You may have heard that on February 17, 2009, federal law will require that television networks broadcast exclusively in digital format and the analog format will officially become history. What does this law mean for you and your RV? Well, if you already enjoy satellite programming in your RV... it means absolutely nothing.

A satellite signal is a digital signal. Technically speaking, the video and audio data in a digital signal are transmitted as bits of information. Compared to an analog signal (which transmits via AM/FM frequencies much like a radio), a digital signal is able to carry much more data on the same sized bandwidth.

What could affect you and your RV however is that because of the increase in the number of satellites used by provider companies like DISH network and DIRECTV, not all channels are broadcast from the same satellite. As these providers increase the number of channels they offer, more satellites must be used in order to broadcast programming to their customers.

So if you are enjoying your favorite sitcom and want to catch the score of the game on another channel, it is possible that that channel is broadcast from a different satellite in the sky. If this is the case, you will receive a ‘searching for signal’ message while your satellite antenna searches for the satellite that broadcasts the signal of the desired channel. 

What’s an RVer (and avid channel surfer) to do? For starters, satellite TV antennas like the TracVision systems from KVH can have their software updated with the latest data as to where all of the new satellites are located. Once your antenna has been updated you should be able to switch channels seamlessly as your antenna knows exactly where to go to pick up a signal. In some cases, it’s as easy as changing the channel with the remote control. Other satellite TV systems require you to initiate the switch via a control panel.

In addition, both DISH network and DIRECTV offer an ever-growing line-up of high- definition (HD) channels. In order to enjoy these HD channels on the road you will need a satellite system that can receive HD programming as well as a compatible set-top receiver (such as the DISH ViP 211 or 211k). The best way to determine if your current satellite system is HD capable is to call your satellite TV antenna provider.

If your current system is not HD capable, there are a lot of satellite TV antennas on the market that are. KVH Industries, one of the leading RV satellite manufacturers in the country, offers a host of HD-capable satellites with their TracVision SlimLine series.  Each of the 3 models available in this series support HD signals as well as offer automatic satellite switching, support multiple receivers and in-motion tracking. This means that you can enjoy 300+ channels of satellite TV programming and CD-quality music while you are driving down the road! You can learn more about this satellite TV system at www.kvh.com/landmobile/ and specifically about HDTV and RVs at www.kvh.com/hdtv.

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With technologies evolving at an incredible rate, an RVer’s world is constantly changing. But don’t get overwhelmed by the pace of innovation. You bought an RV to have fun, not to be worried by binary data code! So the next time you are at a campground and the topic turns to satellite TV, offer your fellow RVer a cold beverage, swap knowledge and remember that the pleasure of the open road lies in the journey.

For more information on satellite systems for your RV call Lazydays toll-free at 888.626.7800.