Grab that remote. High-definition satellite television has become standard equipment on cruising boats of all shapes and sizes.
By Glenn Law
If you've bought a few boats over the years, you know that what was once optional equipment often makes its way onto the standard gear list over time. Such is the case with satellite TV, for a few obvious reasons. First, prices for satellite TV antennas have dropped. Also, improved technology enabled manufacturers to produce models with smaller footprints that perform better and are lightweight — that's why you now see antennas on boats of all sizes.
Cruisers on the move are discovering it's easier than ever to take satellite TV along for the ride. Those who want to winter in the Caribbean or Latin America and then return to the United States with the warblers should take a look at the TracVision HD7 from KVH (kvh.com).
This 24-inch, 60-pound antenna — most at home on boats from 40 feet and up — has three built-in LNBs. The LNB, or low noise block converter, is what receives the satellite signal. The standard HD7 allows multiple HD TVs (up to eight) to be tuned to different stations without an interruption in service. An add-on for this model is the optional Tri-Americas LNB for Latin American service. Once you've cruised into range of DirecTV Latin America, the changeover is as simple as switching receivers. With this service, you don't have to physically change the LNB configuration inside the antenna, something you had to do in the past to pick up foreign service. The domestic model, the HD7, is $12,995; when equipped with the Ka/Ku-band Tri-Americas LNB, the price is $14,490. The free Trac-Vision iPhone software app allows complete control of the HD7 functions, including satellite switching, software updates, diagnostics and communication with the company's tech support group.
KVH also offers the economical M-series that allows for HD reception from a single TV set. Antennas start at $2,995 for HD on boats as small as 20 feet. "We make a point to provide multiple options to suit every customer's needs," says Chris Watson of KVH. Intellian (intelliantech.com) has sold some 10,000 satellite TV antennas to recreational boaters since 2005. The secret is no secret at all — it's reliable gear priced reasonably.
Intellian's new d-series antennas no longer have a compass and sensor tracking system. Solid-state tracking is employed instead, and the result is fewer moving parts, better accuracy, faster tracking and greater dependability. The d4 ($5,995), at 17.7 inches, weighs 25.5 pounds. The 23.6-inch d6 ($7,995) is 44 pounds. The size and light weight of these units make them appropriate for a wide range of boats.
For cruising beyond U.S. and Canadian service areas, where a swap-out of LNB is usually required, a smart work-around is to simply add another antenna. "Multiple antennas are common," says John Minetola of Intellian. "It's cheaper to install two of ours than one of a competitors." Recently, the company installed four antennas on a 163-foot Christensen, the Casino Royale. "It was built with two antennas of another make, and when it came time to upgrade to HD TV, they came to us," Minetola says. "You see a lot of megayachts with multiple antennas, especially if they have a big mast. Then they put one on either side and a mediator in between, so when the boat turns it doesn't lose reception. The mediator automatically selects the antenna with the best signal strength."
Mark Garland, Raymarine product manager for TV, says: "We offer a Ku band range of TV antennas. DirecTV is the only provider that has migrated off of the Ku band for high definition. If a customer wants high definition, he can get HD on our antennas with Dish Network." All of the company's antennas are supplied by Intellian, which Raymarine (raymarine.com) chose for its reliability. "The advantage is simplicity," says Garland. "With a single cable to the antenna, it's easy from an installation standpoint, and the technology — the built-in GPS for quick acquisition and a fast motor — allows the antenna to respond quickly to the boat's motion." Raymarine's satellite TV line includes four antennas, from the 14-inch 33STV ($2,995) to the 24-inch 60STV ($6,995), which provide DirecTV, Dish Network and ExpressVu, Canada.
Sea Tel (seatel.com) traditionally focused on providing antennas to commercial ships and offshore platforms. Nonetheless, the company offers a few diminutive antennas (by its standards) that produce highperformance stabilization and satellite tracking, even in the roughest seas, and they're sized for recreational coastal cruisers. The most recent addition to the Sea Tel lineup is the ST 14 ($4,100), a 14-inch satellite receiver sized for cruisers in the 30- to 50-foot range. It comes in three models: ST14D, which is HD-ready for Dish Network and Bell T; ST14M, with standard-definition service for DirecTV; and ST14E for European providers.
Designed for serious cruising, the exceptionally high gain of this antenna makes for service out to 200 miles offshore. "It's a good match for anyone who does a moderate amount of offshore cruising," says Bobby Johns, Sea Tel's product manager. The ST 14 has its roots in the Coastal 18 ($6,195), which is built for cruisers who travel out of the domestic TV service areas. "We sell a lot of those in South America and Central America for DirecTV Latin America service," says Johns. While it is necessary to physically change the LNB on the Coastal 18 when changing service markets, Sea Tel's commitment to industrial users has created an especially well-developed and reliable worldwide network of dealers and service centers.
Other New Electronics featured this month:
- More Electronics from past issues.
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