Mobile Satellite Service

[Surfer Joe]

Has anybody had any experience with this?

http://www.kvh.com/tracvision/A5/index.asp

[AJ2086]

This is that new thing introduced at CES. Looks like it would be good.

[apc1]

From what I hear it's about $2000 and the unit is HUGE. About 4' wide and 8" high. Not as low pro as described.

[Nick]

Actually, you may be thinking of earlier models. This latest model is definitely is a very low profile antenna. Take the cover off and the phased-array design resembles a miniature antenna farm in a pizza box.

The miniature p-a technology has been around for a few years now, but it still amazes me.

[sampatterson]

The old models were big (I believe 14" dish in a dome), the new phase array are much smaller.  Cool technology for those with money.  They don't help you get 3 satellites at the same time though ;)

[Jacob S]

Are these only able to be used with DBS satellite or with ku and c band dishes as well? I figure it is just for DBS. Is there something similar that one can buy for c/ku band in which the benefit would be the smaller size? I thought I saw a link somewhere before where they made arrays like this for c/ku band, but maybe they have something like this that is even better now.

Also do they plan on bringing internet access over small dbs dishes in the future?

[Nick]

Yes, they have it now.Go back to the KVH site for info. It's all there.

[Richssat]

It is still pretty huge. Look at the pics on the website. It spans the width of a roof rack on a fullsize SUV. Not that I am saying it isn't impressive, just a little bigger then they let on. It is a lot more low profile then the previous dome systems but for it to really catch on in the non RV mobile market they are going to have to make it a lot smaller (if they can). I don't think you will see many high end luxury sedans with that thing strapped to the roof.

RR

[Nick]

Rich, I understand what you are saying, but if someone really, really wants TV in their vehicle, they're gonna have it, whether it's a CEO keeping up with the market in the back of a Lincoln, or the kiddos being entertained with the Cartoon Channel in mom's UAV.

What is in the back of all our minds is the inevitable idiot driving a 9,000 lb UAV who decides he wants his MTV in the front! I'm sure it's already happening - somewhere on a crowded highway near you.

[sampatterson]

Jacobs, they have normal DVB available also (not just DSS). They also have 2 way mobile satellite internet (much bigger dome than the automotive DSS phase array).

[Richssat]

Yup, I have seen it..... Not too hard to place a video screen in the drivers line of sight. They even make ones that will retract into the dash when not in use. They have a safety feature that prevents them from being turned on when the car isn't in park (very easily defeated). The other unintended drawback of mobile video is visibility to other drivers. Heck, I watched half of Shrek thru the back window of a Navigator while stuck in traffic the other night.

Scary

RR

[Scott Greczkowski]

I have a 7 inch screen that pops down from the roof of my truck, It is hooked to PlayStation 2 and a Nintendo 64 plus it has it's on built in off air tuner.

My step son loves playing games on long drives. :)

I can't see it from the drivers seat.

I would love to have satellite TV in there, what the heck I already have satellite radio. :D

[Nick]

Just think - whole new forum categories for DBSTalk! :)

DBS Satellite Mobile TV
Hardware & Installation
---Back Seat & Distributed
---Front Seat & In-Dash
---Heads-up Windshield Displays
Spot Beam Gap Workarounds
HiDef on 5"-7" screens
Auto-tilt Mechanism for Wing Satellites
Tips for Driving in West Virginia

:D :D :D

[gcutler]

Originally posted by Nick
Spot Beam Gap Workarounds
HiDef on 5"-7" screens

How about Digital High-Beams so those in on-coming traffic can see what you are watching :D

[buzzdalf]

I'd be all for satellite in the mini van!

[Jacob S]

Tips for driving in West Virginia?