Life on the water is super fun. So fun, in fact, that you tend to forgive that it’s also super-expensive. Even if you’re not thinking about the day-to-day costs like fuel and supplies, you’ve got to be aware of the cost of putting that boat away for the winter or keeping the electronics modern. If you’ve had your vessel for more than just a few years, you’ve already looked at upgrades to radar and GPS equipment, because that technology is evolving so fast that it’s worth it to upgrade. On the other hand, that satellite system you’re using is probably the same one you put up before the last financial crisis hit.
It’s time to think about upgrading, especially if you have DIRECTV equipment.
DIRECTV has committed to ending standard-definition local programming, and the news on the street is that they’re looking to do away with standard-definition national channels as well. That means you need your receivers to be HD-compatible. As for DISH, they will no longer be making new receivers that use the old dome; all the new products will require the hybrid pro LNBs that are already needed for Hopper and Wally devices.
When it comes to satellite TV, marine users are a very small part of the overall population. The biggest group of satellite TV users are the ones who watch at home, and so all this new hardware is designed to make it simpler for home users. DIRECTV is still supporting receivers that are over 13 years old, and DISH is supporting similarly aged hardware. Both companies want to cut down on support costs and free up satellite bandwidth for the next generation of services. So, after years of offering free upgrades, they’re finally just cutting off those people who stubbornly remain with older receivers. Unfortunately this can mean marine customers as well.
If you’re a DIRECTV customer, there are new dishes from KVH and Intellian which will future-proof you. The newest hardware will not only support HD but also 4K. As for DISH, you’ll find that the newest marine tech including the MIM2 will support Wallys and other devices that need the hybrid LNB.
No matter what, there’s a potential chance that you’ll need to do some rewiring. Yes, this can be a daunting task on a boat, because space is at a premium. Truth be told, you should be looking at replacing cabling that’s over five years old in a marine setting anyway. This is just one way to force you into it.
If you choose to upgrade your dome, you’ll need to know that the multi-satellite ones that are preferred today are larger than the older single-satellite domes. They may not be an option for smaller boats. This isn’t a problem — you can still use your single satellite dome as long as it’s not so old that it won’t work with current equipment.
On the other hand, you should definitely look at updating your receivers and multiswitches, especially if you are using standard-definition-only hardware. Neither DIRECTV nor DISH will be supporting this old stuff moving forward. As for multiswitches… if you’re still rocking that old Spaun multiswitch it’s time to change. The company has been out of business for a while now. Better to upgrade on your schedule than have something break while you’re out on the water.
There are still options available for you even after a dish upgrade. US satellite TV uses different technology from pretty much any other TV provider, even DIRECTV Latin America. So, you’ll need a dome that’s specifically designed to work with both systems. Of course you’ll also need satellite receivers for every country you visit and a programming plan for each one as well.
If you’re looking at an expensive upgrade to your satellite hardware, this would seem like the perfect time to cut the cord and move to an antenna or streaming solution. Unfortunately, digital TV antennas don’t work if you’re going more than 15 miles per hour. There’s some exciting stuff happening in the world of satellite internet, such as Starlink. These solutions can be more expensive than satellite TV, though, and the equipment is changing fast. You probably won’t be able to keep what you have for more than a couple of years.
This may seem like an overwhelming task but luckily, you have professionals on your side. The folks at Signal Connect have done more marine installations than pretty much anyone else in the world. No matter where you are, no matter who put in your satellite equipment back in the 2000s, we can get you up to date. We have installers in all the major ports in the US, too, so we can be where you are. It all starts with a call to Signal Connect, the professional division of Solid Signal, at 888-233-7563. Our marine specialists have thousands of professional installation under their belts and you can benefit from all of their knowledge and experience.
The simple fact is, the time has come for a satellite upgrade. It won’t be inexpensive, but with the help of Signal Connect, it will be easy.
The post Do you need a new satellite system for your boat? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
It’s time to think about upgrading, especially if you have DIRECTV equipment.
DIRECTV has committed to ending standard-definition local programming, and the news on the street is that they’re looking to do away with standard-definition national channels as well. That means you need your receivers to be HD-compatible. As for DISH, they will no longer be making new receivers that use the old dome; all the new products will require the hybrid pro LNBs that are already needed for Hopper and Wally devices.
Why is this happening?
When it comes to satellite TV, marine users are a very small part of the overall population. The biggest group of satellite TV users are the ones who watch at home, and so all this new hardware is designed to make it simpler for home users. DIRECTV is still supporting receivers that are over 13 years old, and DISH is supporting similarly aged hardware. Both companies want to cut down on support costs and free up satellite bandwidth for the next generation of services. So, after years of offering free upgrades, they’re finally just cutting off those people who stubbornly remain with older receivers. Unfortunately this can mean marine customers as well.
Your options for today
If you’re a DIRECTV customer, there are new dishes from KVH and Intellian which will future-proof you. The newest hardware will not only support HD but also 4K. As for DISH, you’ll find that the newest marine tech including the MIM2 will support Wallys and other devices that need the hybrid LNB.
No matter what, there’s a potential chance that you’ll need to do some rewiring. Yes, this can be a daunting task on a boat, because space is at a premium. Truth be told, you should be looking at replacing cabling that’s over five years old in a marine setting anyway. This is just one way to force you into it.
If you choose to upgrade your dome, you’ll need to know that the multi-satellite ones that are preferred today are larger than the older single-satellite domes. They may not be an option for smaller boats. This isn’t a problem — you can still use your single satellite dome as long as it’s not so old that it won’t work with current equipment.
On the other hand, you should definitely look at updating your receivers and multiswitches, especially if you are using standard-definition-only hardware. Neither DIRECTV nor DISH will be supporting this old stuff moving forward. As for multiswitches… if you’re still rocking that old Spaun multiswitch it’s time to change. The company has been out of business for a while now. Better to upgrade on your schedule than have something break while you’re out on the water.
If you travel to other countries…
There are still options available for you even after a dish upgrade. US satellite TV uses different technology from pretty much any other TV provider, even DIRECTV Latin America. So, you’ll need a dome that’s specifically designed to work with both systems. Of course you’ll also need satellite receivers for every country you visit and a programming plan for each one as well.
Why not just cut the cord?
If you’re looking at an expensive upgrade to your satellite hardware, this would seem like the perfect time to cut the cord and move to an antenna or streaming solution. Unfortunately, digital TV antennas don’t work if you’re going more than 15 miles per hour. There’s some exciting stuff happening in the world of satellite internet, such as Starlink. These solutions can be more expensive than satellite TV, though, and the equipment is changing fast. You probably won’t be able to keep what you have for more than a couple of years.
Confused? We can help.
This may seem like an overwhelming task but luckily, you have professionals on your side. The folks at Signal Connect have done more marine installations than pretty much anyone else in the world. No matter where you are, no matter who put in your satellite equipment back in the 2000s, we can get you up to date. We have installers in all the major ports in the US, too, so we can be where you are. It all starts with a call to Signal Connect, the professional division of Solid Signal, at 888-233-7563. Our marine specialists have thousands of professional installation under their belts and you can benefit from all of their knowledge and experience.
The simple fact is, the time has come for a satellite upgrade. It won’t be inexpensive, but with the help of Signal Connect, it will be easy.
The post Do you need a new satellite system for your boat? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
