Thanks to modern technology you can now watch satellite TV whether you're on the road or at sea.
Mobile satellite TV systems can be installed in an RV, boat, or even in a car or van, giving you the freedom to travel wherever you want and watch satellite TV wherever you are. You can even connect to the Internet.
Mobile Satellite TV Antenna
A mobile satellite TV antenna, also called a dish, captures the signal being sent from a satellite in orbit above the earth and sends it to a receiver.
You can get a free satellite antenna when you subscribe to a satellite TV service, or you can purchase a specialized antenna that automatically tracks a satellite so you can watch TV while on the move.
Mounts for an antenna can be as simple as a tripod that you set up outside, or as complex as a combination antenna/receiver that tracks a satellite and converts the satellite signal for TV viewing.
Prices for satellite TV antennas and mounts vary from $30 for a simple tripod stand to more than $7,000 for a marine satellite TV antenna/receiver with automatic tracking.
Mobile Satellite TV Equipment
In addition to a satellite TV dish you'll also need a receiver to decode the satellite TV signal and send it to your TV.
Both DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service. They will even give you a free DVR (digital video recorder) receiver or an HD (high definition) receiver. You can purchase specialized receivers for vehicle and marine applications.
To get an idea of what's available, go online and do an Internet search for "mobile satellite tv equipment" and "mobile satellite tv antenna." If you're an RVer, search for "RV satellite TV system" and "RV satellite TV antenna." If you're a boating enthusiast search for "marine satellite TV system" and "marine satellite tv antenna."
When you get a good idea of what you want, go to a shopping comparison site such as Froogle.com, and do a search there to find the best prices.
Satellite TV Providers
DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel are the three satellite TV providers in the U.S.
DISH Network offers 350 channels of satellite TV programming with prices starting at $19.99 for their 40-channel package. Their programming includes movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio channels, news and weather channels, game channels, and pay-per-view movies and special events.
DIRECTV offers 250 channels of satellite TV programming with prices starting at $41.99 for their 155 channel package. Their programming includes sports packages, movie channels, news and weather channels, pay-per-view movies and events, and XM satellite radio channels.
Sky Angel is a Christian satellite TV provider offering Christian TV shows, special events, Christian conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and Christian radio programs. Their programming costs $14.99 per month and includes 20 TV program channels plus 15 satellite radio channels.
The Bottom Line
Modern technology has made it possible to take the luxuries of home with you whether you're on the road or on the high seas. Now you can have access to hundreds of satellite TV programs, satellite radio channels, and even Internet and email. And most mobile satellite TV systems are fairly inexpensive and relatively easy to install.
