T&T: KVH TV trackers

[Elliott Bray]

I did a fair amount of research on sat-tv a couple of weeks ago.
I too was intrigued by the KVH R units.


Theory: (abstracted to the point where I think I understand)
There are three satellites that DirecTV uses, one basically lined up over
the middle of the country and the others lined up over each of the two
coasts.

DirecTV's basic feed plus XM come from one (I think the center).

(the ringer) Rebroadcast of land-based signals - called 'Local Channels' can
come from any of the three.
As important, HDTV will come from a second Sat.

In order to receive a signal, the disk has to be pointing toward the
satellite (duh).
You need a device called an LNB to receive the signal at the dish.
(The nice flat domed recievers may have a problem seeing some satellites
from locations around the upper Great Lakes because they can't depress
enough - if you are in Fla ignore this statement).


Conclusions:
If your dish can not see multiple satellites (and have multiple LNBs) - the
newer oval dishes can - you will need to have the mechanism reposition
itself to point to the different sat when you change to a channels that
requires one.

Since I am not into HD yet I can't say much but I see stuff that suggests
that as many as five (5) LNB could be required to watch HD on multiple TVs
thru multiple setboxes.



My research suggested that the upper end KVH units could handle much of
this.
I'm content with FMTV and for me the extra expenditure of $5-8k will not
increase me on-the-water TV experience enough.


My research suggested that the lower end KVH units will be pressed to handle
more than basic DirecTV.


YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
HTH (Hope This Helps)

***************
Elliott Bray
  wintering in Austin
M/V Letitia - Gulfstar 44 MC
  lounging in heated storage in Michigan
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