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Satellite receivers for regular TV and HDTV are available for $50 to $100. RVers who enjoy the TIVO functions can find satellite receivers that allow you to store and replay TV shows using a built–in hard drive along with a searchable show menu and other features for $100 – $400.
Note: It is important to verify that the specific model satellite receiver will work with the satellite dish before selecting and installing a satellite dish or purchasing a new satellite receiver.
Satellite Service – Most RVers choose the same satellite provider for their RV that they use for their home. This allows them to move a satellite receiver between the house and the RV at no additional expense and avoids the need to start, suspend, or end RV satellite service.
Check the provider's coverage area to ensure service in the locations you will be visiting when selecting a satellite service provider for the RV. Also, check the fees to activate or deactivate service for your RV, the ability to suspend service, any applicable minimum sign–up periods.
HDTVs – provide outstanding viewing for High Definition TV shows and DVD movies. HDTV requires an HDTV satellite dish and receiver capability, and may require additional additional components and wiring for watching TV shows.
Flat Panel TVs – are light weight, easy to install or move, and 15" units are available for as low as $200. If you wanted to also add a DVD player, consider flat–panel TV models that include a built–in DVD player.
Many RVs with side entry can accommodate the installation of a 15" – 22" flat panel TV over the entrance door that is directly opposite the couch. This arrangement presents a possibility of removing a front–mounted main TV over the windshield and using the empty space for other storage needs or electronics equipment.
Spare TVs – with a picture tube for bedroom or outside are available for as little as $80. Additional features useful to RVers include built–in DVD players, dual power (12–volt DC/120 Volts AC), and light weight.
CD/DVD Players – are now used by Rvers to watch DVD movies and play music CDs in place of VCRs for movie viewing. Prices start as low as $30 for these compact and inexpensive players. The wide–screen movie viewing capability is very popular.
Non–HDTV sets will display TV shows in the 4:3 display format and allow you to use a 16:9 wide–screen format with a black bar above and below the displayed image when watching DVD movies.
Video Distribution Switches – allow you to switch between different input signals (TV antenna, cable–TV, satellite TV, VCR, DVD player, games) and send the output to TV sets, VCR, and home theatre systems.
It is important to check availability of RF coaxial cable (coax) connectors and three–wire AV and video inputs and outputs when adding or upgrading equipment to your RV home entertainment systems.
Winegard is the primary provider of switches for RV use with three popular models. The first provides 3 input and 3 output coax connections. The second has 5 RF coax inputs, 3 coax outputs, and AV & video in/out, and the third has 6 coax inputs, 4 coax outputs, AV & video in/out. See the Winegard website at http://winegard.com/ for more information.
If your system requires more complex wiring/cabling and switching needs for high–end HDTV or home theater system and speaker installations, we recommend you review your video and AV switching requirements with a qualified AV and video provider of mobile systems.
Inverters – Inverters convert 12–volt DC power in your coach batteries to 120–volt AC power when you don't have access to shore power or don't want to run your generator.
Inexpensive inverters include the lower wattage Inexpensive 150 – 600 watt inverters that plug into any 12–volt DC outlet and have 1–3 outlets that can be used in the your RV and personal vehicles to provide safe, reliable power for computers, TVs, DVD players, and more.
Larger inverters with 1200 – 3000 watts can be permanently installed in your RV. These units are hardwired to the coach 12–volt DC power system and provide 120–volt AC outlets. We strongly that you have these installed by a qualified professional.
Inverters are readily available at Camping World and RV suppiers, automotive stores, home improvement (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc., and big box stores such as Circuit City, WalMart, and K–Mart.
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!!!
| Alan Lidstone is a freelance author and writer living in southwest Florida. Barbara Collyer Lidstone, his wife and co–editor, is an abstractor. The Lidstones co–authored RVs – Getting Out and STAYING Out, from Fulcrum Publishing of Golden, Colorado, and they write and publish Roads 'n Toads – RVing in Florida, a newsletter providing timely information on activities and products that can help RVers get the most from the RV lifestyle. |
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