DISH vs. DIRECTV RV Satellite Dishes
Since RVs are traveling and moving from place to place, cable TV won’t work, unless you’re at an RV park with a cable TV hookup. To put it simply, you won’t have cable TV when you’re camping in the forest. For this reason, many RVers use satellite for their TV, because they can easily move the receiver when they’re traveling. In order to get a satellite signal, an antenna is required, and that comes in the form of a satellite dish. DIRECTV and DISH are the two best-known satellite TV companies in the United States, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare the two.
DIRECTV for Your RV
Compared to DISH, DIRECTV has a larger market. That means they have more channels as well as a wider variety of sports packages than DISH. They also have more channels available in High Definition (HD). DIRECTV also has a wider range of local channels, as well as East Coast or West Coast feeds, which are provided by the regular non-stellite broadcasting networks.
DIRECTV uses two satellite bands connected with KU bands and KA band satellites. In order to receive the HD channels, you’ll need the three-piece LNB oval dish.
DISH for Your RV
While DISH doesn’t have as many HD channels as compared to DIRECTV, this means they can maintain all of their channels on just the KU band. However, this would still require the use of two satellite dishes. This means when you change the channel on DISH, the signal does not go back and forth between the different satellites, and you may notice a delay when changing channels. To avoid this, you can replace the dome-style dish with an oval dish, which will track all satellites at the same time.
One advantage is that DISH is a pay-as-you-go subscription, allowing its customers to temporarily disable the service when they’re not traveling. Customers can then reactivate their service once they’re on the road again.
Satellite Dishes
Many modern RV’s are ready-to-go when it comes to satellite TV installation. A new RV may have a roof-mounted dome dish, as well as the means to connect an external dish if you choose.
Roof-Mounted Dome Dishes
Modern rooftop satellite dishes adjust themselves automatically to acquire the satellite signal. These dishes are covered with a dome for protection. The downside to this is the type of satellite dish is that it’s small, and the signal strength depends directly on the size of the dish. That means that domes may not get a strong signal under some circumstances.
Tripod-Mounted Dishes
You can purchase a larger external dish, and mount it on a tripod. The tripod makes the dish portable, and you can easily set it up once you reach your destination.
Both DIRECTV and DISH have their advantages and disadvantages, as do the different types of satellite dishes. Consider your options carefully before making your decision.
