Watching French-dubbed UK/US TV shows in original English

Image by ibeginz via Flickr

English speakers in France who want to watch American shows dubbed in French in original English can do it by pressing the i(information) button in their remote control.
Depending on the decoder (Free, Sfr, Neuf, Orange, etc) you'll get different options. Look for the languages option and try to find the Original Version (OV). Press the Ok or Enter button on the remote control and wait, sometimes it takes several seconds before this options is activated.

Press i again to close the information window. If the show is still in French, it most likely means that this particular episode or Tv show can't be watched in its original version. I would say a good 50 percent of American shows can be watched in their original version, not bad considering you're overseas. It's mostly old shows like Starsky & Hutch, Magnum and the like that usually don't come with this option.

Arte, the French-German network broadcasts its shows in two languages (German and French), sometimes in three (if the movie/show is from a third country). So, if you want to watch an American show or movie in English make sure you choose the right language, otherwise you'll end up improving your German.

Just remember, whenever you choose the OV option, you'll be watching the show in its original language, whether this be Japanese, Armenian or Brazilian.

If you need help, ask your hotel's front desk. It takes some practice to master their remote controls and all their options, but once you do it, you'll feel confident to take on your next overseas challenge. And please don't spend more time than necessary in your hotel room--especially watching tv--when you are in such a wonderful country.

Special thanks to Eric, the front desk guy in my hotel.