The DISH Network HD Advantage for RVs

by Marcel Guajardo, DISH Network RV Products Manager Space for electronics has always been a challenge in motorcoaches. One of the greatest space-saving inventions in recent years is the high-definition (HD) TV.  Just about all new motorcoaches have pre-installed HD TVs.  HD TVs not only have the best picture quality but also they save space compared to standard-definition TVs.  Even if you don’t have a new motorcoach, you should consider purchasing a new HD TV.  To enjoy high-definition programming on your HD TV, you need three items:  an HD mobile satellite antenna, a DISH Network HD satellite receiver, and DISH Network HD programming.  Only DISH Network’s HD programming is compatible with all HD mobile satellite antennas.  DIRECTV’s HD programming operates at a frequency called “Ka-band,” which isn’t compatible with the RV dome satellite antennas. There are many choices when it comes to mobile satellite antennas. Some of the HD dome satellite antennas include Winegard’s RoadTrip® MiniMax™ and King Controls’ King-Dome®.  Both are professionally installed on top of your RV.  All you have to do is turn on the dome antenna, press a few buttons from inside your RV, and the antenna will automatically locate the satellites and you will be watching DISH Network HD TV.  I’ve personally used both of these wonderful products, and can say that they work seamlessly with the DISH Network ViP® 211k HD receiver.  Both products even have a premium version... Read more

Finally, a Pay-as-you-go satellite TV offer made for RVers!

By Marcel Guajardo, DISH Network RV Products Manager During the last year, I traveled to several rallies and trade shows across the country.  I started at the Winnebago Rally in Forest City, Iowa, speaking to RVers about their satellite TV experiences.   It was obvious that RVers love their TVs, but many travel only a few months a year and don’t want a year-long commitment.   So we launched our new “Pay-as-you-go” program that lets you simply pay for TV service for only the months you travel. RVers can sign up for a no-contract plan in which you only pay a monthly bill for the months that you travel. This presents huge savings for RVers since you don’t have to pay a monthly bill all year long.  You can start and stop monthly service as many times as you want at no charge.    The program offers HD programming and the convenience of having a dedicated receiver in your RV.  There’s no better offer for those who want to enjoy television while they travel! Key features of our Pay-as-you-go program: No contract required No additional monthly service fees No charges to start or stop monthly service HD programming Compact HD receiver View your off-air channels through your HD receiver Have a Ku-band mobile satellite antenna?  Want HD in-motion? Only DISH Network offers HD programming with any Ku-band mobile satellite antenna! To learn more, visit www.dish.com/rv. We are also in all Camping World stores!  Read More →

Our Satellite Dish: Part III of 3

Any two people who consider it a highlight of life to drink $18.00-a-bottle wine from an empty Pringles canister must be compatible.  So, despite the counseling of her four sons to think twice about marrying me, Monique followed her intuition, which is practically 100 percent reliable. There have been three disruptions in our marriage which we have overcome.  Most recent is  the mistake of trusting the GPS 100 percent.  I finally learned to trust Monique’s navigating more than “Camille’s,” the name we’ve given our GPS. Instead of siding with Camille, I just turn left when Monique directs me to (most of the time, anyway).  That has gone a long way toward keeping us happy during our 24/7 together. A second “disruption” was when I bought a 13×12-foot camp shelter that came in about 30 parts.  We erected it for the first time in Joshua Tree National Park, California, in 108-degree heat.  Those steel poles burned our fingers through the gloves for most of the hour it took to get it up.  I told the store manager when I took that confounded Erector Set back, “Either give me back the money or I’m leaving it here anyway to save the marriage.”  He agreed to the refund and life returned to glorious. And most disruptive:  the internet-TV dish atop our first trailer.  When we left our working lives in Southern California, it was with my employer’s agreement that I would continue working from the road, which required constant internet communications with... Read more

