Looking for HD Satellite for RV. Suggestions

[Alford2275]

We need to get a satellite to mount on our RV so when we travel we can watch TV. We have Direct TV and I would like a system that will show HD channels. I don't want an in motion system but a stationary one that can be mounted. What satellite do you recommend? I am looking to spend around $500 or so. I want a good system and so I am looking for suggestions. THANK YOU!!

[CA_Traveler]

Goldencrazy wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
The RF Mogul is an excellent SWM dish and in the same price range as above. We've moved up the food chain over the years and now have a DTV HR44 receiver for both home and the rig. 5 channel recording and plenty of recorded shows when parked in the trees.

Does the HR 44 work with the SWM system. Mine only record two channels. Basically record one and watch one on both DVR's. Nice thing is with the new matrix switch I can watch whichever dvr I choose on any of the three tv's.

The HR44 is SWM only and supports 5 channels, playing or recording simultaneously.

The HR24 is either multiswitch or SWM and in either one it is limited to 2 channels. ie It only has 2 tuners.

For about a month as I transitioned from the HR24 to the HR44 I had 7 channel capability before returning the HR24. This is on a single SWM coax and dish.

Beyond that are the remote clients which are part of the DTV Genie family. There are also wireless remote clients. My reading on wireless suggests that it may not be practical for RVs due to equipment separation including from other non DTV WiFi.

[TechWriter]

Goldencrazy wrote:

Directv allows me to have locals where ever I want them.

How many times during a camping trip?

[Goldencrazy]

TechWriter wrote:

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Of course, DirecTV is neither RV friendly or not. "In theory" it is more RV friendly than Dish since it offers the DNS Networks when Dish does not.

Yes, but DISH allows you to change the local TV stations you receive multiple times while you're on the road, but DirecTV does not.

A much better argument that DirecTV is "better" than DISH is the fact that a DirecTV SD sat dish is impossibly easy to aim and that the new SWM wiring is much much easier than DISH wiring.

Directv allows me to have locals where ever I want them. I call and change my billing address and it is done. As many times as I wish. Of course then there are no locals at home but no one is there anyway. I change back when I get home. Sometimes I have to reset the receiver as well but no big deal. I like Directv.

[TechWriter]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Of course, DirecTV is neither RV friendly or not. "In theory" it is more RV friendly than Dish since it offers the DNS Networks when Dish does not.

Yes, but DISH allows you to change the local TV stations you receive multiple times while you're on the road, but DirecTV does not.

A much better argument that DirecTV is "better" than DISH is the fact that a DirecTV SD sat dish is impossibly easy to aim and that the new SWM wiring is much much easier than DISH wiring.

[Goldencrazy]

CA Traveler wrote:
The RF Mogul is an excellent SWM dish and in the same price range as above. We've moved up the food chain over the years and now have a DTV HR44 receiver for both home and the rig. 5 channel recording and plenty of recorded shows when parked in the trees.

Does the HR 44 work with the SWM system. Mine only record two channels. Basically record one and watch one on both DVR's. Nice thing is with the new matrix switch I can watch whichever dvr I choose on any of the three tv's.

[Bill_Satellite]

Of course, DirecTV is neither RV friendly or not. "In theory" it is more RV friendly than Dish since it offers the DNS Networks when Dish does not. It's just the "glass half full" argument. DirecTV is NOT dome friendly but that has nothing to do with DirecTV. The dome style antenna is an invention of the RV market manufacturers and NOT DirecTV or Dish Network. When DirecTV changed the way they broadcast their TV signal they went out and put new antennas on all of their customers "houses" that would allow the reception of the new KA band broadcast. Is it DirecTV's fault that an antenna they didn't build, didn't certify, didn't have anything to do with, can't receive this new signal? No, of course not. DirecTV advanced the technology used by satellite TV providers and the domed RV market was unable to address these changes. Too bad, so sad, but the absolute reality.
Dish is not RV friendly, they simply have not moved forward into the KA band but it's likely that they will (or the KB band (making that up, but whatever the next band is)) and it will kill the dome for Dish RVers. Just keep in mind that none of the satellite TV providers do what they do based upon the use of a few RVers. Yes, a few. Even if you are of the opinion that there are thousands of RVers using satellite TV, count how many of these RVers are using satellite TV in their RV only and not in their home AND their RV. Someone who subscribes to Dish or DirecTV at home and moves an receiver to their RV when they travel boosts the income at Dish or DirecTV by exactly ZERO dollars. Why would Dish or DirecTV care if changes they make to their service effects folks that provide no additional income to their bottom line?
The reality is that unless you are using a Dish antenna or a DirecTV antenna, everything else is a compromise and you will have limitations no matter which service you subscribe to.

