AFN and TKS: answers to your questions

Published Oct. 22, 2015
By Staff Reports
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Are you a TKS client who watches AFN? Have you been trying to figure out why you can't watch your favorite AFN commercials and programs? We've got an answer for you.

Recently, TKS phased out their analog service Germany-wide. All existing analog television content has been transferred to DVB-C format.

What's a DVB-C format? I'm glad you asked! DVB-C stands for "Digital Video Broadcasting - Cable" and is the European standard for the broadcast transmission of digital television services over cable. This means, if you brought your American television to Europe, you're going to need a DVB-C tuner for each television that you own.

If you are a government housing resident and don't want to be tied to a TKS contract, you also have the option to receive AFN by purchasing a satellite dish and receiver. Your best option is to purchase a DVB-S2 receiver (Cisco D9865) to be prepared for the AFN satellite delivery upgrade coming soon.

All other non-government housing on base/post buildings that are connected to the TKS cable system will soon have their service terminated. To restore your AFN service, you can establish a TKS contract.

Quick Q's and A's:

Q: Is TKS now charging for AFN?
A: AFN TV is free of charge for on base/post government housing. The signal was changed from analog to the digital DVB-C service. If you have an American TV (which is DVB-T) and you are a TKS customer, you'll need a TV or a DVB-C tuner attachment.

Q: How much is a DVB-C tuner?
A: DVB-C tuners typically cost around 40 Euros for purchase from either TKS or a German radio/television vendor. They can also be rented.

Q: How do I know if my TV is the European format?
A: Simply re-tune the channels; if it doesn't pick up AFN then you will need the DVB-C tuner.

Q: I live off base and have a satellite dish and decoder for AFN services, will I be affected?
A: No. At this time, customers watching AFN off-base are not affected.
Info: Some off base government housing units in some cases are equipped with a cable headend system, which could also be affected and require the DVB-C receiver/tuner.

So if you live in government housing or have an AFN tuner in your office and want to continue receiving the latest uncensored news, information and entertainment from home and around the world, make sure you check to see if your television is a DVB-C or a DVB-T.