Car Satellite TV

The satellite TV industry has come a long way in recent years. Bulky satellites that took up an entire yard turned into tiny satellite dishes that fit on the side of the house, and now it is even possible to receive satellite TV transmission in the car.

This is an attractive option for people who get tired of watching movies on the road. Satellite TV for the car allows travelers to watch the news, their favorite television programs, and live sports games while on the road.

How It Works
Traditionally, satellite receivers have to pointed in one direction in order to pick up a satellite transmission. With a car, however, this is not possible as it is always moving. Satellite television is picked up on a moving car via a small satellite only about 5 inches high and several feet across that is mounted on the roof rack of a van or SUV. The satellite rotates and tilts on an axis, allowing it to pick up and receive the strongest signal while moving. The little dishes can be hooked up to a TiVo or television within the car, and satellite programming is now available on the road.

Costs
Satellite television for the car won't come cheaply. Unlike television for the home, because car satellite TV is a relatively new and novel concept, special offers like free installation and free equipment don't apply. On average, installation of a car satellite, a remote, a receiver, and a screen will cost about $2500. Customized jobs can run up to $12,000.

In addition to the costs associated with installation and equipment, customers will still have to pay a monthly programming fee, just as they would with home satellite TV. DirectTV is currently the only company that offers car satellite programming, and costs vary depending on whether the customer is already signed on with Direct TV - those who are will add an additional $4.99 a month to their current charges, and those who don't have Direct TV can expect to pay around $40 a month for car satellite programming.

Features
Car satellite TV comes with the same amount of programming as regular satellite TV. Packages include up to 185 channels and the availability of local programming (depending on where your car is at the moment). In addition, some packages feature GPS capabilities.

Pros and Cons
There are a variety of pros and cons associated with satellite TV for the car. People who drive long distances, take frequent road trips, or have children will enjoy the variety satellite television for the car provides. Rather than going through a set of DVD movies, travelers can enjoy their favorite TV shows, watch the news, or see weather updates as they travel.

One of the obvious downsides of car satellite is the expense associated with it. Installation and equipment are expensive, and can be costly to have the equipment repaired or maintained once the warranty runs out. In addition, since it's a relatively new service, there are bound to be glitches and other problems customers will run across.

Where To Get It
Car satellite TV can be purchased through local car audio stores, or electronic places such as Best Buy.

Overview
For the frequent road traveler or anyone who wants to be on the cutting-edge of technology, a car satellite is an expensive but nice option while on the road, providing variety and entertainment.