Here’s the low-down on high-tech RV entertainment accessories and tips for using them.
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
With the boom of Wi-Fi hotspots (and many of them free), there is no longer any reason you should be hauling your computer around in search of a modem connection.
What is it? Wi-Fi has become the term used for the technology behind products that use radio frequency to communicate. One form of wireless is mobile wireless – the ability to move almost anywhere while staying connected to the Internet.
How do I use it? First, you’ll need a wireless client card. Most computers and PDAs today have this feature built in. If your computer isn’t already Wi-Fi enabled, you can purchase the wireless client card at a computer, office supply, electronics store, or even on e-Bay for about $50. When you’re shopping, look for a product that specifies it’s Wi-Fi certified or 802.11b compatible.
Once you confirm your computer is Wi-Fi enabled, you’ll need to download software that will locate hotspots (places where wireless Internet access is available) and connect you to them. Two popular wireless providers among RVers are Boingo and Hotspotzz. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer Wi-Fi connections. Some offer free access, but sometimes there’s a pay-as-you-go fee.
Satellite Radio
Keeping the soundtrack to your life running – without annoying commercials – whether you’re driving through congested streets of Chicago or through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, has never been easier with satellite radio.
What is it? Also called digital radio, satellite radio offers uninterrupted, digital music beamed to your radio from space. The two major radio subscription services are XM radio and Sirius.
How do I use it? Although some new RV models come equipped with satellite radio systems, most of us have to install and purchase them after-market. With both XM radio and Sirius, you can either purchase a portable unit that can be taken from home to vehicle, or you can install a receiver in your RV. Once you’ve purchased the receiver, you pay a monthly subscription fee for the service. Although they use slightly different technology, both XM Radio and Sirius deliver clear sound and quality programming. Compare channel listings to see which you’ll enjoy more.
Satellite TV
Hundreds of thousands of RVers have taken advantage of watching television on the road and many luxury models include it as a standard package. For the rest of us…
What is it? It’s wireless system for delivering television programming directly to your home or RV via broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of site. Satellite television systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennae.
How do I use it? There are many more options when it comes to setting up satellite television, but most systems include a small satellite dish, a receiver and a remote control.
There are two types of dish antennae: manual, which is less expensive but requires some effort in pointing the dish in the right direction and keeping it there; and automatic, which costs more but automatically points toward the system. There are also mounting options. You can either install a standard roof mount or use a dish tripod. There are three major RV dish suppliers: KVH, Winegard and King Controls, Camping World has a huge variety of RV hi-tech satellite tv and radio equipment for you to choose from.
Once you install the receiver and dish, you’ll subscribe to one of the satellite TV service providers, DIRECTV or Dish Network, which charge a monthly service fee.
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