Turn your Computer into a TV

by Chris Guld, www.geeksontour.com When we first bought our motorhome, it had 2 TVs.  One in the front, living/dining area, and one in the back – the bedroom.  We got rid of both of them and set up a TV tuner with a projector and a window-shade screen.  It’s great!  We have a big screen with surround sound – a pretty good home theatre for any house, let alone a 30 foot class C motorhome!  When I recently purchased a new Windows 7 laptop, we wondered what to do with my old laptop.  It was still working fine, ( see rule #1 for buying a new computer) so I wasn’t going to send it off to recycling.  How about a TV for the bedroom!  Jim found a stud in the wall and installed a TV shelf bracket that fits my old laptop just perfect.  The antenna connection was already there, all we needed was the TV tuner.  The one Jim got is the ATI  TV Wonder (he got a great deal – $25 – by buying it on the daily special at Woot.com), but he’s also used the Hauppage.  Just google for USB TV Tuner to see lots of other choices.  Basically this tiny box is the guts of a television!  Just plug one end into the USB port of your computer, and the other end into an antenna.  Of course, there is software as well, and you need to be sure whatever you get works with your computer’s operating system.  Once you have it all set up, you have TV!  Ours even came with a remote control.  And, since it is still a computer – it is even better than a TV – you can get the... Read more

Is HDTV Wiring Just Smoke and Mirrors?

HD (High Definition) TV is taking over the market.  Broadcast networks are all switching or rapidly making the transition to this newer technology.   The difference in picture quality is quickly recognized when both SD (Standard Definition) and HD are compared.  All the new TV’s, DVD and satellite receivers are being built to deliver this format, including video game hardware like the Sony Play Station.   Read more  Read More →

Will Changes Obsolete The RV Sat. Dome Antenna?

The Lug_Nut View In-motion satellite antennas have become very popular on all RV’s. It is an option that most people order when purchasing a new rig.  But, will this change in the future?   It would appear it may.  The latest satellite technology being used operates within the Ka (Kurtz-above band) frequency band.  This differs from the Ku (Kurtz-under band) frequencies currently used in the RV roof type dome units.  Generally the Ku band used for satellite TV service is between 12.2 to 12.7 GHz and has a band width of 27 MHz.  In contrast the new Ka band uses 18.3 to 20.2 GHz and has nearly double the band width at 50 MHz. Read more  Read More →

Need an HDMI Cable? Don’t Get Ripped Off!

Do NOT use HDMI cables as mental floss. With the recent switch to digital broadcast signals and the dropping price of HDTV sets, many of us are upgrading our RV media centers. The best cable connection for HDTV sets is called HDMI. If you walk into any electronics store, you’ll find HDMI cables are expensive, with some selling for $50 or more. Quite frankly, these high-priced HDMI cables are a RIP-OFF. Don’t get suckered into overpaying for an HDMI cable. Digital signals consist of ones and zeros – there’s no discernible difference in signal quality between a $50 cable and a $5 cable. It either works or it doesn’t. Read more  Read More →

BenQ Joybee GP1 Palm-sized Projector

We want to tell you about a sweet little projector called the Joybee GP1. It’s a palm-sized LED projector that can be used to project from a computer, a DVD player, a TV Tuner, a video camera, a game console (like Wii) or just pictures on a USB drive. With an optional docking unit, you can also attach an iPod. First, you might want to check out the manufacturer’s promotional video on the Joybee. Read more  Read More →

Replacing Your TV In Your Current RV

Last week, we covered some of the choices available for televisions in new or existing RV’s. (Link Here) This week, we will look at upgrading the equipment in your existing rig.  Recently this has been a popular project for many, so let’s try to understand why. Read more  Read More →

Interesting new product

Anytime I travel in the motorhome I take an LCD projector with me.  I do this for several reasons.  First, I use the projector in my work to give seminars on electrical safety.  Second, I use the projector for viewing my photos.  Third I like to project movies on the side of my motorhome for friends and family to enjoy, and finally, once a year the group I camp with gets together to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes play the Penn State Nittany Lions and we use the projector to view the football game on a large screen. I recently became aware of a new product on the market that attracted my interest.  The Benq Joybee GP1 Mini Projector.  On the surface this is a very clever tool, weighing in at 1.4 lbs. and fitting in the palm of your hand. Read more  Read More →

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