Auto and Truck
Satellite Television Hits The Road, Rides in Style
By
Sep 20, 2005, 20:29

(NUI) - A new idea in satellite television is on a roll, and it won't be stopping anytime soon.

Digital satellite programming, enjoyed in millions of living rooms around the country, is now hitching a ride, possibly with you.

Rhode Island-based KVH Industries has introduced the TracVision A5, the first low-profile, in-motion satellite TV system for SUVs, minivans and other passenger vehicles.

What this means for your car ride is: live on-screen entertainment with more than 300 channels of satellite television and 50-plus channels of commercial-free audio.

KVH Industries has made it possible with a low-profile antenna that is practical for installation on automobiles and comes with a palatable price tag for consumers.

How does this antenna differ from your satellite dish at home? Home satellite dishes are bulky and meant to be stationary, collecting a signal at one single point. If the dish moves, the signal will be lost. Obviously, this type of system doesn't work on a moving vehicle.

To solve this problem, the TracVision A5 uses an array of 260 individual antenna elements across its surface to provide reception as the vehicle moves. An electronic "lens" redirects and

refocuses the satellite signal onto the antenna elements, allowing the antenna to lie flat on top of your vehicle.

KVH Industries believes there is a strong market for its product, evidenced by the company's earlier success in the RV and boat markets and the growing popularity of in-vehicle video entertainment systems that allow passengers to watch videotapes and DVDs.

Most major boat builders and RV manufacturers now offer in-motion satellite television.

And according to J.D. Power & Associates, 46 percent of consumers are interested in adding rear-seat entertainment to their next car.

The TracVision A5 system supports DirecTV service; the company plans to offer a Dish Network-compatible receiver in the future. The antenna can support multiple video screens and receivers.

The system is available at more than 800 U.S. retail locations and costs around $2,295. The monthly satellite service fee varies depending on the package selected but is similar to home programming. Visit www.kvh.com for more information.

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