or apps like SatFinder. Ensure no obstructions (trees, buildings) block the line of sight.
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Low-Noise Block Converter Compatibility 🔌: Install a Universal Ku-band Low-Noise Block Converter (9.75/10.6 GHz) for both satellites. Confirm your receiver supports DVB-S for SD and DVB-S2 for High Definition broadcasts.
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Signal Optimization 📶: Aim for 70-98% signal strength on your receiver’s meter to avoid pixelation. Adjust Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish azimuth, elevation, and Low-Noise Block Converter skew for peak performance. A satellite amplifier may help in low-signal areas but won’t compensate for poor alignment.
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Weatherproofing ☔: Protect against signal loss in rain or snow by securing the Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish and using waterproof Low-Noise Block Converter caps. Avoid retuning during high-pressure weather.
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Area Verification 🗺️: Confirm your location is within the satellite’s footprint (Hot Bird for Europe/MENA, Astra for Europe) using official Area maps.
Tuning ZDFtivi on Your Receiver: A Step-by-Step Guide 📡
Add ZDFtivi to your satellite receiver (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat) with these straightforward steps:
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Access the Menu ⚙️: Press “Menu” or “Settings” on your remote, then select “Installation,” “Channel Search,” or “Antenna Setup.”
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Select Manual Scan 🔎: Choose “Manual Scan,” “Manual Installation,” or “Add Satellite Transmitter.”
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Choose the Satellite 🛰️: Select Hot Bird 13B (13°E) or Astra 1M (19.2°E). If unavailable, manually enter the orbital position.
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Input Satellite Transmitter Details 📋: Enter the frequency, polarization, symbol rate, and FEC from the table above (e.g., 11054 MHz, Horizontal, 27500 kS/s, 3/4 for Hot Bird). Verify accuracy.
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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 High Definition options (Astra). The scan takes 1-3 minutes.
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Save Channels 💾: Save the scanned channels (e.g., “ZDFtivi SD,” “ZDFtivi High Definition”) to your channel list.
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Fine-Tune Signal 🔧: If the signal is weak, adjust Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellite Dish alignment and Low-Noise Block Converter skew to achieve 70-98% signal strength. Recheck cables and connections.
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Test Playback 📺: Select ZDFtivi to confirm clear playback. For encrypted High Definition channels, ensure an active Sky Deutschland subscription and compatible decryption module (e.g., VideoGuard).
Receiver Tips 🔌:
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Enable “Low-Noise Block Converter Power” on Strong receivers (e.g., SRT 4950) in the “Satellite Transmitter” menu.
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For encrypted High Definition channels, confirm your receiver supports VideoGuard decryption and your Sky Deutschland subscription is active.
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Default PINs (e.g., 0000, 1234) may be required; consult your receiver’s manual.
ZDFtivi’s Global Impact and Programming Highlights 🌟
ZDFtivi continues to inspire young viewers:
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Viewership Strength 📈: Reaches millions of households in Germany and Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with streaming access through ZDFmediathek (over 5 million users in 2024).
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Iconic Shows 🎤: Features Die Sendung mit der Maus (educational stories), Löwenzahn (nature exploration), and Knietzsch (science fun), primarily in German, fostering curiosity and learning.
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Regional Presence 🌐: Strong in Europe via Astra and Hot Bird, with limited MENA reach due to German-language focus. ZDFmediathek enhances accessibility in Europe.
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Digital Innovation 📱: ZDFmediathek (free at zdf.de/kinder) offers live streaming and on-demand content, though geo-restricted outside Germany and parts of Europe.
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Historical Milestone 🏛️: Launched as ZDFtivi in 2000, it evolved from ZDF’s children’s programming block, becoming a dedicated channel for quality, ad-free content.
