Austrian TV on Astra 1

I have an interest in viewing the Austrian channels ORF and Servus TV that are broadcast on Astra 1.

Although supposedly free to air they are encrypted with cryptoworks irdeto2 so my TV needs a relevant common interface card to decode them. I can't seem to find a source of such a card or any idea of its cost.

They may only be available in Austria to prevent neighbouring countries watching the Austrian Channels.

Does anyone have any relevant knowledge.

PS. I know I can stream their internet service via a vpn but that not the solution I would prefer.

Peter, I've posted your question on a specialist satellite forum of which I am a member, I'll let you know of any response.

This just came through:


ORF requires a card usually only available to Austrians. Appear to be available on German eBay for between €200-€300 with up to 5 years activation. Getting one may be an issue thanks to the 'B' word. Servus Germany is FTA.



Hope this helps

Thanks for checking Marko, Its specifically Servus Austria that I wanted. I have tuned into both that and ORF and they are both encrypted.

Sky now have exclusive F1 coverage in Germany but ORF and Servus (both owned by Red Bull) are sharing live F1 coverage FTA for Austrians for the next three years.

It looks like a lot of hassle when you could get a NOW TV day pass for £10, especially with the uncertainty around the races going ahead.

When life gets back to normal I'll be watching a lot from abroad so would have to use a VPN as well so may as well use VPN to stream from Austria.

If I want to watch practice, qualifying and race that's £30. The now tv pass covers all Sky sports channels for 24 hrs - If they charged £10 to watch Sky f1 for 3 days, I'd happily pay it.

I might have to get my head around just watching highlights but I hate to watch knowing what has happened.

I always manage to get something showing it on my Firestick, usually on TSN5.

isnt that a subscription service as well and do you need to access via a VPN?

I've sent you a PM