[VAL] satellite TV questions

["Randy Unter" <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom, the answer to these questions is actually quite easy. I'm a satellite
buff with multiple systems at home and on my Overlander. I take my satellite
programming with me wherever my Airstream goes and enjoy my back home locals
and
distant programming. Here are your options:
1. Either Dish Network or DirecTV are good solutions for your need. It
sounds like you have cable at home. If you call either of the providers
above, they will offer you nearly free or free equipment and installation at
home to replace your cable programming. Either of the satellite services
provide all cable programming with the possible exception of small,
community local networks. In that case either use antenna or retain basic
cable services.
2. Once you have satellite installed at home, take your RV to one of the RV
shops that install sat dish systems. Camping World does so, as do others. If
you are handy, you can DIY, as I did. The self tuning systems are pretty
slick but complex, so you'll want a pro to install that system.. I like to
fiddle, so manually tune my dish from inside. Doesn't take long but not for
the technically challenged.
For cable, use RG-6 cable, not RG-59 which is for TV. Pull new cable; your
a/s won't have RG-6.
3. Now the fun part. Because you have an RV with Sat dish installed on the
roof, you are eligible from either of the Sat providers to obtain an RV
Exemption which allows one to receive network stations from distant cities.
Go their web sites for the form.
Thanks to our Congress who were heavily lobbied by the major networks and
passed the Satellite Home Viewers Act a few years ago, the home based
satellite viewer can only view local network programming. Local Nets have
the power to deny citizens the right to view other distant nets.
I have the RV exemption through DishNetwork so receive networks from New
York, LA and Denver, my home town. I could have also received distant Nets
from Chicago or Atlanta, but only two. I chose NYC and LA for time shifting.
Those five city Nets above can be received throughout the 48 states and
parts of Canada and Mexico.
If you have an HDTV, you can also receive HD programming from the two Sat
services, so the right flat panel display will allow viewing this stunning
programming while on the road or home. I would recommend with the Free
install to take the upgraded HDTV receiver which is usually free.  It will
also display on a standard TV, so you'll be set either way. More and more
programming is being offered in HDTV with the Networks offering the most. I
currently can view over 40 HDTV channels from satellite and off the air.
I haven't installed a HDTV display in my Overlander, but the solution would
be simple. Prices for LCD displays that can display HDTV, have come down
dramatically so they are now affordable. It's on my to do list.
I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

Randy Unter
'66 Overlander
'73 Sovereign