RV Satellite TV Systems
In the good ol' days, before DISH Network and DIRECTV made satellite TV available everywhere in the U.S., RVers had to find an RV park that had satellite hook ups, then spend time hooking up their systems.
Dish Network
Today, RV satellite TV systems are totally self contained. You can watch satellite TV anywhere, and setting up a satellite system is a piece of cake. All you have to do is aim your dish toward the area of the southern sky where you get the best reception and your done.
In addition to the hundreds of entertainment, news, and sports channels you get with satellite TV, you can also get Internet service so you can check your email or surf the web while you're on the road.
RV satellite TV equipment
The satellite TV equipment you'll need for your RV is the same as the equipment you have in your home - a satellite TV dish and receiver. You can even use the dish and receiver you have in your home, but for convenience sake most people end up getting a second dish and receiver for their RV.
Because you'll be on the move you'll need a movable stand so you can aim your dish at the satellite. The least expensive stands allow you to manually align your dish whenever you stop for the day. There are also dishes that automatically align your dish, and even "in-motion" systems that track a satellite as you drive so passengers can watch satellite TV while on the move.
To locate a dealer for RV satellite TV stands do an Internet search for "rv satellite tv dish mounts," call you local RV dealer, or check eBay for used equipment.
Satellite TV Providers
There are three major satellite TV providers - DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Sky Angel.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is the largest satellite TV provider and is ranked second in customer satisfaction among satellite TV providers by J.D Power. They offer 250 channels of satellite TV programming including sports packages, movie channels, pay-per-view programs, and XM satellite radio channels.
DIRECT Programming starts at .99 per month for 155 satellite TV channels and goes up to .99 per month for 250 channels. You get a free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers when you subscribe to their service.
DISH Network
DISH Network is the fastest-growing satellite TV provider and is ranked first in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. They offer 350 channels, including movie channels, sports packages, Sirius satellite radio channels, and pay-per-view programs.
DISH Network programming starts at .99 per month for 40 satellite TV channels, and goes up to .99 for 350 channels. When you subscribe to their service you get a free satellite TV dish and up to four free receivers.
Sky Angel
Sky Angel is a Christian-oriented satellite TV provider offering Christian TV shows, special events, conferences, children's shows, inspirational programming, and radio programs.
Sky Angel's programming package is .99 per month and includes 20 TV program channels plus 15 satellite radio channels. Their equipment costs 9 for one satellite TV dish and one receiver.
Satellite Internet Service
With satellite Internet service you can surf the web and get your email anywhere in the world. Satellite Internet service offers and always-on connection, a connection speed that's 10 times faster than dialup service, and multiple email addresses.
Bottom line
If you want all the comforts of home while you travel the open road, then satellite TV is a must. The equipment's free and you can get programming for as little as .99 a month. If you spend much time on the Internet, consider including satellite Internet service with your satellite TV service.
RV Satellite TV Systems - Get the Best System and Service