Even though a big part of the RV life is exploring new places and meeting new people, there's still a lot to be said for bringing a few essential comforts of home along. Sometimes, settling back and watching a favorite program on a TV screen larger than a smartphone proves to be just the kind of comfort you need. We understand how the reassurance of a favorite news show or humor of a favorite sitcom can do wonders on a dark night when you're parked alone in a quiet location.
In this article, we'll help you get your trailer or RV television-ready with satellite antennas and wall-mount TVs available in our RV Electronics section which are designed specifically for the mobile life.
Satellite Antennas
How Satellite Antennas Work
As a satellite orbiting the earth transmits its signals downward, your individual antenna picks them up with a curved parabolic reflector plate that focuses the widespread signal into a narrow beam. That beam is aimed toward a spindle-shaped piece known as a feed horn. Inside the feed horn is a low noise blockdown converter (LNB) which improves the signal by amplifying it and filtering out static.
The LNB also converts the high-frequency electromagnetic waves received from the satellite to lower-frequency electrical signals that can be sent through coaxial cable to one or more receiver units inside the trailer that connect to the TV(s). This conversion process allows higher reproduction of images and sound quality.
Receivers may or may not be included with your satellite antenna. If you do need one, we recommend the Winegard High Definition Satellite Receiver which supports up to 1080p picture resolution (more on picture resolution is in Section 2 for televisions).
Many basic satellite antennas can support 2 receiver units - allowing 2 different shows to be watched on 2 different TVs in cases where both channels are broadcast from the same satellite. With more advanced antennas, a dish may have the ability to pick up signals from multiple satellites simultaneously.
Automatic vs. Manual Tuning
Satellite antennas are built with either a "manual" or "automatic" tuning ability. An "automatic" antenna will automatically find and tune in to whatever satellite is broadcasting the channel you want. This applies when you first turn the unit on or when you flip from channel to channel. The antenna uses electric servo motors to point toward and follow applicable satellites. A manual antenna will require the user to do the tuning, similar to how one tunes into a specific radio station. Note that all of the satellite antennas we sell on our website feature automatic tuning.
"Portable" Antennas For Stationary Use
Satellite antennas for use in a stationary location are known as "portable" antennas because they're not permanently bolted to your trailer/RV. Note that portable antennas are not designed to work while a vehicle is moving. However, their simpler internal layout makes them less costly to produce.
As such, they can easily be transferred from RV to RV or taken along wherever you go for use poolside, at a tailgate party, on a friend's deck for a cookout, or anywhere!
Portable antennas can be placed on a tripod or any horizontal surface where there's a direct line of sight with orbiting satellites in the sky. If storage room inside your trailer is tight, portables can also be permanently mounted on the roof if you choose to.
Starting with a best value, we've got the Winegard DISH Playmaker Satellite TV Antenna which supports a single receiver - a good choice if you only have one television. Moving up to portable antennas that can support 2 single-tuner receivers, we've got the King Tailgater Satellite TV Antenna, Winegard Pathway X2 Portable Automatic Satellite TV Antenna, and Winegard Carryout G2+RV Satellite Antenna.
As we noted further above, supporting 2 single-tuner receivers means that 2 separate televisions can be used off your antenna. Different channels can even be selected if both of those channels happen to be broadcasted from the same satellite.
Antennas For Use While Moving
Stepping up a notch, we've got a few highly sophisticated antennas that are able to track satellites seamlessly as you drive. For best values in this category, we recommend the Winegard Roadtrip In-Motion RV Satellite Antenna (receives either DISH, DIRECTV, or Bell TV) and The King Dome Series Satellite TV Antenna. Both of these support 2 different receivers if you want to watch multiple TVs, although programming on both channels must originate from the same satellite.
If you want the ability to watch more than 2 television channels, the Winegard Trav'Ler Satellite Antenna (choose compatibly with Shaw Direct, DirecTV, or DISH networks) adds the ability to view 3 different satellites simultaneously, with signal outputs for 4 receivers. For the ultimate in viewing capability, the KVH TracVision RV1 (for DirecTV, DISH, Bell TV) can support up to 8 receivers and offers user interface with any smartphone, laptop, smart TV, or computer.
Televisions Built For The Road
When it comes to slim wall-mount televisions, we offer a selection in our RV Electronics section that have been designed to withstand the countless vibrations and shocks that occur in a trailer over the worst roads. Additionally, these TVs will not suffer in cold temperatures when parked for the winter.
As you look through product pages for various TVs, you'll see references to HD picture resolution such as "720p", "1020p", or even "2160p". A "1080p" designation refers to the fact that pixels displayed across the screen measure 1,920 horizontally and 1,080 vertically. Likewise, a "720p" television has pixel counts of 1,280 across and 720 down. "2160p" refers to 3,840 x 2,160 pixels found on ultra-high-definition televisions (also known as 4K/UHD) that offer 4 four times the definition of a 1080p set. The "p" refers to progressive scan.
If you only have a small space to hang a TV, our most compact offering is the Jensen 720p 19" LED Wall Mount TV. Got a little bit more room? There's the Jensen LED AC Wall Mount TV (720p) in 28" and 32" choices along with Furrion's 720p HD LED TV in 24", 28", 32", and 39" configurations (select in Product Options).
For bigger walls, check out the 1080p Furrion Full HD LED TV (choose 40" or 43" screens in Product Options field) or the Jensen 40" LED Wall Mount TV. And if you desire the ultimate in clarity and luxurious size, Furrion's 4K LED Ultra HD TV features ultra-high-definition 2160p clarity in 50" and 55" screen sizes.
This concludes our look at satellite antennas and mobile TVs. Note that we also carry a variety of other interior items tailored for the mobile life such as large appliances, small appliances, furniture, lighting, bathroom components, GPS systems, propane tanks, air conditioners and heaters, and much more.
We also encourage you to browse through other sections of CAMPERiD where you'll find some great RV/trailer exterior equipment, plumbing-related supplies, electrical, maintenance-related products, towing/hitch hardware, and much more. Should you have questions about anything on our website, we'll be happy to help seven days a week!