Satellite TV is still a very popular option for RVers. It’s a better choice than internet because it’s less expensive. Not only that, if you are getting a used RV, you may already have all the hardware you need in order to use it. But let’s say that you’re getting a new RV and you want to trick it out with satellite TV.
You have some options. You can choose from DIRECTV or DISH. Each has benefits. Choose DIRECTV if you want faster channel changes and more sports. Choose DISH if you want more HD channels and an available month-to-month option. Either way though, you’re going to need some sort of satellite receiver. There’s never been a TV with a built-in satellite receiver in the US, and so you’ll need to wire for that receiver.
Is there a wireless option?
Both DIRECTV and DISH have what they call wireless boxes for television viewing. But, what you need you need to know is that these devices aren’t necessarily going to give you what you want. Any wireless box will require two things that kind of make the term “wireless” a little less appropriate. You’ll need to plug the box into a power source, of course. You’ll also need a cable to go from the box to the TV. Generally this is an HDMI cable. So at the very minimum there are two wires required for any “wireless” device.
When people say “wireless,” though, they are generally talking about the absence of a coaxial cable. Running a coax cable from the satellite dish to the receiver can mean drilling a hole in the RV, and fishing a cable through a wall, ceiling, or both. That’s the wire they’re hoping to avoid.
DIRECTV offers the HR54 DVR and Wireless Video Bridge, and DISH offers the Hopper 3 and Wireless Joey Access Point. Both of those setups allow for the use of wireless boxes. But let’s dig deeper.
Wireless doesn’t mean wireless
In both cases, you need two pieces of wired equipment in order to allow you to use one wireless one. The HR54 or Joey need to connect to the satellite dish. That means you can’t avoid fishing that coax cable, and that’s what you were trying to avoid.
Note too, that in order to have one wireless box you need a total of three pieces of hardware in your RV. If you just go with a wired solution, you can choose a DIRECTV H24 or DISH Wally and be done with it.
Should this stop you from getting satellite TV?
Definitely not. A qualified RV installer should be able to do the work quickly and easily. I’d always choose a qualified installer rather than make permanent changes to your RV. Yes, a lot of times you can do the work yourself, but satellite installs can be a little more tricky. I’d really be honest with yourself as to whether you want to seek out a professional for any installation.
In fact, there’s so much to like about satellite TV that it’s worth finding out more. You can get all the answers you need from one place. Signal Connect is a DIRECTV and DISH dealer. We do more RV satellite activations than anyone else in the world! We’re here to help you understand the good and the bad of satellite TV in your RV. We can also recommend other upgrades that might help you have the best experience while you travel.
Call the experts at Signal Connect during East Coast business hours and you’ll get an expert on the line. We don’t believe in overseas call centers or call scripts. We believe in real, qualified technicians. You’ll learn all about the Signal Connect difference when you call. So, call us at 888-233-7563. If it’s after business hours, just fill out the form below. We’ll get right back to you!
