Satelite TV for a Tourist

Thanks everyone for the good advise!

Remember that with newer TVs, every time you move, you have to do a search for channels even IF you have a signal. Over the air (free) TV works well in city areas, not in remote areas. Many commercial campgrounds have cable TV at the pedestal but if you are going to remote areas, a carryout, pay as you go satellite will likely be your very best bet.

Whatever you do, enjoy your holiday!

Sam Spade wrote:
Most likely none of them are working now.....as analog over the air TV transmissions are now illegal, except for VERY low power limited distance uses. Certainly NOT for commercial TV broadcasts.

The FCC suspended the Sep. 1, 2015 transition date for Low Power TV and translators. Analog still lives, at least in West Yellowstone.

Tom_M wrote:
The town of West Yellowstone has 4 low power analog TV channels (ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS). When I was there in mid July only two where working. Most likely none of them would be available in the park.

Most likely none of them are working now.....as analog over the air TV transmissions are now illegal, except for VERY low power limited distance uses. Certainly NOT for commercial TV broadcasts.

The free TV here in the USA is not satellite based - strictly line of sight. It works well, I've gotten HD broadcasts as far as 50 miles away from larger cities - over flat ground. I would be a little surprised if you could get it inside Yellowstone, but I have not tried.

If you really want dependable TV, then I would suggest the Dish Pay as you go. I've been using it for 3 years as a fulltimer all over the USA, including Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado, also with the Winegard Pathway X2 and their dedicated tripod stand. I like these portable units because you can move them around trees, poles, etc to get a good view of the satellites.

The X2 bundle which includes one receiver box (decoder box) and one remote control is currently $450 on Amazon with free shipping. Camping World also carries them and can have a good sale price. The X2 can get either the Dish eastern or western satellites so you have twice as many choices in case one set is blocked.

Note that as you go further north, it is tougher for the receiver dishes to see the satellites over the trees, mountains, etc. because the satellites are sitting above the equator. Yes, you also need a decoder box and a subscription plan. Dish has several plan choices.

Many (Most ?) of the satellite dishes will get Dish or DirecTV only - not either or both. You will need to check your current setup to see which one it's set up for. Bill.Satellite is the expert on this and I would suggest sending him a private message if you need help determining this.

The town of West Yellowstone has 4 low power analog TV channels (ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS). When I was there in mid July only two where working. Most likely none of them would be available in the park. If you will be there in October expect cold weather. The average lows for the month are 22°F (-6°C) and highs 52°F (11°C). Record low for October -20°F (-19°C).

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I think I might rig up something similar to RoyB's set up.
Here in NZ we have free TV via satellite as well as UHF, hence my question.
Once again thanks.

Perhaps pricing info is on their website.

Yup over air signals might be available in some areas but don't count on them. I CG host in the mountains 35 miles from San Diego and cannot receive even one channel.

I am also I investigating satellite. While Dish has that pay as you go plan, you might want to Google reviews on it. Sounds like they are pretty predatory in fee collection. I called them for some pricing info a couple of days ago and they wanted permission to run a credit check BEFORE telling how much the service would cost. Excuse the English but screw them.

As mentioned, over air land broadcast is free.

You mentioned a crank up sat dish. If its old, it may not work with newer HD boxes. I had one and it was a pain to use.

I would recommend an automatic carry out sat antenna like a Winegard Pathway X2 ($400) and a 211z SAT BOX. Find a clear spot, connect the cable and it finds the sats for you.

DISH has a pay as you go plan; no contract.