Obviously television is different in Europe.  Most of Europe in on PAL versus NTSC (prominent in the States).  This varies in nearly all equipment including everything from VCR's to DVD players to different types of decoders (Direct TV, Dish Network, AFN).

To learn how to keep up with your shows via the internet and downloading all of your TV shows, go here.

Of course the televisions will need to be 220V.  Fortunately, the exchanges will sell televisions that are dual voltage and PAL/NTSC compatible.  This makes it easy to take your nice new television back to the States when you're done in Europe.  You want to ensure that if you purchase a VCR or DVD player that they are also dual voltage and compatible with PAL/NTSC.

All of Europe will be on a digital signal by the year 2010.  Most services you will need a satellite installed.  I had mine professionally installed.  It's a single satellite that is capable of handling two feeds (known as dual-LNB).  It's prepped for AFN and Sky services.  Cost me about 300 euros for the entire installation and equipment.

AFN (Armed Forces Network) is what most people are likely to have if you're military.  The network is good and plays most current "hot" shows from the US.  There's always sports on Sunday on nearly every channel, so no worries about missing the big events.  Unless you're in an area where AFN decoders are issued (or in government housing), you can count on spending about $200-$500 on a decoder depending on manufacturer and availability.  Most decoders can be purchased from your local exchange.  You can also get a refurbished decoder from your exchange for about $100 or so--not all exchanges participate though, so you may have to travel if it's worth it--just ask customer service department, it's not something they advertise.  Call in advance.  Anyhow, consult your customer service department if they are not out on the shelf.  Most exchanges have them to rent on a monthly basis as well (usually about $25/month).

Here's AFN's website for Europe.  You can also find radio stations, etc. out there as well.  Take a peek.

As with most satellite receivers, you can add your own channels.  If you are technically challenged, you may not want to try this, but you can add several channels that are not encrypted.  Go here to get a list of channels.  AFN uses Hotbird satellite services at 13 degrees east.  Fill in the blanks as necessary on the form (available in different languages as well).  You'll be looking for Digital & Clear channels.

For additional entertainment, I also have Sky (provided by the Brits).  You'll need a SCART to RCA converter (click here to see what it looks like) to connect it from the decoder box to your TV--most likely available through your local exchange.  There are other options available if you know what you're doing.  Anyhow, about 40 channels are free if you have a decoder box (click here to see the "Free to View" channel list provided by Sky).  You can pick one up on eBay for about 100 bucks--most decoders sold today do not require a card to view the free channels.  You cannot get the subscription service unless you have a valid address in the UK.  HOWEVER, there are services available where you can get someone to represent you so you can get the subscription service.  Other options like Sky+ are available as well.  This is just a TiVo version of Sky--requires a different decoder box that has a harddrive built into it for recording channels.

If you are interested in Sky, check out www.skysat-europe.com. GI Euro and SkySat-Europe have teamed up to bring the military customer exclusive deals. When you order, make sure you mention GI Euro sent you to take full benefit of the great deals (free equipment, discounts, etc)! Additionally, you can go here to get contact information for SKYSAT-EURPE if you need to inquire, or simply contact us for questions. Please understand that GI Euro does not benefit from this referral in any way. GI Euro is a non-profit group.

www.skysat-europe.com - provides subscription service for non-UK residents.  Also provides list of "Free to View" channels (the 40 or so channels that are free over the satellite).  Click here for a list of subscription packages and a list of "Free to View" channels.

Another website you might find useful is www.wildsat.com.  The guy who maintains this site provides a lot of useful information about Sky and its services.  He also provides trimmed down personalized channel guides and listings.

I must warn you about Sky though.  The "Free to View" channels are paid for by advertising channels that are also available on the "Free to View" basis.  Some of them include STRONG adult content (most prominent in the evening hours), but hey, you get free TV.  I would recommend this for homes with children ONLY if the parental control features are utilized (only available with a subscription).  There is no censorship on most of the channels.  Just beware and know that there are options to "control" it.

Additionally, if you're technically sound and think you can figure out how to add channels with your Sky box based on satellite frequency, etc., here's a site you can use to get more clear (non-encrypted) channels that are available to be added to your Sky box.  This site provides listings for all Astra satellites.  The Astra satellite I use for my Sky is at 28.2 degrees east.  A satellite that is at approximately 30 degrees east can most likely be picked up and channels from that satellite can be added as well--this is where size matters...  Go here for the full list of satellites of the Astra Fleet (also found on www.wildsat.com).