Satellite TV for Cars

Satellite TV for cars is one of the latest technologies being used by people all across the USA. The main advantage of using this is that you can watch hundreds of TV channels while you are traveling. And this certainly rules out the possibilities of boredom while traveling on long journeys. So while driving, you can keep your kids engaged in watching their favorite cartoons and TV shows. If you are driving alone on a long drive and want to watch a favorite TV program, you can just park the car to the side and enjoy the entertainment.

Working

The functioning of this is based on the same pattern as in conventional satellite TV systems fixed at our homes. The small flat dish is fixed on the top of the roof, and the satellite receiver is kept in the car, usually in the trunk or under a seat. However, in this system, a special tilting device is used to ensure that the dish faces the southern sky in order to receive proper signal. The flat dish is fitted in a way that makes it very difficult for one to steal the setup from the roof.

In addition, there are different installation setups for automobiles with and without luggage racks. Coming to the antenna, it is just about five inches tall and draws power from the car's electrical system which is also the power source for the video screen fitted inside. There can be multiple screens displaying video signals received from just one antenna. The flat dish is made and fixed owing to the car's rough movement on the road, extreme weather changes, and unfavorable climatic conditions.

Tall buildings can prove to be a blockade for clear signals reaching the antenna. The antenna are intended to receive clear signals even if the car is moving at a staggering speed of 175 kmph. The functioning of the antenna and the dish does not in any way hamper the working of the standard GPS navigation or DVD viewing on the video screen.

Costs

If you are thinking of getting a satellite TV installed in your vehicle, you also need to consider the costs which can be substantial. You will first need to get the equipment set up; which includes the roof top dish, receiver, and the remote control. This price of these installations can even go up to $3500; which mostly depends on the company of the satellite system. The video screen setup will charge extra, ranging from $300 to $2,500.

The costs may even vary as per the number of screens fitted, as there can be as many as up to six screens in a single SUV. In addition to all this comes the service charge which you need to pay on a monthly basis. RaySat Inc. and KVH Industries Inc. are two such major brands which offer satellite TV in cars. Some car manufacturers also offer factory-installed satellite systems in specific models of their cars and SUVs.

Note that the video screens can act as distractions while driving, so it is very essential that they are set up at a place where the driver cannot view them. Some states have banned drivers from viewing video screens while being behind the wheels. Satellite TV for cars is a good way of keeping passengers entertained when on the road. Moreover, the installation is also not very complicated and does not need any major modifications done to the roof of the car.