TracStar SV360

Question

I need to replace my TracStar SV360. What is the best in-motion satellite to replace it with? I am not looking for the lowest price alternative, but the best unit (within reason, of course, i dont want to spend $5000). I just want to get the best in-motion that will last many years without troubles or issues. The SV360 served me well but if there is a better in-motion that has great north america coverage (alaska, canada, US) that would be great.

I am looking to purchase something in the next day or two and replace the unit on the roof and control box so that the family can enjoy TV again soon. (We took a hiatus from using the MH and have come back to see that direct TV does not work with the sv360).

We would prefer direct TV only because the box & dvr are already built into the motorhome.

jeffcarp · Answer

One thing to be aware of is that Directv announced at their dealer conference that standard definition channels will be turned off in 2019. Currently standard definition is the only content that in motion domes can receive from DirecTV.

That being said, no one knows what will happen when that time comes. The pessimistic view is that all current in-motion domes no longer function with DirecTV. The optimistic view is that the satellites currently broadcasting in SD aren't going away after 2019 so it's possible that Directv will shift HD content to the current SD positions thus making our domes capable of receiving HD with a receiver change.

Other than the fact that SD is being turned off in 2019 the rest is speculation. You should know that going into a purchasing decision though.

doublev · Answer

Thanks for the info Jeff.So I think that lends me to ask: what about Dish?  I have the Direct TV and the DVR that came with the coach but I am not currently subscribing to either direct tv or dish.  I just prefer direct TV because then I dont need a receiver or to make any cuts in the motorhome (or repair a wooden hole).Does Dish have the same issue?  I can see why standard definition is going end of life in 2019.. it is just unfortunate that in-motion will not pick up the HD satellites..

sdianel_-acct_c · Answer

We just replaced our SV360 with a Winegard G2 roof mounted (not in motion but they do make an in motion one). Our satellite tech Sats2Go in Houston TX told us that if we don't want HD nor in-motion that the G2 was our best and most reasonable option.  On his website he has some info that may help you decide.  We go out of our way to stop and see Dave at Sats2Go when we need satellite work. www.sats2go.com He lists antennas and prices and whether they work with DISH or DirecTV.

jeffcarp · Answer

doublev wrote:Thanks for the info Jeff.So I think that lends me to ask: what about Dish?  I have the Direct TV and the DVR that came with the coach but I am not currently subscribing to either direct tv or dish.  I just prefer direct TV because then I dont need a receiver or to make any cuts in the motorhome (or repair a wooden hole).Does Dish have the same issue?  I can see why standard definition is going end of life in 2019.. it is just unfortunate that in-motion will not pick up the HD satellites..Domes used for Dish in RVs can already receive HD. The difference between Dish and DirecTV is just that the location of the Dish satellites in orbit are more conducive to HD broadcast to in-motion domes. I am not aware of any future issues related to Dish impacting RVs.

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TracStar SV360

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