[Pirate1]

Executive wrote:
Here's my thoughts...If you get a roof mount like the Traveler or RF Mogul, you'll find they're easy to operate but expensive to buy. One touch of the button is all you usually need. If you're under a tree canopy or something is blocking access to the Sat. you'll get no signal. In that case you'll need a remote dish to set up away from your rig where it has a clear view of the satellite. Since you don't already have one on the roof, I'd forego that cost and get a carryout that you simply put outside and plug it in.

DirecTV is NOT RV friendly. To get HD you'll need a remote dish twice the size of the ones for SD. Dish, on the other hand seems to have it figured out as they can use the smaller dishes and offer HD. Your choice on programming but if you're keeping Direct, which is what we have, only SD, consider only SD programming. Your life will be easier....Dennis

I don't know why you say directv is not rv friendly. I have the travler and can get full hd even with a small widow in the trees. It doesn't take a perfectly open sky. I also carry a tripod and another swm and dish for remote mounting if I have to. It is just as "rv friendly" as any other satellite system.

[TechWriter]

Pop-Pop C wrote:
Might consider the "Tailgater. Nota a roof mount. ,but is almost as easy and under $500,00!

The new King Tailgater can be mounted on an RV roof.

[Executive45]

Here's my thoughts...If you get a roof mount like the Traveler or RF Mogul, you'll find they're easy to operate but expensive to buy. One touch of the button is all you usually need. If you're under a tree canopy or something is blocking access to the Sat. you'll get no signal. In that case you'll need a remote dish to set up away from your rig where it has a clear view of the satellite. Since you don't already have one on the roof, I'd forego that cost and get a carryout that you simply put outside and plug it in.

DirecTV is NOT RV friendly. To get HD you'll need a remote dish twice the size of the ones for SD. Dish, on the other hand seems to have it figured out as they can use the smaller dishes and offer HD. Your choice on programming but if you're keeping Direct, which is what we have, only SD, consider only SD programming. Your life will be easier....Dennis

[Gau_8]

Alford2275 wrote:
We need to get a satellite to mount on our RV so when we travel we can watch TV. We have Direct TV and I would like a system that will show HD channels. I don't want an in motion system but a stationary one that can be mounted. What satellite do you recommend? I am looking to spend around $500 or so. I want a good system and so I am looking for suggestions. THANK YOU!!

suggestion is to find another $1000 and buy the Winegard Travler.

[lanerd]

Alford2275 wrote:
We need to get a satellite to mount on our RV so when we travel we can watch TV.

With or without a Titan V rocket? :h Me thinks you're asking about a satellite receiver antenna..

Sorry, couldn't help myself. :R

As others have mentioned, $500 won't cut it. Maybe you could find a used one for that price. Check ebay, craigslist and some of the rv forums that have a classifieds section. Who knows, might get lucky.

We have a Trav'ler and DISH network. We remove our two receivers from our house and install in our motor home when we travel to Oregon for the summer. The Trav'ler is fully automatic and with the push of one button, it will raise from its stored position, seek out and lock on to all the required satellites (the ones that have already been sent into space) for trouble free TV HD viewing.

Ron

[Pop-Pop_C]

Might consider the "Tailgater. Nota a roof mount. ,but is almost as easy and under $500,00!

[Valkyriebush]

Dish Pathway X-2, two 211 HD receivers for different program viewing. About $600.00 for all. Works like a champ.

[CA_Traveler]

The RF Mogul is an excellent SWM dish and in the same price range as above. We've moved up the food chain over the years and now have a DTV HR44 receiver for both home and the rig. 5 channel recording and plenty of recorded shows when parked in the trees.

[Goldencrazy]

I love the Winnegard Traveler but it is expensive. If you don't need HD then a carryout that you mount on your ladder and can remove when in trees will be an ok choice.