TV & Movie Solutions for RV Living
Movies for the road
I love good movies. Especially movies that I can pick and choose from and without a doubt, the #1 hands down best source for movies for RVers is Net Flix. I've been roaming the US for over 5 years now and I have never had a problem with NetFlix. This is an example of a company that has it together as far as movie distribution, selection and organization is concerned.
The reasons I like NetFlix so much are:
- They have a HUGE selection that is constantly growing. Chances are you will find whatever movie you are looking for.
- They now offer INSTANT play via the Internet. You don't even have to wait for the DVD. You can watch on your PC screen or for $100, you can get a box that connects to the internet and your TV and use a remote control to point and click the movies you want to watch. Also, if you purchase the TV adapter, you increase the number of movies you have to choose from. Very Cool!
- No Late Fees. How many of us have been nailed with late fees. Well, with NetFlix there are NEVER any late fees. You get your next movie once you return the current one. Plain and simple.
- FAST and ACCURATE DELIVERY. I have no idea how they do it but to begin with, once I drop the flix into the mail for return, I have the next DVD's on my list within two or three days tops. But it gets better. I travel, so if I move to another RV park in another state. I can log into my NetFlix online account, change my delivery address online, then drop the movies in the mail to return them the SAME DAY and within two or three days, my next DVD movies arrive in the mail like clockwork. They have NEVER made a mistake in my experience.
Summery: NetFlix provides an excellent service at a great price. I use and highly recommend them to everyone... ESPECIALLY RVers. CLICK HERE to get the full details and a free trial.
Analog TV Antennas
These are the type of antennas many of us baby boomers grew up with on our houses. They pick up local analog TV signals. This is the least desirable option due to the fact that local analog signals are few and far between, not that high quality and on their way out. I'm not going to spend much time on this topic but thought I'd mention it because it is an option. Just keep in mind that TV is going digital now so these antennas and the signals they receive will soon be a thing of the past. Probably not a good investment.
Satellite TV
This is the preferred system. I have a portable high definition DIRECTV Satellite System. That's me below aiming my dish.
You can get a very nice tripod system like I have usually for little to no money down if you sign a 2 year contract for the actual service which will run you anywhere from $30 to $150 per month depending on the channels you choose.
I also have a nice 36 inch LCD flat screen TV wall mounted in my RV. It doesn't take up much space at all. Add a 500 or 1000 watt surround sound system and you have the full home theater experience on the road.
The main problem I see some people having with these systems is finding the signal. It's not difficult if you know how and have the right equipment on hand. I've seen some people struggle to find the signal for almost two hours before they finally give up in frustration. It never takes me longer than about 15 minutes to set mine up using my system.
If you don't want to deal with tripods or aiming your satellite dish there are automatic, roof mounted systems available that range from about $1500.00 to $5,000.00 or more installed if you buy them new. You can probably get a better deal if you purchased used off ebay or craigs list.
Cable TV provided by the RV Park
Many RV parks provide Cable TV to their residents. Some are free and some you pay for. It depends on the park. Talk to the park managers for your options. Cable TV is not wireless, but since it is an option for RVers I thought I'd mention it. The downside is you can't take it with you and you and you are still dependent on a particular location for service. Also, if you want more than just the basic channels you often have to get a special cable box. This is only a good solution if you plan to stay at the RV park for quite awhile.
Internet TV an emerging trend
Internet or Web TV is evolving fast, especially now that most people use some sort of high speed Internet service. It's still not as good as Satellite or Cable but you would be surprised at all the channels, programs and movies you can get right on your PC via a high speed internet connection for next to nothing. I cover this topic and some of the options available below.
Web TV has come along way since it first was introduced to the public. Although it's still not up to the standard of Satellite or Cable, it has one major advantage over both... NO MONTHLY FEES! You can literally watch hundreds of TV channels, movies, news, sports and more and all you need is a computer with fast Internet Access (WiFi, Cable or Satellite). There are many Web TV sources available online. Below you will find a few of the more popular ones. Enjoy!
Instantly Turn Your Computer Into A Super TV!
Why pay over $90.00 a month for Cable or Satellite TV? Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop!! Now you can watch hundreds of LIVE worldwide channels on your PC, including Movie Channels: PLUS unlimited music & video downloads for a one-time fee of $49.95! 100% Legal - WORKS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
World Wide Internet Television
Free site with thousands of Internet TV stations. You need to have the latest FREE versions of Windows Media Player, Quick Time Player, Real Player and Win Amp installed to get the most out of this site but it is totally free.