RV TV

[randy1953]

Wanting some type satellite tv for our trips. Seems very limited and expensive options are all we have. Mostly camping in rural areas, so regular over the air not very feasible. Is it suck it up time , or do anyof you guys have better options or pixy dust? Thanks

[myredracer]

Well, for something totally different, there is "free to air" satellite TV (aka "FTA"). Needs a receiver specifically for FTA and a dish that is at least 36" dia. I just bought an FTA receiver for a 39" dish I already had and am now watching some channels and shows from all over the place, many in English. I am hooked and will probably take it camping. You won't get regular shows like Survivor, DWTS, History channel, etc. but there def. is some fascinating and entertaining stuff like Velocity channel, PBS, documentaries and more, some which is from around the world. It's actually pretty cool!

Takes a while to understand how the various satellite signals work, which ones have adequate signal strength/quality, what shows are available and how to set up and aim a dish. Unless you get a motor to automatically turn the dish (not recommended for camping due to setup time), you'll have to choose which satellite you want. Or for more advanced users, set up a 2nd dish or learn how to mount 2 or more LNBs on a dish. Not exactly a 2 minute setup and go watch TV affair tho. Will take $200-$300 to get what you need and could set it up at home to figure out how it all works. Best part is no subscription fees and it's all legal.

[TechWriter]

Mandalay Parr wrote:
Look at the Tailgater. It's automatic and works on Dish.

Since OP is in Kentucky, he would be better off with a Winegard Pathway X2.

DISH offers Pay-As-You-Go service which DirecTV does not offer.

[FordDiesel250]

We purchased the Direct TV Kingdom satellite at Camping World at about $500.00. It uses Direct TV and when we are at our campsite we sit it up and call Direct TV and then it is turned on. We have Direct TV as our carrier and the satellite has to have a certain receiver our you can bring your receiver from home and use it. It works for us but it is not for everyone.

[MrWizard]

Yes but that $20: stands alone plane is no longer available
A similar service is available in a bundled att account

This stuff should be mentioned when making suggestions

[cmcdar]

With AT&T car connect unlimited data plan and a ZTE Mobley unit I have a Roku unit that allows us Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.

All for $20. Per month. (Well $40./month counting Netflix & hulu subscriptions )

Have had no connection issues. Am in the middle of a National Forest as I write this.

[Bill_Satellite]

randy1953 wrote:
Wanting some type satellite tv for our trips. Seems very limited and expensive options are all we have. Mostly camping in rural areas, so regular over the air not very feasible. Is it suck it up time , or do anyof you guys have better options or pixy dust? Thanks

How often will you be using satellite TV services? If it is less than 6-8 months per year then you will want to be a Dish customer and you will want to sign up for their Pay-as-you-go service which allows you to turn the service on and off as often as you like.
Do you camp in trees? If so you are going to need a portable unit either and automatic dome (several hundred dollars) or a home style antenna mounted on a tripod (a pain to setup but much less expensive).
If you are going to be on the road a lot then I suggest a roof mounted automatic antenna which is quite expensive but makes your like very easy. No parking under the trees but for a bit under $2000 and the DirecTV service (best Nationwide service) you will be watching what you like when you like.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Look at the Tailgater. It's automatic and works on Dish.

[azrving]

I should also say that ours is a dome style that seeks the satellite so probably more pricey.

[donn0128]

Less than 200 dollars will get you a complete ground based dish setup. You need to figure out which service you want. Dish offers a pay as you go, so many people opt for that. Find a local contractor and see if they will sell you a cheap package with month to month service.

[Lwiddis]

If you don’t want to pay, it is “suck it up time” regardless if you “at an area with trees so it won't work there.”

[azrving]

Two years ago we had an air station in Quartzite. Last year we got nothing so we went to the satellite store in town. About $5xx.00 don't remember exactly. We have it on for 3 or 4 months then shut it off. It also pulls around 2.x amps or so. We also spend time at an area with trees so it won't work there.