Satellite TV has been a popular choice for boaters for decades. Unlike streaming, it works up to 50 miles off shore and the service is much more reasonably priced. I do believe that at some point we will see a better streaming solution for marine, but it’s not there yet. For now, satellite is a much better choice
For those outside the “continental US”
If you’re an Alaska or Hawaii resident, you probably know that satellite TV works a little different there. Instead of the pert little Slimline dishes we use in the mainland, the recommended dish is a 1.2 meter monstrosity that requires special mounting. The satellites that provide DIRECTV programming are roughly in line with Texas, and that’s a long way away from Hawaii. So, you need the biggest possible antenna to pick up weak signals and deal with the interference that comes from aiming lower.
DISH customers in Hawaii are a little luckier because DISH’s Western Arc fleet hangs out roughly in line with California and just west of there. No special dish is needed, but the great distance does mean careful aiming and the possibility of rain fade.
Satellite TV on the water
The same is true with satellite TV on the water. You’ll need the biggest possible dish to pick up programming effectively. Intellian makes a 90cm dish for DIRECTV and dishes for all other services go up to 2.4 meters. In a case like this, it’s “bigger is better” because it’s hard enough to get satellite TV if you’re in the Hawaiian Islands… add a moving vessel into the mix and it sure doesn’t get any easier. It’s best to choose equipment that will work for you the way it should.
When it comes to satellite TV for folks outside the continental US, Hawaii is a bit of a special case. In most cases you won’t get satellite TV more than 100 miles away from the coast of the continental US. This is done to satisfy contracts and international laws. There’s no much that mere mortals can do about it. However, with Hawaii, because it’s part of the US, there’s a little bit of the satellite signal that is allowed to show all the way from the mainland. In most cases, a ship large enough to have the right dish can get satellite service during an entire Hawaiian cruise.
Work with the experts
The good news is that you can get satellite TV in Hawaii. If you have a fairly small cabin cruiser you probably don’t want a 10-foot-wide satellite dome on it. So, some smaller boats may be out of the running for satellite TV. You don’t have to guess, though. Luckily for you there are marine satellite experts who specialize in this stuff. We are ready, willing, and able to walk you through the process. Our experts will help you choose the right equipment, and activate your service. We can even help you find a local installer. We can send one of our qualified technicians, or work with someone you already have.
It all starts with a call to Signal Connect at 888-233-7563. When you call us, you’ll find trained experts who spend every day working with people like you. Our team is dedicated. We will get it right, the first time and every time. When we satisfy you, our job is done and done right.
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